Melbourne Suburbs to Visit: Brunswick
One of Melbourne’s most happening places to visit is the suburb of Brunswick, the hipster haven of this great city. The suburb has heaps of amazing brunch options for diners to choose from, is home to many vintage and secondhand stores and is also the site of the Sydney Road Street Party, a yearly festival with nothing but the best in music and food. First-timers in Melbourne won’t want to skip this lively suburb and experience all it has to offer.
Getting there
Getting to Brunswick/Sydney Rd is super easy. All it takes is a tram journey on the 19 from the Melbourne CBD to reach the inner-city suburb (we estimate around 20 minutes to reach the suburb). Alternatively, you can catch the Upfield train and disembark at either Jewell Station or Brunwick Station, depending on what’s more convenient for you.
Brunswick Flour Mill
Photo via Brunswick Flour Mill official Facebook page.
One of the first places we hit up was the Brunswick Flour Mill, a cosy and quaint cafe that serves all kinds of delicious food and drinks. The cafe boasts an all day breakfast and lunch with a great selection of coffee and tea available too. One friendly barista told us that the building had a hundred years of history while he was making our mocha!
Location: 341 Sydney Road, Brunswick
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri (7.30am – 5.00pm); Weekends (8.30am – 5.00pm)
Website:http://www.flourmill.net.au/
Tom Phat
If you’re not quite in the mood for brunch and want something that combines the best of Southeast Asian dining with Australian flavours, stop by Tom Phat for a wonderful food experience. This restaurant’s multicultural fusion menu has a range of delectable dishes but one we recommend is the free range chicken chill-jam stir-fry with Asian greens, cashews & thai basil on rice. Do note however that Tom Phat’s very limited table space means booking in advance, either online or by phone, would make it easier for you to find a seat and have a good time!
Location: 182-184 Sydney Road, Brunswick
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed, Thu (11.00am – 10.00pm); Fri (11.00am – 10.30pm); Saturday (8.00am – 10.30pm); Sunday (8.00am – 10.00pm); Closed Tuesday
Website:http://tomphat.com.au/
Melbourne Vintage
Exploring Brunswick means exploring its vintage, retro and pre-loved stores. One of the best ones to visit while you’re in Brunswick is Melbourne Vintage which stocks a wide supply of clothes, shoes, decorations, books, CD and records gathered from many generations. You never know what pre-loved bargain item you’ll pick up here! So if you love owning things from the past and giving them new life, make sure to shop at Melbourne Vintage and pay a visit.
Location: 351 Sydney Rd, Brunswick
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat (10.00am – 5.30pm); Sun (10.00am – 5.00pm)
Website:https://www.melbourne-vintage.com/
Counihan Gallery
Photo: Luoyang Chen
For the artisans among us, the Counihan Gallery is definitely a good place to check out if you’re looking to kill some time and appreciate fine art. The space also provides visitors a chance to discuss and debate with others on contemporary art and what’s on display. Newcomers to Melbourne are encouraged to visit the gallery and discover more about the current exhibitions on offer before they visit. As with most of these suggested places to visit, the gallery is easily accessible from Sydney Rd so why not pop in if you’re after somewhere quiet to reflect.
Location: 233 Sydney Rd, Brunswick
Opening Hours: Wed – Sat (11.00am – 5.00pm); Sunday (1.00pm – 5.00pm); Closed Mon & Tue
Website:http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/events-recreation/arts-and-gallery/counihan-gallery-in-brunswick/
Ceres Community Environment Park
Photo: Luoyang Chen
For those who love their organic foods, or plan to take up a more healthier lifestyle, take an excursion to the Ceres Community Environment Park (CCEP). Learn what sustainable living, gardening and produce is all about when you visit. Explore its organic farming areas, visit the village and education precinct and see what’s cooking in the community chicken. You’ll learn about what it means to protect our environment by coming here so for the sustainable thinkers in all of us, do make sure to stop by CCEP. If you’re coming in from the city, take tram 1 or tram 6 to get off at Stewart St (Stop 126) then walk to CCEP which is approximately 10 minutes from the stop.
Location: Cnr Roberts & Stewart Sts, Brunswick East
Opening Hours: Everyday (9.00am – 5.00pm)
Website:http://ceres.org.au/
This story was produced by Media and Communication students at Trinity College Foundation Studies as part of Meld’s community newsroom collaboration. Education institutions, student clubs/societies and community groups interested in being involved can get in touch with us via meld@meldmagazine.com.au.