Eltham, Victoria

Eltham
Aerial photo of Eltham from the south-east
Eltham
Location in metropolitan Melbourne
Interactive map of Eltham
Coordinates: 37°42′54″S 145°09′29″E / 37.715°S 145.158°E / -37.715; 145.158
CountryAustralia
StateVictoria
CityMelbourne
LGA
Location
Government
 • State electorate
 • Federal division
Area
 • Total
13.2 km2 (5.1 sq mi)
Population
 • Total18,847 (2021 census)
 • Density1,428/km2 (3,698/sq mi)
Postcode
3095
Suburbs around Eltham
Briar Hill Eltham North Research
Montmorency Eltham Research
Lower Plenty Templestowe Warrandyte

Eltham (/ˈɛlθəm/ ) is a suburb of Melbourne, 20 km (12 mi) north-east of the Central Business District, located within the Shire of Nillumbik local government area. Eltham recorded a population of 18,847 at the 2021 census.

Eltham is one of the 'green wedge' areas that provide relatively undeveloped, accessible environments within the Melbourne suburban region. These green wedge areas are under constant pressure from developments such as road and freeway expansions, but Eltham has managed to retain many tree-lined streets and leafy reserves. However, the character of the suburb is changing rapidly, with increased road traffic and higher-density housing becoming more common.

Eltham's tourist attractions include the artists colony Montsalvat and the Diamond Valley Railway, the largest ridable miniature railway in Australia.