This Northside Council Has Created Trail Maps Highlighting the Area's Top Spots for Booze and Music

Whether you love a good treasure hunt or you're just after a fresh way to explore Melbourne's inner north, we've found an interactive new offering you'll want to get clicking on ASAP. The local government area known as Merri-bek — that part that stretches from Brunswick up to the Metropolitan Ring Road — has created two trail maps designed to get you out and about, enjoying the best of its food, drink and lifestyle scene.

The work of Merri-bek City Council, the two downloadable maps each spotlight an array of local venues and businesses, also offering suggested public transport routes and bike paths to help you plot your journey.

Noisy Ritual

The first map is a sipper's dream, highlighting Merri-bek's growing collection of breweries and distilleries. It covers 12 destinations, including the likes of Temple Brewing Company, Co-Conspirators Brewpub, Welcome to Brunswick, Noisy Ritual Winery, BrewDog Pentridge and even the famed purveyors of booze-free drops at Brunswick Aces. The handy map key also tells you which spots are pet-friendly, which have live tunes and what kind of food offering you can expect at each.

The other map is a veritable treasure trove for music lovers, spotlighting some of the area's best live music destinations and record stores. In the mix, you've got venues like The Retreat, Brunswick Ballroom, Howler, Small Time and The Moldy Fig, along with shops such as Coburg's Feminista Vinyl, Coburg North's Round Again, and Ringo Barr and Record Paradise in Brunswick.

Howler

Not just a way to highlight and celebrate Merri-bek businesses, the trail maps also feature design work, illustrations and copywriting from local creatives.

"We want our hidden gems to be discovered, and known and loved across Melbourne," explained Merri-bek Mayor, Councillor Angelica Panopoulos.

The two new maps are available to download for free over at the Love Merri-bek website, with more themed trails to be released in the future.

Brunswick Ballroom by Nicole Cleary

Find the Merri-bek Trail Maps on the website, along with a full area directory.

Top image: Welcome to Brunswick