EastLink is a highly significant transport artery for Mitcham residents, with approximately 60% of households owning two or more vehicles as of December 2025, indicating a reliance on road networks for commuting and leisure.
Mitcham’s position 20 kilometres east of Melbourne’s CBD means many residents commute by car. EastLink provides direct access to the city, the Mornington Peninsula, and Gippsland. Multiple on-ramps are located within Mitcham itself, notably near Canterbury Road and Springvale Road. This accessibility impacts property values; homes closer to EastLink on-ramps generally experience higher demand, though noise considerations are factored in. While Mitcham Station offers a 35-40 minute train journey to Flinders Street, many residents working outside the immediate CBD catchment utilise EastLink. The proximity to Eastland shopping centre in Ringwood, easily accessible via EastLink, also contributes to its importance. Heatherdale Station, also easily reached via EastLink, provides a Park & Ride facility, further demonstrating the interplay between road and rail transport for Mitcham residents. Currently, traffic congestion during peak hours is managed by intelligent transport systems along EastLink, but commute times can still vary.
EastLink’s accessibility is a key factor influencing Mitcham’s lifestyle and property market, providing connectivity beyond the public transport network.