Indian Community in Melbourne — Suburbs, Temples, Groceries and Events (2026)

Melbourne has the largest and most established Indian community in Australia outside of Sydney — approximately 200,000 people of Indian origin in greater Melbourne. It is consistently ranked as the preferred destination for Indian PR holders and skilled migrants, particularly those from South Indian states.

Why Indians Choose Melbourne

• Community: Large, well-established Indian community with strong regional diversity (Tamils, Telugus, Malayalis, Punjabis, Gujaratis, Maharashtrians)
• Culture: MIFF (Melbourne Indian Film Festival), large-scale Diwali events, strong performing arts scene
• Liveability: Consistently rated one of the world's most liveable cities
• Education: Strong university and school reputation (Monash, RMIT, Deakin, University of Melbourne)
• Cost: Lower cost of living than Sydney (particularly rent)
• Job market: Strong in IT, professional services, healthcare, and manufacturing

Best Suburbs for Indian Families in Melbourne

South-East Melbourne — The Core of Indian Melbourne

Dandenong: Melbourne's equivalent of Sydney's Harris Park. The highest concentration of Indian grocery stores, restaurants, and businesses in Victoria. Large Tamil, Punjabi, and Gujarati communities.

Clayton: Home to Monash University's Clayton campus — a large Indian student and post-graduate community. Many Indian families settle here. Good Indian grocery options.

Springvale: Adjacent to Dandenong; diverse and affordable with Indian community presence.

Noble Park / Keysborough: More affordable family housing south-east of Dandenong, growing Indian community.

Eastern Melbourne

Box Hill: Large multicultural hub with Indian community presence, particularly Tamil and South Indian.

Doncaster / Templestowe: More expensive but popular with professional Indian families for school zones and quieter environment.

Glen Waverley: Popular with Indian IT professionals; good schools, Indian restaurants and stores.

Northern Melbourne

Roxburgh Park / Craigieburn: Fastest-growing Indian community in Melbourne's north. New housing estates, affordable, strong Indian community. Growing rapidly.

Bundoora / Epping: Indian community around La Trobe University.

Western Melbourne

Point Cook / Hoppers Crossing / Tarneit: Large Indian migrant community, particularly newer arrivals on 482 and 491 visas. Affordable. Strong Indian community developing.

Sunshine / St Albans: Established multicultural suburb with Indian presence.

Indian Temples and Religious Centres in Melbourne

• Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple, Carrum Downs — largest Hindu temple in Victoria
• BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Hallam
• Sri Durga Temple, Berwick
• Sri Venkateswara Temple, Helensburgh — major shared resource with Sydney community
• ISKCON Temple (Hare Krishna), Albert Park
• Sikh Gurudwara, Craigieburn — serves the large Punjabi community in Melbourne's north
• Gurudwara Sahib, Melbourne CBD — city centre gurudwara

Indian Cultural Events in Melbourne

• Diwali in Melbourne (Federation Square) — large public Diwali celebration
• Melbourne Indian Film Festival (MIFF-India) — annual film festival
• Indian Independence Day and Republic Day — organised by the Indian Consulate-General in Melbourne
• Navratri Garba — celebrated in large venues in south-east Melbourne
• Ugadi, Pongal, Baisakhi — regional Indian festivals celebrated by respective state communities

Indian Grocery Stores in Melbourne

Dandenong is the grocery hub — multiple large Indian supermarkets with comprehensive stock including regional products.

Clayton, Box Hill, Epping, and Roxburgh Park also have Indian grocery stores.

Find Indian grocery stores near you in Melbourne: → Browse Melbourne Directory

Indian Restaurants in Melbourne

• Dandenong: The best-value, most authentic Indian food in Melbourne. Dozens of restaurants across regional Indian cuisines
• Springvale: Some excellent South Indian and Sri Lankan options
• CBD / Fitzroy: More upmarket Indian dining, Indian fusion restaurants
• Clayton: Campus-area restaurants catering to the student population

University Life for Indian Students in Melbourne

Melbourne has four universities with large Indian student populations:

• Monash University (Clayton, Caulfield) — largest Indian student community
• Deakin University (Burwood, Geelong) — active Indian students association
• RMIT University (City campus) — strong IT and engineering programs
• University of Melbourne (Parkville) — prestigious, high academic standards

Each university has an Indian Students' Association (ISA) — joining on arrival is a fast way to build community.

Practical Tips for New Indian Arrivals in Melbourne

Transport: Myki card for trams, trains, and buses. Melbourne's tram network is extensive in the inner city. Many suburban areas require a car.

Weather: Melbourne's weather is notoriously variable — it can have four seasons in one day. Bring layers. Winters (June–August) are cold and wet by Indian standards.

Cricket: Melbourne is cricket-obsessed. Following cricket is a genuine social connector.

Explore the full AustraliaWasi directory for Indian businesses in Melbourne: → Melbourne Directory