Area: 2.44 km2
2001 population: 12,496
1996 population: 12,600
Average annual growth rate (1996-2001): -0.8%

(Source: ABS National Census. 1996 and 2001)

Description

The Elwood/Ripponlea neighbourhood is bound by Hotham and St Kilda Streets to the east, Glen Huntly Road and Head Street to the south, the foreshore to the west and Dickens, Southey Street, Byron Street, Brighton Road, Maryville Street and Elm Grove to the north.

Characteristics

A bayside suburb, Elwood is south of St Kilda and 8 km south of Melbourne. Its name is believed to have come from the Quaker historian and poet, Thomas Elwood, a friend of the poet Milton. Lieutenant Governor La Trobe, who had influence in the naming of places, had a high regard for Quakers. Ripponlea takes its name from the large home and estate of Frederick Sargood, a parliamentarian in 1868-9, that is located in the area.

Elwood/Ripponlea experienced a slight decrease in its population between 1996 and 2001, although the already large number of 25-34 year olds increased significantly. The proportion of older residents in Elwood/Ripponlea is quite low, offset by a high number of children aged under ten. The area has a relatively low proportion of low income households, and high proportions of middle income households, as well as a very high level of post-school education.

Elwood/Ripponlea's housing stock is a mixture of styles including larger houses from the Victorian and Edwardian eras around Ripponlea, with a significant stock of flats and apartments from the turn of the century onwards in the Elwood area. The neighbourhood is one of the more densely settled within the City of Port Phillip.

The neighbourhood is well served by the Ripponlea shopping area in Glen Eira Road and the Glen Huntly Road and Ormond Road centres in Elwood. The eastern part of the neighbourhood is served by Ripponlea station on the Sandringham rail line.

Other notable physical features include Elwood Beach, the Elwood Canal and Point Ormond.

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