suburb.guide

VIC · Banyule Council

Watsonia, VIC, 3087

Current weather

11.8°CModerate rain showers

90% humidity · 25.1 km/h wind · 15.4° / 10.8° today · 7.7 mm rain

Desirability index

55.5/100

#214 among Metro Melbourne suburbs

How this score is calculated

Suburb snapshot

Watsonia is a smaller suburban community in the Banyule area, home to around 5,352 residents (2021 Census). Recent indicators show 521 offences in 2026 with rising year-on-year trends (+15%), roughly 97.3 offences per 1,000 residents, 2 school and preschool sites in the area, strong public transport coverage with many Public Transport Victoria stops, a higher concentration of local shops, services, and recreation amenities, 19 active roadworks or transport incidents on nearby routes, and notable planning and development activity on record. Snapshot data also shows parks or public open space within the suburb and hospitals or GP clinics within the suburb.

Population

Population
5,352
Median age
38
Median household income / week
$1,883
Dwelling vacancy
6.4%
Unoccupied private dwellings
145 of 2,252
Median monthly mortgage
$2,019
Employment rate
62.5%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
141 / 269 / 24

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

Crime & safety

Total offences (2026)
521
Against the person
49
Against property
332
Rate per 1,000 residents
97.3
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 109 residents
State safety percentile
74.9th (lower crime is better)
Year-on-year change
+15.3%

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage46
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle50
  • B43 Steal From A Retail Store57
  • B45 Receiving Or Handling Stolen Goods68
  • E21 Breach Family Violence Order73

Data sources & freshness

Schools & preschools

Schools & preschools
2
Median school ICSEA (2 schools)
1,041
  • Loyola CollegeSecondary
  • Watsonia Primary SchoolPrimary

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

41 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Bike & Ride
  • Watsonia Rail Replacement Bus Stop
  • Watsonia Railway Station
  • Watsonia Station
  • Watsonia Station

Data sources & freshness

Roadworks & transport

19 active roadworks / incidents

  • M80 Ring Road Completion - Watsonia - Elder Street RoadworksElder Street - Watsonia11 May 2026 – 01 Aug 2026
  • M80 Ring Road Completion - Watsonia - Elder Street RoadworksElder Street - Watsonia04 Jun 2026 – 01 Oct 2026
  • M80 Ring Road Completion - Watsonia - Greensborough Highway RoadworksGreensborough Highway - Watsonia01 Jun 2026 – 31 Aug 2026
  • M80 Ring Road Completion - Watsonia - Service Road RoadworksService Road - Watsonia24 Jul 2025 – 31 Dec 2026
  • M80 Ring Road Completion - Watsonia - Service Road RoadworksService Road - Watsonia24 Jul 2025 – 31 Dec 2026
  • M80 Ring Road Completion - Watsonia - Service Road RoadworksService Road - Watsonia09 Sep 2025 – 31 Dec 2026
  • NELP (North East Link Project) activities occurring between 01/06/2026 and 30/10/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 10:00 PM to 5:30 AM, Weekends 10:00 PM to 5:30 AM. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 6 to 10 min.GREENSBOROUGH HIGHWAY, WATSONIA ROAD31 May 2026 – 29 Oct 2026
  • NELP (North East Link Project) activities occurring between 01/06/2026 and 30/10/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM, Weekends 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed both directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 6 to 10 min.ELDER STREET, GREENSBOROUGH HIGHWAY31 May 2026 – 29 Oct 2026
  • NELP (North East Link Project) activities occurring between 01/06/2026 and 30/10/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM, Weekends 10:00 PM to 7:30 AM. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 6 to 10 min.GREENSBOROUGH HIGHWAY, ELDER STREET31 May 2026 – 29 Oct 2026
  • NELP (North East Link Project) activities occurring between 01/06/2026 and 30/10/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 8:30 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed southbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 6 to 10 min.GREENSBOROUGH HIGHWAY, WATSONIA ROAD31 May 2026 – 29 Oct 2026

Data sources & freshness

  • Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · Period: current · Updated on site · Hourly refresh where supported

Planning & development

Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).

43 planning-related records

2021· 15 proposals

  • August 2021

  • Greater 1 new dwelling but Less 10 and Other Vegetation Removal Section 72 Amendment to the permit as follows: - Deletion of Condition 1(a) - Deletion of Condition 1(b)
    74 KENMARE STREET WATSONIA 3087NOD issued by a delegate
  • Greater 1 new dwelling but Less 10 Development of three (3) dwellings and removal of vegetation
    16 THOMPSON STREET WATSONIA 3087NOD issued by a delegate
  • Greater 1 new dwelling but Less 10 Development of two (2) dwellings
    39 GRACE STREET WATSONIA 3087NOD issued by a delegate

  • July 2021

  • Greater 1 new dwelling but Less 10 Development of three (3) dwellings and removal of protected vegetation
    115 WATSONIA ROAD WATSONIA 3087NOD issued by a delegate
  • Other Vegetation Removal For the removal of one (1) Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata) as indicated on the endorsed plan
    325 GRIMSHAW STREET WATSONIA 3087Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Greater 1 new dwelling but Less 10 Development of a New Dwelling to the Rear of an Existing Dwelling and Associated Vegetation Removal
    19 DUNN STREET WATSONIA 3087NOD issued by a delegate
  • Greater 1 new dwelling but Less 10 Multi-Unit Development: Construction of three dwellings on a lot and associated vegetation removal
    294 NELL STREET WEST WATSONIA 3087NOD issued by a delegate

  • June 2021

  • Other Vegetation Removal For the removal of one (1) Photinia robusta (Photinia) in the front setback and one (1) Group of Ulmus sp (Elm) in the rear setback as per the endorsed plan.
    84 Watsonia RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Other Vegetation Removal For the removal of eighteen (18) Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) along the frontage as indicated on the endorsed plan
    325 GRIMSHAW STREET WATSONIA 3087Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Other Vegetation Removal For the removal of one (1) Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) in the front setback as indicated on the endorsed plan
    17 Linacre StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Greater 1 new dwelling but Less 10 Multi Unit Development: Construction of three dwellings on a lot
    31 COOINDA CRESCENT WATSONIA 3087NOD issued by a delegate
  • Greater 1 new dwelling but Less 10 Development of two (2) dwellings
    25 KENMARE STREET WATSONIA 3087Refusal issued by a delegate

  • March 2021

  • Change or extension of use Section 72 Amendment to the permit and endorsed plans generally in accordance with the submitted plans, including: - Increased capacity from 91 to 100 children - Provision of two additional car spaces - External alterations, including to the building façade and materials - Reduction in front setback to 7m (first floor) - Reduction in landscape buffer to northern boundary from 1.2m to 0.5m - Internal alterations - Changes to landscaping
    123 Watsonia RoadNOD issued by a delegate

  • February 2021

  • Greater 1 new dwelling but Less 10 Multi-dwelling development comprising the construction of three double-storey dwellings and removal of vegetation.
    3/5 Grace StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Ext to building (other than dwelling) Use and development of the land for a car wash, motor repairs, panel beaters, and associated food and drinks premises (café), reduction in the car parking requirements and alteration of access to a road in a Road Zone, Category 1
    347 GREENSBOROUGH ROAD WATSONIA 3087Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 28 proposals

  • December 2020

  • Other Vegetation Removal For the removal of one (1) Syzygium smithii (Lilly Pilly) in the rear setback as per the endorsed plan.
    17 Linacre StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Change or extension of use Change of use to allow sale of packaged liquor
    93 Watsonia RoadRefusal issued by the Resp. Authority
  • Greater 1 new dwelling but Less 10 Construction of four dwellings and tree removal
    4/22 Peters StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Greater 1 new dwelling but Less 10 Development of eight (8) dwellings
    18 Ibbottson StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Other Vegetation Removal
    8 Orana DriveNo permit required
  • Ext to dwelling or associated structure Development of alterations and additions to an existing dwelling
    8 Weatherlake StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Land Subdivision (1-9 lots)
    9 Peters StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Other buildings and works Development of a pergola
    52 Frensham RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • November 2020

  • Other Vegetation Removal For the removal of one (1) Hesperocyparis macrocarpa (Monterey Cypress) in the front setback as per the endorsed plan.
    2/67 Bungay StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Other Vegetation Removal For the removal of one (1) Eucalyptus nicholii (Narrow Leaved Black Peppermint) in the front setback and one (1) Eucalyptus nicholii (Narrow Leaved Black Peppermint) in the rear setback as per the endorsed plan.
    44 Nepean StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • October 2020

  • Greater 1 new dwelling but Less 10 Development of two (2) dwellings
    57 Kenmare StreetNOD issued by a delegate
  • Other buildings and works
    47 Lambourn RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • September 2020

  • Ext to dwelling or associated structure Development of additions to an existing dwelling including construction of a verandah on a lot less than 500sqm
    16 High StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Other Vegetation Removal
    6 Bungay StreetNo permit required
  • Other Vegetation Removal
    65 Bungay StreetNo permit required

  • August 2020

  • Greater 1 new dwelling but Less 10 Development of the land for the construction of seven (7) dwellings and removal of protected vegetation on land subject to a Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO5)
    5 Herbert StreetNOD issued by a delegate
  • Other Vegetation Removal For the removal of one (1) Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta) in the rear setback as indicated on the endorsed plan
    184 Watsonia RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Change or extension of use Use and Development of the land for a Medical Centre and associated Buildings and Works
    84 Watsonia RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2020

  • Greater 1 new dwelling but Less 10 and Other buildings and works Section 72 Amendment
    42 Ladd StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Greater 1 new dwelling but Less 10 Section 72 Amendment
    20 Black StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Greater 1 new dwelling but Less 10 Multi-Unit Development: Construction of three (3) dwellings on a lot
    7 Mundy StreetNOD issued by a delegate

  • June 2020

  • Other Vegetation Removal For the removal of two trees, both Southern Blue Gums (Eucalyptus globulus sub bicostata) located on the north-western boundary as indicated in the endorsed plans
    12 Manfred StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Other Vegetation Removal For the pruning of two trees, a Liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua) located in the front setback and a English Oak (Quercus robur) located in the back setback as indicated in the endorsed plans.
    35 Orana DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Other Vegetation Removal For the removal of one (1) Leyland Cypress (Cupressus X leylandii) in the rear setback as indicated on the endorsed plan
    2/53 Princes StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2020

  • Greater 1 new dwelling but Less 10 Amend plans endorsed as part of Planning Permit P413/2019 including internal reconfigurations to both dwellings, changes to internal fencing, additional window to Dwelling 1, amended services locations to Dwelling 1 and amended colour palette to both dwellings.
    9 Kenmare StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

Data sources & freshness

  • PPARS planning permit activity (statewide) — Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) · Period: 2020; 2020–2022; 2021 · Updated on site · Public MapServer last updated Feb 2024 — applications through FY 2022–23 only; newer PPARS data requires council/API access

Amenities

102 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

  • LiquorlandAlcohol

    35 Watsonia Road

  • ANZ ATMATM

    15 Watsonia Road

  • Commonwealth BankATM

    49 Watsonia Road

  • Bakers ChoiceBakery

    85 Watsonia Road

  • Watsonia Bake HouseBakery

    43 Watsonia Road

  • Watsonia Wine BarBar

    3 Watsonia Road

  • Bbq
  • Manhattan Skin & Laser ClinicBeauty salon

    25 Watsonia Road

  • Pure Elegance Hair and BeautyBeauty salon

    103 Watsonia Road

  • Bench (9)

Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe).

Data sources & freshness

  • OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh

Parks & reserves

6 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • A.K. Lines ReservePark
  • Aminya ReservePark
  • Castlereagh Place ReservePark
  • Elder Street ReservePark
  • Medbury Avenue ReservePark
  • West Mayling ReservePark

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Hospitals & GP clinics
3
Emergency department
Not in suburb
  • Care PharmacyMedbury Avenuepharmacy
  • Watsonia Central Medical Clinicclinic
  • Watsonia Dentaldentist

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic (SEIFA)

IRSAD decile (2021)
8/10
IRSD decile (2021)
7/10

SEIFA indexes from ABS 2021. Decile 10 = most advantaged / least disadvantaged in Australia.

Data sources & freshness

Childcare

6 childcare services from OpenStreetMap

  • Delta Road Preschoolkindergarten
  • Goodstart Early LearningDevonshire Roadchildcare
  • Guardian Childcare & EducationHigh Streetchildcare
  • Happy Campers Family Day CareDelta Roadkindergarten
  • Watsonia Occasional Child Care CentreGabonia Avenuechildcare
  • Watsonia Pre-Schoolkindergarten

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Period: current · Updated on site

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
No overlay at centroid

Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping.

Data sources & freshness

  • Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · Period: current · Updated on site

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
12
Parks (OSM)
11

OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.

Data sources & freshness

  • OpenStreetMap green cover features — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh

Desirability index

Desirability score
55.5/100
Cohort rank
#214 among Metro Melbourne suburbs

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics

Recent changes

  • Delta Road Preschoolchildcarekindergarten
  • Goodstart Early LearningchildcareDevonshire Roadchildcare
  • Guardian Childcare & EducationchildcareHigh Streetchildcare
  • Happy Campers Family Day CarechildcareDelta Roadkindergarten
  • Watsonia Occasional Child Care CentrechildcareGabonia Avenuechildcare
  • Watsonia Pre-Schoolchildcarekindergarten
  • Care PharmacyhealthMedbury Avenuepharmacy
  • Watsonia Central Medical Clinichealthclinic
  • Watsonia Dentalhealthdentist
  • A.K. Lines Reservegovernmentpark

Data sources & freshness

Similar suburbs

Suburbs with a comparable population profile, socio-economic decile, and location.