Boroondara City

Boroondara City is one of VIC's top-performing councils, ranking =11th of 79 and strongest on community services.

"Melbourne's education and heritage heartland — Hawthorn, Kew, Camberwell, and Canterbury"

See where Boroondara City ranks: Best Councils in Victoria 2026

Victoria · metro council · Pop. 178,008

Data last updated: 2024-25 · Data confidence: high

Overall Score

60 out of 100

#6 of 31 metro councils in VIC

#11 in Victoria

Score Breakdown

CategoryScore
Sustainability60/100
Community Services80/100
Lifestyle & Amenity53/100
Core Operations49/100

What This Means For You

Among metropolitan councils, Boroondara City performs strongest in Community Services (scoring 80 out of 100 against peers). Performance in Core Operations is moderate, scoring 49 out of 100 against peers.

What Makes This Place Unique

Melbourne's education and heritage heartland — Hawthorn, Kew, Camberwell, and Canterbury

Boroondara is synonymous with Melbourne's private school belt, tree-lined streets, and established wealth. It spans Hawthorn to Balwyn, with Camberwell Junction as its commercial centre. The streetscapes are beautifully maintained, the heritage overlays are extensive, and the community expects high standards from its council.

Known For

  • Australia's densest concentration of private schools — Scotch, MLC, Xavier, Carey, Camberwell Grammar
  • Camberwell Sunday Market — one of Melbourne's longest-running community markets
  • Heritage streetscapes with significant tree canopy and strict overlay controls
  • Strong local sporting clubs and Boroondara Sports Complex

Living Here

Families move to Boroondara for the schools and stay for the streetscapes. Council is well-resourced and residents are engaged — expect high service levels but also active community debate about development and heritage protection.

Hidden Gem

The Yarra River trail through Hawthorn and Kew is arguably its best stretch anywhere in Melbourne — deep gorge, minimal road noise, and surprisingly wild for inner suburbia.