hmm well its ok. I was living in my own world thinking Melbourne was as small as Hobart but I have been informed that it isn't haha So no need to be close to the city. I just need it to be somewhere with a supermarket complex like coles/kmart/pharmacy etc. And a good public school would help lol
Anywhere within a half hour to the city will be reasonable expensive to rent, the rental market in Melbourne is crazy ATM.
For example, I live in Werribee, which is outer west at about 30 minute drive to the city. Average rent for a 3br house with a decent yard is about 230+ a week. My brother lives in Yarraville - inner west and trendy - their rent is close to double for a 2br 'half a house'.

As said earlier, most suburbs will have their own supermarkets etc, and reasonable reliebale bus routes to get you there if you dont drive.

Govt schools tend to be better in the more inner areas, though thats not to say the ones in outer areas are all bad.