Why the Northside, is the Best Side!
Culture, entertainment, history, great food and a vibrant society… from a lifestyle perspective, it’s all found right here Melbourne’s North! From the eclectic sidewalk coffee shops to the unique shops, the fabric of Melbourne’s northern suburbia is one that displays a rich tapestry of nostalgia and modern living; one which is embracing change while maintaining its charming heritage.
Melbourne’s northern suburbs are a thriving society of multi-cultural diversity. With residents from every corner of the globe, the inclusive spirit of the people is outstanding: accepting and embracing differences in religion, language and culture is part of everyday life.
For those lucky enough to live in Melbourne’s north, the best of life right at their front door! So, take a closer look at the some of the influences that have shaped the Melbourne’s Northern suburbs we’re grateful to call home.
Grab a Plate
Whatever your favourite cuisine and dining style, you’re guaranteed some of the best food experiences you’ll ever have right here! The area is a melting pot of cultural diversity, and the selection of food on offer includes flavours from all around the world.
From the all-round gems like Stray Neighbour – a bar/eatery/bakery/coffee shop/essentials/bottle shop (and events venue hopefully one day soon!) and Farm Vigano – a restaurant in South Morang offering authentic Italian cuisine with panoramic views from the Italian Terrazza overlooking Melbourne’s Plenty Valley Gorge, to Dexter for your meats and buns, DenDeke Japanese Bar & Dining for a Japanese infusion feast, and The Moors Head for a Middle Eastern twist.
And of course, there’s coffee – Melbourne’s coffee culture is world renowned, with some of the best baristas calling the North home. Cafes like Prior and Little Henri offer delicious brekky and lunch options in traditional and contemporary settings.
For the sweet tooths, Kenny Lover and Gelato Papa have the best ice cream and for those that prefer savoury, you can’t go past the cheese options at The Thornbury Fromagerie -they’re all to die for!
The Northside is also the gateway to the Yarra Valley, the home of artisan food and wine in a perfect balance of simplicity and style that is unique to this region. From cellar door sales to notable dining, the wineries around Melboune’s North have become some of the country’s most popular tasting areas – be sure to check out Zonzo Estate, Yering Station and Domaine Chandon in particular.
Relax, Reset, Refocus
Recreation and leisure opportunities are abundant here – public swimming pools, sporting clubs and fitness centres offer something for everyone.
For those who enjoy connecting with the environment, the area boasts more than its fair share of beautiful gardens and parklands. For most residents, there’s a beautiful slice of nature within walking distance of their home. Shade, grass, water, flowers … it’s all there for everyone to enjoy! Just some favourites to mention are:
Coburg Lake, Bundoora Park, Lehmann’s Farm Park and Lundarum North Community Park in Wollert.
Shopping
Shop ‘till you drop – from curious gift shops located in quaint little side streets to top-end fashion stores (and everything in between), there’s retail therapy on offer for every taste and budget!
The iconic Preston Market is home to an exquisite range of foods, crafts and workshops from every culture and background, while Northland Shopping Centre, Pacific Epping and Westfield Plenty Valley offers a huge range of department stores including Myer, Target, Kmart and Aldi.
And for quickly zipping down the street to run those errands and do the groceries, local strips like Reservoir Village are beaming with friendly local traders. In the “supporting local” theme, there is the Wild About Melbourne pop up market which celebrates the best in local handmade, art and design in some of the North’s great locations.
Art is Everywhere
The culture of Melbourne’s northern suburbs is dynamic and vibrant, and this is expressed in the many and varied forms of art on display. From galleries tucked away in little side alleys to impressive street and wall art, it’s obvious that the community’s love of art goes back many years.
A community overflowing with inspiration, design and creativity is expressed in a diverse array of fashion shows, live music and art galleries.
Pentridge: the summer of 2021 has seen the opening of the 15-screen cinema inside the historic Pentridge Prison complex. This exciting new venture also offers retail and dining areas and is yet another one of the inner north’s unique attractions.
Heide Museum: this gallery has become renowned for its collection of modern and contemporary Australian art. Nestled in 16 acres of beautiful gardens, the museum boasts three specific exhibition spaces and a great display of modernist sculptures dotted around the grounds.
Street Art: sculptures, paintings, murals and graffiti…. residents of Melbourne’s north have created a colourful backdrop for selfie-loving locals and visitors. They love to share their talent and their works are a constant reminder of the multi-cultural history of the community.
Royal Exhibition Building: now here’s a rich snippet of history! This building was constructed in 1879 – 80 and has been home to many international exhibitions over the last century. Now a World Heritage listed property, the great hall stands proudly as a symbol of Victoria’s wealth and pride of the 1870’s – a beautiful reminder of our rich and meaningful past.
Folks living in Melbourne’s north hardly realise how lucky they are! With the best of community, food, art and shopping at their fingertips, they’re faced with the embarrassment of riches!
And if you’re wanting to make the move and join this vibrant circle of life, call Love & Co today. With more than 75 years’ experience in the Northern suburbs, we know the ins-and-outs of the community and all it has to offer!
Image source: Stray Neighbour (it looks good right?!)