North

URBNSURF

Get over to the north side of Melbourne where great bars and shopping are just the beginning.

Vintage charm

If you’re a lover of second-hand treasures, head to Sydney Road in Brunswick to discover a wealth of indie clothing stores, proprietors of vintage kit, and record and book sellers. You can spend hours searching out rare and unique pieces within these treasure troves.

Get surfing

Ride the waves day or night in a controlled environment at Tullamarine’s URBNSURF, Australia’s very first surf park. The latest technology creates perfect waves for every level of surfer in the huge cove, so you can take your time building up confidence throughout the wave zones. There are even classes for absolute beginners. If cheering from the sidelines is more your style, the park hosts the latest restaurant from the Three Blue Ducks team. +urbnsurf.com

Arts and activities

With an abundance of small galleries and exhibition spaces, Melbourne’s north offers some great spots to be inspired and even get creative yourself. For the aspiring ceramicist, try Slow Clay Centre in Collingwood. You’ll learn the basics during its eight-week course and learn to express yourself through the art of clay. For those who like to buy creative pieces instead, there’s Modern Times, featuring mid-century masterpieces and contemporary art and design. +slowclay.com +moderntimes.com.au

Next Stop, Wine

Marnong Estate Discover local top drops at Melbourne’s closest wine region in the Sunbury region.

Marnong Estate

If you’re into hearty meals, matched drops and stunning views of the Macedon Ranges, Marnong Estate is one to add to your list. The heritage homestead and vineyard at Mickleham grows a number of varietals, including chardonnay, pinot grigio and shiraz. Want to stay the weekend? There’s onsite suite-style accommodation. +marnongestate.com.au

Craiglee Vineyard

Known for its excellent shiraz and chardonnay, Craiglee Vineyard has been a small independent winery for more than 40 years. Husband and wife duo, Pat and Dianne Carmody, planted vines on their family’s farm on the edge of Sunbury in 1978, and have been producing wine on their own since then. They now host small cellar door tastings on the first Sunday of every month. Bookings essential. Craiglee Vineyard Arundel Farm Estate

+craigleevineyard.com

Arundel Farm Estate

Located just 20 minutes from Melbourne’s city centre, Arundel Farm Estate is the perfect option for escaping the buzz of the city. The property, featuring a stunning 151-year-old bluestone manor, along with six hectares of shiraz vines and a small plot of viognier, is a sight for sore eyes and overlooks Melbourne’s city skyline from Keilor. Stop by the cellar door from Friday to Sundays for a tasting and a cheese board that can be enjoyed in the grounds. +arundelfarmestate.com.au

Meet the

James Mele

Makers

Giorgio Linguanti The Meat Room

Giorgio Linguanti

When cheese-loving Sicilian Giorgio Linguanti arrived in Melbourne with not a word of English, he did what not many would attempt and launched his own business. Giorgio started by making fine Italian-style cheese in the city, selling it to some of the best restaurants in town. From there things skyrocketed, and he quickly progressed from factory owner to cafe owner. Today That’s Amore Cheese at Thomastown serves up some of the tastiest guilty pleasures known to man. Treat yourself to a fried-cheese bagel then stock up with mozzarella, ricotta and cured meats to take home. +thatsamorecheese.com.au

James Mele

Described as a bespoke butcher and artisan salami maker, James Mele knows a thing or two when it comes to meat. It stems from his Italian heritage, where meat is a focal point of many meals, and traditional methods are used to create salami and sausages. At his small-batch salami specialist business, The Meat Room, Mele’s passion and dedication to his craft come to life. He has won several awards for his salami varieties – the fennel and zingara version is a real crowd-pleaser – and throughout the year presents a number ofclasses where you can master skills in Italian traditions and learn just about everything you want to know about traditionalsalami making, sausage making or butchering. +themeatroom.com.au

Discover North

Each weekend, artists and craftspeople sell their wares – everything from fashion to funkily potted cacti – at Rose St Artists’ Market in Fitzroy. +rosestmarket.com.au

Sister venue to Brunswick institution The Brunx, Tiba’s Restaurant serves up the same delicious Lebanese platters piled high with grilled meats, fresh salad, crisp pickles and silkysmooth hummus and labneh. +tibas.com.au

Craft beer aficionados should head to Moon Dog World. It’s a huge beer hall, complete with indoor lagoon, where you can taste brews like Timothy Tamothy Slamothy, a chocolate biscuit milk stout. +moondogbrewing.com.au

Rub shoulders with equine royalty and explore the historic Woodlands Homestead at Living Legends, where you can visit the retired champion racehorses in their paddocks on daily guided tours. +livinglegends.org.au

Moon Dog World Samantha Schultz

Rose St Artists’ Market @hannakinart Living Legends