Most accessible via Melbourne’s tram system, Brunswick and Northcote are communities north of the CBD. Known for their community atmosphere, both are home to a huge mix of cultures and religions.
Popular for its cheap housing and proximity to the CBD, Brunswick feels untouched by the masses but still has access to fantastic places to eat and shop. Northcote is increasingly popular with families, and houses some of Melbourne’s best cafes.
HIGHLIGHTS
Brunswick and Northcote are growing in popularity due to their cheap costs of living, but more importantly their community feel. With more and more families moving to the area, it’s interesting to see the young hip crowds stay for this very reason. It may also have something to do with the great coffee, but the great music venues, markets and outdoor areas probably help, too.
Nearby Merri Creek brings some green back into the area, making it feel less like the city and more like an average Aussie suburb. The CERES Community Park definitely adds to its leafy surroundings, and is a great resource for the locals. It’s free to wander the grounds and check out the community gardens, sustainability tips and the Chook* Group.
Brunswick has its own Flea Market, running every second Saturday of the month. Stallholders sell all kinds of wares, including vintage clothing and records. Northcote Town Hall plays host to a variety of markets throughout the year, with dates updated on their website.
When it comes to non-market shopping, the plazas and main shopping strips make both areas really easy and accessible to visit. Easy parking off Sydney Road and the option of big chain supermarkets create bustling hubs with competitive prices.
But back to that great coffee and live music! Northcote Social Club is one of Melbourne’s most loved venues, with music lovers packing into the band room to see their favorite acts. They’re also a bar, selling local and international brews while footy* plays on the big screen. Sydney Road’s The Penny Black is another beloved venue, with its outdoor areas popular in the summer.
The creative side of this community is evident, too. Some of the most visited food and coffee outlets are in themselves attractions. For an authentic North Side experience, visit Disco Beans. Serving Japanese food by trade, this little eatery doubles as an art gallery and performance space. Food trucks are also a Melbourne hit, and you’ll often see the Taco Truck and Beatbox Kitchen burgers out and about. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, their creator also makes donuts. All Day Donuts on Edward Street makes the wildest donuts you’ve ever seen, with delicious coffee to boot.
BUDGET IDEAS
Melbourne’s trams really come into their own in Brunswick and Northcote. While both have train access, trams are your best bet to getting around, and are their own attraction. Jumping on the 96 Tram is a great, inexpensive way to get to know the area, spying street art from your seat and jumping off wherever takes your fancy.
While not an Aussie invention, Savers is very popular among the op-shop hipsters of Melbourne, and their Brunswick store is one of the biggest and best. Set aside a whole afternoon to scour the shelves for cheap clothes, accessories and home wares. Students get 20% off on Sundays, too!
There’s plenty of Pubs in both Brunswick and Northcote, and most offer cheap meals on various weekdays. The charming Peacock Inn Hotel has $10 lunch menu options, as well as pool tables for a lazy Sunday snooker game.
Westgarth Street has its own Palace Cinema, showing films from here and abroad. Still holding its old-world charm, it also boasts a licensed bar. Movies aren’t as cheap as they used to be, but if you join up to their movie club, you can grab a free ticket and discount tickets on your next visits.
CULTURAL INSIGHT
Brunswick is on the lands of the Wurundjeri people. After the migration of British Settlers to Australia, Brunswick became established in the post-gold rush age of the late 1800’s.
Northcote is also on the lands of the Wurundjeri people, and like Brunswick, became the home of many migrants after the conclusion of World War Two. In both areas this migrant influence is easy to see and prevalent today. In Brunswick, 23% of the population are new migrants, with Greek, Lebanese and Middle Eastern stores and eateries seen all over Sydney Road and surrounds. In Northcote, around 30% of residents are estimated to have been born overseas, with many residents speaking languages other than English. The most popular languages besides English in the area include Greek, Italian, Vietnamese and Arabic.
