Located nine kilometres to the north of Melbourne’s CBD, Preston is a modern suburb and was officially established as a settlement in 1856 when the Preston Post Office opened. It’s long been a hub for the agricultural industry, dairy farming and market gardens, with fresh produce from the surrounding area available at the famous Preston Market.
Things to do in Preston
For fruit, vegetables and homemade goods, head to the lively Preston Market, which is located in the heart of the suburb. In addition to fresh seafood, delicious deli goods and floral bouquets, you’ll find clothing stores and boutiques selling locally-made gifts. Kids activities take place during the school holidays and buskers offer live entertainment.
A short walk south will take you to the Ray Bramham Gardens, which is named after a former Preston City Engineer. It centres around an iron-laced rotunda that’s a popular setting for wedding photography and a large pond traversed by several wooden bridges. You can stretch your legs on the walking trails that lead through the park’s native plantings or admire the seasonal displays of roses and magnolias.
On the western edge of Preston is the Coburg Pine Ridge Cemetery, which was established in the mid-19th century and is the resting place of several notable Melburnians. You can search for the graves of the notorious gangster John “Snowy” Cutmore” and the former Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sir Alexander George Wales, as well as the legendary VFL player, Walter Henry “Dick” Lee.
Getting around Preston
Preston is around 30 minutes’ drive from the Melbourne CBD and the same distance from Melbourne Airport. Regular trains connect to the Preston railway station and buses travel throughout the suburb. The centre of Preston is compact enough to explore on foot.