South Yarra & Toorak

Overview

South Yarra and Toorak form Melbourne's most affluent precinct, home to luxury boutiques, designer showrooms, and some of the grandest Victorian mansions in Australia. Chapel Street is the area's vibrant shopping spine.

Highlights

• Chapel Street: A long shopping strip ranging from high-end fashion (Toorak end) to trendy streetwear and vintage (Prahran end).
• Como House: A beautifully preserved colonial mansion and garden (National Trust), offering guided tours of its opulent interiors.
• Toorak Village: Ultra-exclusive boutiques and European-style cafes in Melbourne's wealthiest enclave.

History

South Yarra and Toorak were established as prestigious residential areas in the 1850s gold rush era. The grand mansions built by wealthy pastoralists and merchants define the streetscape. Chapel Street evolved from a local shopping strip into Melbourne's premier fashion destination.

Visitor Tips

• Como House: Open for tours on weekends — the heritage gardens are free to explore.
• Weekend Brunch: South Yarra is one of Melbourne's best brunch precincts.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.