Northside Neighbourhoods

Is your idea of a trip to Melbourne confined to the city centre? Melbourne Now’s resident northsider, Dylan Stewart, gives his tips on some of the hippest parts of town.

Fitzroy

Main strips: Brunswick Street, Gertrude Street and Smith Street
Tram: Number 11 or 86

Ground zero for Melbourne hipsters, Fitzroy remains a favourite for Melburnians looking for an afternoon of great shopping and a night of dining and dancing. Jump off the tram at stop 13 and you’ll be right in the heart of Gertrude Street. Stroll along and update your wardrobe, before jumping back on the number 86 tram to whiz you up to stop 18. Here you can get your fill of delicious Greek food at George Calombaris’s Jimmy Grants and satisfy your sweet tooth at Gelato Messina [113 St David Street].

Saunter over to Brunswick Street and watch the sun go down over the city from rooftop bar Naked in the Sky(upstairs from Naked for Satan) before settling in for a night of boogying at one of the many Brunswick Street bars.

Staying out late? No worries. The Night Network tram number 86 runs every 30 minutes throughout the night on Friday and Saturday.

Northcote

Main strip: High Street
Tram: Number 86

According to Australia’s performing rights association APRA AMCOS, Northcote is home to more songwriters than almost any other suburb in Australia (it’s just pipped by Brunswick). As a result, a night out on High Street is sure to be a musical adventure.

Almost any night of the week, Northcote Social Club [301 High Street] ( jump off the tram at stop 32) plays host to the best of local and international bands and performers.

As the weather warms up, an excellent dinner option is Welcome to Thornbury [520 High Street], just a bit farther along at stop 36. Sample the best from Melbourne’s food trucks and wash it down with a thirst-quenching beverage or three, before hopping on the tram back to your hotel.

Carlton

Main strip: Lygon Street
Tram: Number 1 or 8

It’s long been known as the heart of Melbourne’s Italian community, but these days Lygon Street is so much more. Jump off at tram stop 112 (corner Lygon and Elgin Streets) where you can find some of the best pasta in the street at DOC Espresso [326 Lygon Street].

Cheese lovers might like Milk the Cow [323 Lygon Street], where you can choose from more than 150 types of fromage and have it paired with boutique wines. Follow whatever you choose with a tasty treat from Pidapipo Gelateria [299 Lygon Street].

Looking for a hit of culture? Browse the fantastic Readings [309 Lygon Street] bookstore, see an arthouse flick at Cinema Nova [380 Lygon Street] or buy tickets for a contemporary production at La Mama Theatre [205 Faraday Street].