With its peaceful streets, large houses, beautiful parks and outstanding choice of schools, it’s easy to see why this outer-south eastern suburb is a favourite for families.

Berwick is in the City of Casey, one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. Areas in and around Berwick continue to be extensively developed with new housing estates, but the centre itself has retained its village-like identity, a real drawcard for homebuyers.

Berwick’s settler history dates back to the mid-1800s when it was an agricultural town, and its heritage can still be seen in its gracious heritage buildings, such as the old post office and courthouse, mechanics institute, library and Berwick Inn.

The commercial heart is bustling High Street, where a wide, shady median strip down the centre gives the street a boulevard feel.

Berwick is dubbed the Toorak of the south east by local Barry Plant agents.

“Berwick has so much to offer with absolutely no compromise,” one agent said.

“The leafy tree-lined streets, large blocks of land and its tight-knit community really are just a few reasons people should consider a move to beautiful Berwick.”

Local agents report a recurring theme with house hunters from metro Melbourne, chasing space and affordability.

“People are looking for bigger blocks of land, with pretty surroundings and more greenery, prioritising their lifestyle … it can be found at a much more achievable price point in Berwick, more bang for your buck,” one agent said.

“Not to mention, it’s home to some of Melbourne’s most prestigious schools and is an easy 40-minute commute into the city.”

The median sale price for houses in Berwick in the March 2021 quarter was $813,000, a staggering quarterly price change of 14 per cent.

The median sale price for units was $595,000, a very healthy 2.1 per cent quarterly price change, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.

On the education front, the wide-ranging choices include Berwick College and Kambrya College public high schools, St Margaret’s School, the Berwick campuses of Beaconhills College, St Francis Xavier College, Haileybury, and selective-entry Nossal High School.

Everyday shopping needs are taken care of at Parkhill Plaza and Eden Rise Village, while the nearest major shopping centre is Westfield Fountain Gate, just 5km away, in Narre Warren.

For time out in nature, there is the beautiful Pioneers Park, with its playground and the local favourite Primary@Pioneers Park café. There is also the impressive Wilson Botanic Park, a much-loved oasis with gardens, gorges, lakes, walking trails and lookouts, built on the site of a former quarry.

Top picks from Berwick’s dining scene include Little by Little Cafe and restaurants Shanikas Berwick and Sandros. The historic Old Cheese Factory is a local landmark and has a playground and regular farmers’ market.

Berwick train station is on the Pakenham line and also offers a limited V/Line country service, while there are plenty of bus routes in the area. Major highways go through Berwick, connecting the suburb with the city in one direction and making Gippsland getaways easy in the other. Berwick is also perfectly placed for escapes to the Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island.