Concrete Playground
February 20, 2020

The inner east has it all: sports, culture, gardens and the local shops and cafes that bring it all together.

As such, it’s the best place to grab a coffee in Richmond before a game at the MCG, or avoid the sports crowds altogether by sticking to the areas main shopping strips. Browse expensive furniture on Bridge Road before hitting up and down Chapel Street in search of the perfect coat/rug/snack.

Because the inner east can feel large and hard to navigate as a whole, we’ve put together some handy shopping lists in partnership with American Express. Armed with them, you’ll be able to shop small through Richmond, South Yarra, Prahran and Windsor — all while using your American Express Card. Pick your starting point and get going.

GETTING AROUND

The 78 runs all the way along Chapel and Church streets — through St Kilda East, Windsor, Prahran, South Yarra, Cremorne and Richmond — before heading back down the other way. But be wary — on a busy day this tram is almost slower than walking, and you don’t want to miss any of the great shops.

DON’T MISS

Grab a coffee before exploring Fitzroy Gardens; don’t miss the conservatory, which has stood since 1930 and exhibits a number of floral displays each year. Then head across the river to the expansive Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria for the Aboriginal Heritage Walk or take a lap around The Tan if exercise is your thing.

HIGH STREETS

Shopping hotspots in the inner east run the gamut from vintage stores to high-end boutiques. Richmond’s Swan Street and Bridge Road deserve a mention, and the south end of Chapel Street’s vintage mile is not to be missed — this is where you’ll find Chapel Street Bazaar and Design a Space — along with Greville Street.

LOCALS LOVE

When a dinner party is on the cards, locals head to Prahran Market to get all the best ingredients. Inside, Hagen’s Organic Butcher and Ripe the Organic Grocer have the best meat and produce, and Claringbold’s Seafood hosts its famous $5 fish auction at 4.30pm on Saturday afternoons.

THE SHOPPING LISTS

Explore three of the Inner East's most thriving shopping precincts.

Fleur from Market Lane Coffee
The Localist: Prahran
Coming Soon

Your Inner East Hit List

Looking for fresh produce, funky cheese or a one-of-a-kind gift? Find what you're looking for here.
List
Map
  • Restaurant

    Market Lane Coffee

    Shop 13, Prahran Market, 163 Commercial Road, Prahran

    Very, very good coffee for the city that loves to drink it.

  • Shop

    Jolie & Deen

    477 Chapel Street, South Yarra

    Locally designed jewellery and fashion focusing on feminine and elegant styles.

  • Shop

    Bottle House

    199 Toorak Road, South Yarra

    This independent South Yarra bottle-o has you sorted for the weekend.

  • Shop

    The Fresh Flower Man

    379 Malvern Road, South Yarra

    Behind a colourful green facade, you'll find a neighbourhood florist ready to brighten up your home.

  • Shop

    Marimekko South Yarra

    576 Chapel Street, South Yarra

    The esteemed Finnish design house is at home on Chapel Street.

  • Shop

    Mio Tesoro Boutique

    568 Chapel Street, South Yarra

    A luxury consignment store selling rare and vintage pieces from international designers.

  • Shop

    Home & Abroad

    4 Avoca Street, South Yarra

    This South Yarra gem sells more than just gifts and homewares.

  • Shop

    Botanics of Melbourne

    356 Punt Road, South Yarra

    This South Yarra florist is a one-stop shop for gifts, homewares and, of course, flowers.

  • Shop

    Jay Dillon

    440 Chapel Street, South Yarra

    At home in South Yarra, this designer menswear boutique is known for bold colours and statement pieces.

  • Shop

    Deciem

    513 Chapel Street, South Yarra

    The Abnormal Beauty Company's flagship Melbourne store is a minimalist haven of good skincare products.

  • Shop

    Berties Butchers

    218 Swan Street, Richmond

    This organic, paddock-to-plate butcher also has an onsite barbecue cafe.

  • Shop

    Pookipoiga

    64 Bridge Road, Richmond

    Stocking a huge selection of gifts, this small Richmond business is trying to make a big impact.

  • Shop

    Localized Organic Grocery

    114 Swan Street, Cremorne

    Your friendly neighbourhood grocer, supplying the residents of Richmond and Cremorne with organic Australian produce.

  • Shop

    The Balcony Garden

    6 Albert Street, Richmond

    Take your inner city garden to the next level with ethically made ceramics from this Richmond showroom.

  • Shop

    Royal Order of Nothing

    165 Swan Street, Richmond

    A collection of great brands can be found inside this Richmond shop, which has been dressing locals for a decade.

  • Shop

    Blackhearts & Sparrows Prahran

    Shop 813-814, Prahran Market, 163 Commercial Road, South Yarra

    The Prahran Market branch of this Melbourne favourite boutique bottle-o.

  • Shop

    The Cool Hunter Store

    142 Commercial Road, Prahran

    Born from a design blog, this Prahran store has everything you've ever wanted to buy off the internet.

  • Shop

    Peter Bouchier

    551 Malvern Road, Toorak

    This family-run butcher has been sourcing quality meats since the 1980s.

  • Shop

    Robinson Man

    604 High Street, Prahran

    The most comfortable mens cashmere in all of Melbourne.

  • Shop

    Fenton & Fenton Prahran

    471 High Street, Prahran

    Vibrant and sophisticated designer art and homewares.

Find Your Playground

Inner North Inner East Inner City Bayside Eastern Suburbs Western Suburbs
Tap and select Add to Home Screen to access Concrete Playground easily next time. x