Along the guiding line of the Yarra and Merri Creek, Melbourne’s inner north is filled with character.
It’s a haven of hobby farms, community gardens and warehouse conversions, along with coffee shops, record stores and some of the best vintage shops around. In fact, there are so many great local businesses in our beloved shopping mecca that it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve teamed up with American Express to put together this handy guide to shopping small in the inner north. With it, you’ll be able to navigate the boutiques of Gertrude Street, the warehouses of Smith Street and the vintage shops of Sydney Road as if you were a local. As a bonus, all of these shops and eateries will let you pay with a swipe of your American Express Card.
The 86 tram will take you from the CBD, along Gertrude Street in Fitzroy, before turning left onto Smith Street. After trundling through Collingwood, the tram continues up Northcote’s High Street. For Sydney Road, jump on either the 19 tram or the train headed for Upfield. Once you’re there, you’re best to wander on foot.
There’s a reason this area has an arty reputation and you can’t miss soaking in the work of the dozens of creatives that call the inner north home. Browse one of the many galleries, pick up some locally designed wares, catch a gig at the pub and wash it all down with a locally brewed beer.
The inner north is choccas with shopping strips. There’s the ever-popular Brunswick and Smith streets, Sydney Road cutting through Brunswick and Coburg, and Northcote’s High Street, which extends into Thornbury and beyond. Keep an eye out for the side streets though, as gems like Lune and Project Forty Nine are slightly off the beaten track.
When the sun’s out, nothing screams ‘inner north’ like a picnic at Edinburgh Gardens, or one of the many patches of greenery dotted through the area. McCoppins Clifton Hill is just down the road or the 11 tram will drop you in front of a strip of local shops for some picnic fare.
THE SHOPPING LISTS
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RestaurantEtta
60 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
The team has collectively worked at Attica, Cutler & Co, The Roving Marrow and Rosetta.
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PubMarquis of Lorne
411 George Street, Fitzroy
Drink down on the street, dine at the second floor restaurant or soak up some rays on the rooftop.
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BarThe Standard Hotel
293 Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy
The bar offers a comforting retro vibe while huge beer garden is a breezy little oasis that's well worth the search.
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BarThe Everleigh
Upstairs, 150-156 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Experience the hedonistic pleasures of the 1920s in Fitzroy's hidden cocktail den.
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BarCarwyn Cellars
877 High Street, Thornbury
This Thornbury stalwart has been sating northside thirsts for over a decade.
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ShopThe Fishmonger's Son
703 Nicholson Street, Carlton North
After the closure of a 100-year-old family seafood business, another family legacy has taken its place.
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ShopBlackfinch
110 High Street, Northcote
Bespoke jewellery handmade with ethically sourced Australian stones at a Northcote design studio.
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Shop20th Century Scandinavia
79 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
Across two showrooms, this family-run business imports and restores quality mid-century design pieces from Europe.
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Pachamama Wholefoods + Kitchen - CLOSED
74-78 Sydney Road, Brunswick
This Brunswick grocer is now selling fresh, healthy and organic cafe fare.
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ShopMutual Muse Brunswick
171a Sydney Road, Brunswick
This Sydney Road consignment store is battling fast fashion one linen jumpsuit at a time.
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ShopGreener House Nursery
95 Sydney Road, Brunswick
A community-minded store for indoor plants, pots and accessories, plus care advice, workshops and gallery nights.
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ShopHenry Lee Barbershop
145 Johnston Street, Collingwood
A friendly community space where you can stop by for a trim, a cold beer and a chat.
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ShopSpares Store
368 Smith Street, Collingwood
This Smith Street store has independent and limited-run labels across mens streetwear and accessories — and its own gallery space.
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ShopNicholas & Alistair
387 Johnston Street, Abbotsford
Step inside this Abbotsford showroom to discover high-end vintage furniture and design pieces in a gallery-like space.
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ShopHabbot Shoes Studio Store
2 Robert Street, Collingwood
Cute and comfortable shoes designed in Melbourne and made in Italy.
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