The inner suburbs around Melbourne CBD are packed with ways to fill your weekend. While some are tried and true favourites, others remain hidden jewels waiting to be discovered. My recent move to the inner northwest of Melbourne has given me great opportunity to seek out new ways to spend a weekend. Here are some of my favourites.
First thing on a Saturday, head to the vibrant strip of cafes along Bellair Street, Kensington. This trendy village has a great range of cafes, and is always busy. Check out the lively
Fruits of Passion (188 Bellair Street, Kensington). They make a fantastic coffee, the staff are friendly, and they serve up a great brunch. Get in early to score prime position at a table outside, and sit back, relax, and watch the world go by. Nearby, tucked away opposite Newmarket station, you'll find the eclectic
Pepper (44 Pin Oak Crescent, Newmarket). This café by day / wine bar by evening attracts a diverse crowd of locals, from mums and bubs to trendy young things, along with nine-to-fivers seeking a glass of wine on the way home. The menu is small but reasonably priced, and the staff are always helpful. Pepper is a bit off the beaten track, so locals in the know mainly frequent it. It's casual and child friendly, with a great kid's menu. The tables out the footpath make for an excellent spot to enjoy a coffee in the sun with the dog at your feet.
Make sure you spend some time having a stroll down Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds. Try out one of the cafes here, like the famed
Brown's Bakers of Distinction (28 Pratt Street, Moonee Ponds), or the friendly
Lil Kitch (113 Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds). There are also lots of great shops along here that will certainly have whatever it is you're looking for. Keep an eye out for the good quality $1 greeting cards which many of the Puckle Street shops stock – these are a favourite of the locals.
Just around the corner, you'll find
The Clocktower Centre (
750 Mt Alexander Road). The 2010 season of this great suburban theatre is well underway, with numerous internationally acclaimed shows scheduled, including plays just for the children, like Jack and the Beanstalk. You can even take part in one of the public workshops with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Prices vary so have a look at the
website, or give the box office a call on 92439191.
While you're in the area, be sure to visit the
Flemington Racecourse Craft Market. This is a little known gem that brings the country to the city with regional Victoria's best produce, along with a great range of arts and crafts. This quaint market runs one weekend a month, with the occasional twilight market on a Saturday. From handmade soap, to jewellery, to Hot Cob corn and gluten free corn fritters, this is a great way to take a break from the city without the long car trip. There is plenty of car parking at the
Racecourse. Check out the
website for more information.
Flemington Racecourse, however, is probably best known as the home of the famous
Melbourne Spring Carnival, that runs annually from 30th October until 4th November. As well as hosting the race that stops the nation, the Carnival also showcases some of Melbourne's best fashion. The Melbourne Cup at Flemington has a rich history dating back to 1840, and makes for an unmissable day out. The
website has lots of details about times and dates.
Keep an eye on the neighbouring
Melbourne Showgrounds (Epsom Road, Ascot Vale), as the venue hosts numerous shows and festivals throughout the year. Most notably, however, is the
Royal Melbourne Show. This annual show features the obligatory showbags and rides, as well as a livestock pavilion, an animal nursery, and even the opportunity to milk a cow. There are lots of arts, crafts and cookery, as well as a great range of live shows and parades. The Royal Melbourne Show runs from Saturday 18th – Tuesday 28th September, and is open daily from 9.30am til 9.30pm. Although parking is available at the Showgrounds for $15 a day, it's recommended you take advantage of public transport to get you there. Visit
Metlink Melbourne for more details.
After a busy day, the
Maribyrnong River Trail is a great spot for an evening walk. The trail starts at the north end of
Brimbank Park, and winds its way through parklands, climbing slightly at some points, so look out for the particularly great CBD views along the way. The trail alternates from gravel to bitumen path, and is mostly flat and stroller accessible. There are grassed areas and parks aplenty along the way, often filled with picnicking families and weekend footballers. However, picnic or not, it's a must to drop by
The Boathouse (7 The Boulevard, Moonee Ponds) before you call it a day and head home. It's situated overlooking the river, and at dusk the surrounding trees fill with cockatoos, making it a unique and tranquil spot to watch the sun go down. There are fantastic pizzas on the menu, which go down well with a glass of wine. The views are great and it's a casual atmosphere outside on the large deck, where there are plenty of tables.
The inner northwest is packed with great ways to fill your weekends, and there are some fantastic events coming up in the area. Whether you head out on your own or with friends and family, there's undoubtedly countless things just waiting to be discovered. Happy adventures!
