INNER NORTH

NORTHSIDE CULTURE

Peel back the layers of Melbourne’s inner north and discover local history, quirky creativity, tempting cuisine and effortless charm

BRUNSWICK & BEYOND Brimming with excellent international dining options, from authentic pizza to Lebanese, Brunswick epitomises multicultural Melbourne. It also has a social conscience in the form of CERES Community Environment Park, a non-profit centre offering workshops, gardens, an organic cafe and nursery and more (ceres.org.au). Nearby North Melbourne is home to the iconic Queen Victoria Market.

CARLTON Leafy Lygon Street is the home of Melbourne’s Little Italy and the place to stock up on deli goods or indulge in the finest pizza, pasta and gelato. The arts are alive and well here, too, with literary stalwart Readings Books & Music delivering author talks and events and Cinema Nova’s vibrant selection of arthouse films. If you’re looking for a learning experience, Melbourne Museum has interactive and educational exhibitions for all ages, as well as the world’s third-largest cinema screen (museumvictoria.com.au).

COLLINGWOOD Quirky Smith Street in Collingwood is known for its art and homeware retailers, galleries and studios, happening bars and live music venues. Nearby Abbotsford Convent is a multi-arts precinct made up of artists studios, galleries, cafes, a bandroom, outdoor cinema, green spaces and regular markets (abbotsfordconvent.com.au), while Collingwood Children’s Farm provides a slice of country life for city kids (farm.org.au). When it comes to food, choose from gourmet pub grub, American barbecue, authentic Thai, Indian, Ethiopian, Italian, Greek and more.

FITZROY Just 10 minutes by tram from the CBD, Fitzroy is Melbourne’s bohemian enclave with galleries, fine dining, hidden bars and vintage shopping. Grab a coffee at Brunswick Street institution Marios, tuck into Mexican or American-style diner delights, and finish your day with rooftop drinks at Naked in the Sky (285 Brunswick Street). Gertrude Street is lined with local fashion boutiques and vintage stores, specialist book and vinyl retailers, plus some of Melbourne’s trendiest bars and restaurants. Rose Street Market runs every weekend, with art, photography, fashion, jewellery, accessories, homewares, vintage pieces and more (rosestmarket.com.au), and there are plenty of quirky shopping options along Brunswick and Getrude streets, from music and books, to fashion and fragrances.

NORTHCOTE & THORNBURY In arty Northcote check out the latest exhibitions at indie galleries, catch an arthouse flick at beautiful Westgarth Cinema, and get your fill of live music at the Northcote Social Club and Wesley Anne. High Street’s whimsical emporia provide plenty of shopping opportunities, and every meal is covered, from early mornings at Tinker Northcote to fine dining at Estelle. Thornbury is also worth a visit with a plethora of personality-filled bars, pubs, restaurants, live music venues and quirky shops, along with a food truck park populated with rotating restaurants on wheels (welcometothornbury.com).

RICHMOND Once the gritty, working class heart of Melbourne, today Richmond has equal temptations for foodies, football fans and fashionistas. Bridge Road is made for bargain hunters, with boutiques and outlets galore, while Victoria Street is packed with mouth-watering Asian restaurants and markets. Church and Swan streets are home to entertainment and dining options. The Corner Hotel hosts incredible local and international acts in an old-school bandroom that accommodates around 800 music fans, with a rooftop bar and gastro pub (cornerhotel.com). You’ll also find countless cafes for your caffeine fix, and all manner of cuisine for in between – think Italian, Mexican, seafood and Korean BBQ. DV

Go GREEN

The inner north is blessed with abundant green spaces, which you can access via walking and cycling trails just a few kilometres from the city. The Merri Creek Trail stretches over 20 kilometres and passes through Abbotsford, Fitzroy North, Northcote, Brunswick and Coburg along treelined Merri Creek, which flows into the Yarra River. It’s one of the city’s most scenic paths, with plenty of native flora and fauna along the way. Walkers and cyclists can pick up the Main Yarra Trail in Richmond, and head north through Abbotsford, Collingwood and beyond. As its name suggests, this track follows the Yarra River, passing through bushland and urban spaces. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife along the way.

Getting there

The inner north is serviced by a number of buses and trams from the city as well as trains along the Hurstbridge line. To plan your route, go to ptv.vic.gov.au

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Street art by an unknown artist in Fitzroy’s Brunswick Street; Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens; Smith Street, Collingwood; Gertrude Street graffiti, Fitzroy.

sydneyroad.com.au

@sydneyroadbrunswick

If you’re after authentic experiences & want to be spoilt for choice in dining, retail and music or chill-out spots, we’ve got the place for you. Visit Melbourne’s largest multicultural centre and discover amazing food, art, music and shopping from all corners of the globe. Just 15 minutes from CBD | Tram No.19 or Upfield Train

...Experience the world Sydney Road Brunswick

Home to the longest shopping strip in the southern hemisphere, there is something for everyone on Sydney Road

Nestled just 15 minutes from the CBD on the number 19 tram lies one of Melbourne’s most vibrant and eclectic shopping strips. Experience the world and enjoy bespoke retail and a mosaic of restaurants celebrating modern fusion and multicultural fare. European delicacies can be found at the Mediterranean Wholesalers, enjoy a Lebanese banquet at Tiba’s, an infused high tea experience at Mary Eats Cake, and hearty breakfasts at many a cafe. Sample the mouth-watering Middle Eastern pizzas at A1 Bakery or Tabet’s, then stroll down the hill to peruse the splendid bridal emporiums and well-known couturiers. Spend the day. Look up and peruse the architecture of the buildings and pop in to an original hand-printed designer boutique, NMBQ or Finki. Explore colourful Turkish ceramics at the Turkishop, Arabic jewellers and edgy urban fashion, nestled amongst a huge range of vegan choices, authentic multicultural cuisines, Japanese sushi and a French Patisserie!

Stay for an exciting night out, as Sydney Road’s pubs and venues come to life with local live music, trivia nights and poetry performances. Start your adventure in one of the fantastic local beer gardens at the Brunswick Green, Penny Black or The Retreat, or experience the grandeur of The Spotted Mallard, with exceptional music happening every night.

It’s vibrant, it’s down to earth, and it’s an experience you just can’t miss.