Kew

Kew is a residential suburb on the southeast bank of the Yarra River, extending between Burke Road to the east and Barkers Road to the south. The area is home to several established schools including Xavier College, Ruyton Girls' School, and Genazzano FCJ College.

The area was originally the Parish of Boroondara before becoming the City of Kew in 1921, later merging with Camberwell and Hawthorn in 1994 to form the City of Boroondara. These administrative changes shaped the suburb as it exists today.

The name Boroondara comes from the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people and refers to the shaded landscape of the original land. This connection to First Nations heritage remains part of the suburb's identity today.

The suburb is well served by trams and buses that connect to central Melbourne and surrounding areas. Walking around the neighborhood is straightforward, with local shops and services spread throughout the area.

The former Kew Lunatic Asylum, completed in 1871 and now known as Willsmere Estate, is a heritage-listed landmark in the area. This property holds an important chapter in the history of psychiatric care in Victoria.

Location: City of Boroondara

Elevation above the sea: 64 m

Shares border with: Alphington, Kew East, Balwyn, Deepdene, Canterbury, Hawthorn East, Hawthorn, Abbotsford, Fairfield, Balwyn North, Richmond

GPS coordinates: -37.80528,145.03583

Latest update: December 19, 2025 22:08