CBD visitation patterns across Melbourne

It's a popular narrative in Melbourne that the West has its own distinct identity and is separate from the rest of the city. But it turns out that Melbourne's West has a stronger relationship with the CBD than the more established (and accessible!) suburbs to the city's south.

In July 2023, Melbourne CBD was the 1st and 3rd most visited location by residents from St Kilda and Ripponlea, but by the time you get +10km out of Melbourne, the CBD was much less visited.

Despite all the tram, train, road and cycle networks connecting the southern suburbs to the CBD, the people of Caulfield South, Sandringham and surrounds tend to stay local. While this makes sense on some level - communities across Australia are choosing a hyperlocal life post-lockdown - it's a totally different story in Melbourne's West.

Melbourne CBD remains in the top 5 most visited suburbs, even when you get as far out as Point Cook (which is more than 25km away from the CBD!).

But why? Maybe the southern residents can find local jobs more readily than the west or are simply enjoying 'work from home' flexibility more. Or west-siders may be more inclined to utilise the CBD attractions and entertainment. Whatever it is, it's further evidence that Melbourne may look like a fairly logical radial urban spread but the local lifestyle offer is incredibly asymmetrical!

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