The east enjoys a prime location in that sweet spot between the buzz of the inner city and the wide leafy streets of the suburbs.
But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a heap going on. There’s plenty to explore, from the the early art deco-style villages of Balwyn and Canterbury to the delicious eateries that make up Box Hill. And that’s not to mention the small bars and boutiques of Hawthorn and Camberwell.
In an effort to keep you shopping small and local, we have — with the help of American Express — sifted through the spots that should be on your eastern suburbs ‘shop small’ hit-list. This collection of great local businesses will make sure you’re always stocked up on boutique booze, lush candles and great shoes. Plus, each of them will kindly accept your American Express Card.
To explore Kew or Belgrave North, the 48 tram will get you where you need to go, trundling along High Street and Doncaster Road. The 75 will take you through Hawthorn to Camberwell, and the 109 passes through Balwyn and Mont Albert on its way to Box Hill. The area is also serviced by the Belgrave and Lilydale lines.
The Camberwell Sunday Market was first held in 1976 and can’t be missed — make a day of it with a trip to the market, a hunt through the Camberwell Antique Centre on Cookson Street and sustenance from Coffee Max. While you’re in the area, make a stop at Evergrin Organics.
Hawthorn East and Camberwell meet at the intersection of Burke, Camberwell and Riversdale roads, where more than 400 stores are waiting to be discovered. See also: Whitehorse Road in Balwyn, Maling Road in Canterbury, Hamilton Street in Mont Albert, Kew Junction and Hawthorn’s Glenferrie Road.
Box Hill is home to one of Melbourne’s biggest Chinese New Year celebrations, with the festivities attracting close to 80,000 people each year to Box Hill Mall and Whitehorse Road. If you miss Lunar New Year, the area’s many Chinese eateries are thankfully open all year round.
THE SHOPPING LISTS
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RestaurantMister Bianco
285 High St, Kew
An authentic Sicilian restaurant with a seasonal menu that fuses the traditional with the new.
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RestaurantLulo
798 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
A late-night bar and grill serving up pretty great Colombian food and cocktails in Melbourne's east.
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RestaurantGami Chicken & Beer Hawthorn
840 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
The Hawthorn outpost of this popular Korean fried chicken joint is waiting for you.
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ShopFox Maiden
832 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
A boutique that is always stocked with the latest fashion.
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ShopBlackbird and Fox
714 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
Championing Australian-made products, this Hawthorn shop has an ever-evolving range of gifts, accessories, art and jewellery.
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ShopTim's Bookshop
129 High Street, Kew
This long-standing bricks-and-mortar shop is a favourite among residents of the eastern suburbs.
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ShopHoming Instincts
730 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
A go-to eastern suburbs stop for beautiful homewares and novelty gifts.
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RestaurantHello Sailor
89 Auburn Road, Hawthorn
A Hawthorn favourite where you can drink great coffee outside by the cafe's very own street art.
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ShopThe Woodsfolk
39 Church Street, Hawthorn
This charming family-run gifts and homewares store stocks beautiful things by local and international designers.
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ShopWallies Lollies
205 Middleborough Road, Box Hill South
A family-owned store that has been supplying the eastern suburbs with all kinds of sweets for more than 20 years.
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RestaurantIchi Ramen
1 Main Street, Box Hill
An old family recipe perfected over decades makes for delicious ramen at this Box Hill spot.
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ShopDiscrepancy Records & Gallery
2A Milne Road, Mont Albert North
Have a gander at more than 15,000 LPs, turntables, speakers and equipment.
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RestaurantSecond Wife
8 Wellington Road, Box Hill
This eastern suburbs cafe serves great coffee and healthy, vibrant meals.
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RestaurantKatori
850 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill
This Box Hill restaurant, bar and grill is serving up traditional Japanese yakiniku.
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ShopAcorn Nursery
669-673 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills
Over the last 35 years, this Surrey Hills nursery has become a one-stop shop for garden supplies and gifts.
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ShopWattle Park Green Grocer
194 Elgar Road, Box Hill South
Say goodbye to the big supermarket chains and hello to a local grocer selling vegan, gluten free and low FODMAP specialty products.
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ShopPepperberry Wares
200 Canterbury Road, Canterbury
Look no further for beautiful, eclectic and well-designed gifts and homewares.
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ShopSainsburys Books
534 Riversdale Road, Camberwell
A Camberwell mainstay offering the best in new and second-hand art and design books.
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ShopCoco & Chloe
120 Maling Road, Canterbury
This Canterbury boutique has recently reopened with a stylish new look.
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