It covers the suburbs of Alphington, Fairfield, Northcote, Thornbury, and part of Preston.

It lies on the northern bank of the Yarra River between the Merri and Darebin creeks.

The seat's most historically prominent member is 34th Premier John Cain (senior).

Since the turn of the millennium, they have often been pushed into third place on the primary vote, allowing other parties, like the Greens in 2002, to become the main challengers to Labor.

The Greens eventually won the seat in a 2017 by-election following the death of Labor member Fiona Richardson.