Kick‑Start Your Aussie Adventure in Docklands
A practical guide for young British & Irish travellers—why Melbourne’s Docklands is the smartest place to live, work, and find instant community at Invergordon Bar.
Minutes from the CBD, right on the harbour, and fully inside the Free Tram Zone, Docklands lets you dive straight into Aussie life—no long commutes, no beach‑town isolation. Grab a modern apartment with a pool, nail a job in the city, and meet your new crew over a pint at Invergordon Bar. This page shows you how.
Why Choose Docklands Over Anywhere Else?
Docklands gives you waterfront living, sky‑high amenities and a CBD postcode—without paying city‑centre rent. Think indoor pools, gyms, saunas and roof decks built into most apartment towers, plus a five‑minute stroll to Southern Cross Station for trains, V/Line services and the SkyBus to Melbourne Airport.
Zero‑Fare Travel
Docklands sits wholly inside the Free Tram Zone. Your daily dash to a bar shift, office temp gig or Marvel Stadium event costs nothing—saving about $5.30 every return trip.
Live Where You Play
From morning jogs along Victoria Harbour to outdoor cinema nights at The District, you’ll never be short of things to do. And when footy’s on at Marvel Stadium (400 m away) the neighbourhood buzzes with 50 000 fans—perfect if you’re pulling pints for penalty rates.
Find a Flat Fast
Lucas Real Estate list Docklands‑only stock and run virtual inspections so you can sign a lease before you land. Expect rents around $677 pw for a modern one‑bed, with bigger discounts if you team up on a two‑bed. Broader searches on realestate.com.au widen the pool but nothing beats a local specialist.
Work Opportunities on Your Doorstep
SEEK currently lists 1 800+ hospitality jobs and 5 600+ retail roles in Docklands alone, plus hundreds more in finance, tech and logistics inside neighbouring CBD towers. Walk to work, clock off, then unwind at Invergordon Bar without even touching your myki.
Meet Your New Crew at Invergordon Bar
Invergordon Bar is the expat lounge room of Docklands—run by Dean & Erin, your honorary Aussie‑Irish aunt and uncle. Join Ten Pound Pints on Mondays, live trad sessions, or simply drop in for a Tennent’s and a chin‑wag. Our WhatsApp group connects brand‑new arrivals with long‑term locals for job leads, spare rooms and weekend adventures.
Docklands vs St Kilda vs Point Cook
| Neighbourhood | Commute to CBD | Rent (1‑bed) | Vibe & Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Docklands | Walk / Free tram (0–10 min) | ≈ $677 pw | Waterfront high‑rises, CBD postcode, quieter late nights but Marvel events add buzz. |
| St Kilda | 25 min tram (7 km) | ≈ $550 – $650 pw | Beach culture & nightlife; tourist crowds and longer commute. |
| Point Cook | 1 h+ PT / 25 min drive (32 km) | ≈ $450 – $550 pw (house share) | Family suburb, cheaper rent; limited nightlife and long commute. |
Ready to Join Us?
Pack your CV, secure a flat through Lucas Real Estate, then swing by Invergordon Bar for that first celebratory pint on the harbour. Job leads, flatmate tips and lifelong mates await.
Check What’s On TapFacts correct as at May 2025. Rental figures are medians only and will fluctuate. Always confirm current visa rules on the Australian Government Home Affairs website.
