As Melbourne's Firelight Festival beckons, Lord Mayor Sally Capp says the Docklands event will be more than just a spectacle of lights.

City of Melbourne forecasts show the population in North Melbourne is expected to more than double by 2041, growing from 15,653 to 38,469 residents. People are already securing prime real estate.

Staying there: Rooms at Nesuto Docklands cost from $350 per night, but its website has rooms as low as $198. Includes WiFi and no charge if you cancel up to 6pm on the day of check-in. See nesuto.com ...

The beauty of Melbourne’s nightlife is its depth, so you can enjoy a whole night out in Brunswick, or Thornbury, Collingwood or Carlton, just as easily as in the city centre.

Factors in Docklands’ favour include Melbourne’s largest waterfront and a diverse entertainment precinct that includes the 3D interactive gallery ArtVo and ice skating at O’Brien Ice House.