Melbourne sits in Australian climate zone 4 (cool temperate), but micro-climates vary significantly across the metropolitan area. Understanding your specific conditions helps you choose plants that thrive and avoid expensive failures.
Melbourne’s Micro-Climates
- Inner city (CBD, Richmond) — Urban heat island effect means 1–2°C warmer than outer suburbs. Less frost risk. More wind between buildings.
- Bayside (Brighton, Frankston) — Maritime influence moderates temperatures. Salt spray affects plant choice within 500m of coast.
- Eastern suburbs (Doncaster, Ringwood) — Reactive clay soils. More frost than inner suburbs. Good rainfall.
- Outer north/west (Craigieburn, Werribee) — More extreme temperatures. Frost-prone. Basalt-derived soils.
- Hills/bush (Eltham) — Cooler, more rainfall. Bushfire considerations. Rich organic soils.
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