Researching potential suburbs

Hi all,

I'm very interested in property investing and was wondering what kind of methods you use to research suburbs?

Are there any sites around that will let me find current and historical data on the areas?
Also when phisically going to these areas what sort of things should I be paying attention to (except from the abvious – amenities etc.)?

I live in Melbourne btw and would propably start investing around VIC first (if that matters).

Thanks for your time