Neighbourhood Guide: Thornbury

Concrete Playground
May 26, 2021

Sandwiched between Northcote and Preston, Thornbury has gone more or less unnoticed by the rest of Melbourne for years. These days, though, it seems like everyone is paying attention.

Long seen as a satellite suburb of Northcote, Thornbury has quietly become one of Melbourne’s hippest ‘hoods over the past decade. As Northcote began to outgrow itself, the action started shifting north. Now, Thornbury is home to some of the city’s best bars, restaurants, live music venues and indie art spaces. The suburb also punches above its weight when it comes to lush green spaces, giving it the perfect mix of urban buzz and laidback suburban vibes.

Sandwiched between Northcote and Preston, Thornbury has gone more or less unnoticed by the rest of Melbourne for years. These days, though, it seems like everyone is paying attention.

DID YOU KNOW

While Thornbury is known for its large Greek and Italian migrant populations, it’s also home to Australia’s first Islamic museum. Opened in 2014, the Islamic Museum of Australia showcases the cultural heritage and historical contribution of Muslims in Australia through architecture, calligraphy, paintings, glass, ceramics and textiles.

GETTING AROUND

Wherever you are in Thornbury, you’ll never be far from a tram stop thanks to regular services running along High Street and St Georges Road. Plus, an extensive bus network services many of the smaller residential streets, while Thornbury Station feeds commuters right into the thick of the suburb, with the train trip taking just over 25 minutes from Flinders Street.

PROPERTY PRICES

Whether you’re into the studio lifestyle or beautiful period homes are more your speed, Thornbury offers a great mix of properties. The median price ranges from $580,000 for apartments to $1.23 million for houses. Check out NAB’s Property Report to learn more about the area, or use its handy Home Loan Calculator to find out how much you can borrow. Or, book an appointment here.

LOCALS LOVE

Psarakos Market might look like a regular supermarket at first glance, but step inside and you’ll find it’s so much more. This Clarendon Street warehouse space boasts a huge fruit and veg department, deli, butcher and seafood counters, flower and nut stands — and even offers an on-site watch repairer.

Living in Thornbury

Discover the spots that could become your new local favourites.

Cafes

Whether you're after creative brunches, seriously good coffee or the best pastel de nata in town, Thornbury has you sorted.

1. Prior

Thornbury's sleek neighbourhood cafe serves up salted chocolate crumpets and bottomless coffee.

2. Rat the Cafe

When you have to preorder the breakfast sandwich, you know this place means business.

3. All Are Welcome Thornbury

The Northcote favourite now has a second spot further up High Street.

4. Casa Nata

A temple of proper Portuguese tarts has opened in Thornbury.

5. Kenny Lover

Dipping chips into ice cream is encouraged at this bright orange Thornbury spot.

Restaurants

With nods to the suburb's rich migrant past and vibrant future, the restaurant scene is as diverse as they come.

1. 1800 Lasagne

A bricks-and-mortar bar and eatery from an inner north lasagne delivery service.

2. The Moor's Head

Slices topped with hummus, haloumi and sumac — this is inauthentic pizza at its finest.

3. Northern Git

Sophisticated British comfort food adds a much-needed destination to Thornbury's dining options.

4. Umberto Espresso Bar

A charming, all-day espresso bar and diner with a menu of homestyle Italian favourites.

5. Greek Street Food

Tuck in to serious souvs and crunchy fries — and remember to ask about the secret menu, too.

Bars

Come for the beer gardens and food trucks, stay for the boozy games of bocce.

1. Trumpy

A decidedly sophisticated take on a neighbourhood bar.

2. Pallino Bar

Play bocce in summer or cosy up with a glass of wine in winter at this High Street stalwart.

3. Nasty's

An ironically named Thornbury bar filled with upcycled car seats and ironing boards.

4. Joanie's Baretto

Thornbury's cute neighbourhood Italian bar serving spritzes, cicchetti and gluten-free pasta.

5. Moon Dog World

This giant, very OTT brewery bar in Preston is like a boozy theme park you'll never want to leave.

Shops

Art, vinyl records, books, stationery — and surfboards? Thornbury is full of surprises.

1. Thornbury Records

This is where knowledgeable staff can show you the good stuff, and fix your record player while they're at it.

2. Carwyn Cellars

This Thornbury stalwart has been sating northside thirsts for over a decade.

3. Melbourne Surf Board Shop

It's at least an hour away from any surfable beaches, but this is a must-visit for surfers.

4. Think Thornbury

Come for the handmade artisanal wares, and stick around for a hands-on creative workshop.

5. Fully Booked

A treasure trove of pre-loved books in the heart of Thornbury.

Art and Culture

With many creative spaces calling Thornbury home, you don't have to look too far for inspiration.

1. Islamic Museum of Australia

The nation's first museum dedicated to showcasing the artistic and cultural heritage of Muslims in Australia.

2. Perimeter Books

This cosy bookshop stocks limited-run and independently published books.

3. Thornbury Picture House

The indie playhouse features a 57-seat theatre and and on-site bar.

4. The Thornbury Theatre

This regal 1920s movie theatre is now a live music venue and event space.

5. Neon Parlour

A contemporary, multidisciplinary gallery and studio space on High Street.

Things to Do

From knitting workshops to world-class sporting facilities, there's always something to do in Thornbury.

1. Prana House

A beautiful, airy yoga and wellness space — and a world away from the hustle and bustle of the streets.

2. Free to Feed

This social enterprise champions refugees and people seeking asylum via food-oriented initiatives.

3. Penders Park

The perfect picnic spot right in the heart of Thornbury.

4. Darebin International Sports Centre

This world-class facility is the home of the State Lawn Bowls Centre, the State Cycling Centre and the State Football Centre.

5. Woolarium

This yarn store also offers spinning and knitting workshops.

Living in Thornbury

Discover the spots that could become your new local favourites.

CP's Picks

These are our favourite things to do in the area.

Casa Nata

Fresh egg tarts, just like in Portugal — we dare you to stop at just one.
Obus

This beautifully curated womenswear store specialises in natural fibres and striking prints.
Thornbury Picture House

Swing by to catch the latest indie release on the big screen.
1800 Lasagne

Lasagne just like nonna used to make. Match it with a classic caprese salad and Italian wine.