The Areas of Sydney Road Brunswick
Jewell
Where is it?
- Jewell station is just past Brunswick Road, on the Upfield line. This area also includes Barkly Square, which is a hardtop shopping centre, with 45 shops, on the Eastern side.
What’s it like?
- A mix of retail shops and supermarkets, but encompassing designer fashion boutiques, cool cafes and some iconic Brunswick pubs. Possibly regarded as the hipster zone of Sydney Road, you can peruse the quaint and eclectic shops.
- There’s also a great range of restaurants – from Japanese to Italian and Vietnamese modern fusion – so take your pick when choosing where to dine out here.
What are the highlights?
- Fashion boutiques such as NMBQ and Zerya, as well as vintage picks and op shop finds at Goodbyes and of course Vinnies Brunswick.
- Some of Brunswick’s best-known pubs and beer gardens are here: The Cornish Arms and The Bergy Seltzer, as well as the dark and daring dancefloor at Stay Gold.
- A range of cafes and restaurants including: Tom Phat, Kevabs, Hanoi Rose and The Green Refectory.
- Barkly Square plays host to a range of food, household goods and services, such as: Coles, K Mart, JB Hi-Fi, a meat and fish counter and a food court.
Brunswick
Where is it?
- Brunswick station is between Albert & Victoria Streets.
What’s it like?
- Busy and bustling, Brunswick precinct is the place to head to go to the bank, post office and supermarket by day but also has a dual identity as a key Melbournian night spot, jammed full of eateries and pubs a-plenty.
What are the highlights?
- Entertainment, music and socialising are key to Brunswick from Dawson street to Victoria street. Catch some live music and have a drink at NONO, The Retreat, Brunswick Mess Hall, or The Brunswick Green or check out the Mechanics Institute for a theatre performance.
- Grab a coffee at Gloria, some Asian Mexican Fusion at the popular Basco or go for something refreshing like a beer or cocktail at Joey Smalls.
- Be sure to browse for a good read at Brunswick Bound and explore the famous Mediterranean Wholesalers… which is like a little Italy.
- On a more practical note, there’s your day to day needs catered for by Aldi, Commonwealth Bank, Australia Post, some exotic fabric shops and Bunnings. Some great vintage and second-hand shops like Savers and Melbourne Vintage are really booming, with a selection of the good ol’ op shops like Don Bosco.
Anstey
Where is it?
- Anstey station is on Albion Street, where this section has become known as the hill.
What’s it like?
- This area hosts Melbourne’s biggest bridal and wedding shopping destinations – where glamour, glitz and gowns are the order of the day. There are over 120 shops catering for weddings, formal occasions, christenings and more, including stationery, flowers, hand-made shoes and wedding attire for the whole party.
- Head up the hill for Turkish sweetmeats and pastries, Lebanese bread and Pakistani curries from the multicultural melting pot of cuisines and flavours.
- Brunswick Market is also located between Florence and Williams Street and hosts a big fruit & veg stall, a popular Japanese deli, phone repairs and of course, John’s Shoes.
What are the highlights?
- Bridal stores such as Raffaele Ciuca, Croce & Colisimo and Jannifer Wu Bridal, are just some of the high-end couture labels on offer, alongside more affordable options and boutique brands. There really is something for everyone here.
- Pop into Sparta Place, just off Sydney Road for a lovely range of independent gift stores and shops with a unique and creative twist.
- Food-wise, be sure to check out the Lebanese delights at A1 Bakery, Tiba’s, as well as the famous Turkish restaurant Alasya.
- A couple of bars bring life at night, with Bar Oussou presenting a magnitude of local and cultural beats and a cosy chilled beer garden; Ringo Barr for records, live music & drinks; or The Edinburgh Castle Hotel which offers a family friendly environment, with an authentic, local feel.
Moreland
Where is it?
- Moreland station is located on Moreland Road and ends at the Sydney Road Brunswick border.
What’s it like?
- Another multicultural hub of activity; this area is speedily developing, with plenty of Middle Eastern products, eateries and ostentatious jewellery shops.
- Moreland is a great place to go for the cheaper and alternative smaller supermarkets, with copious Indian grocery shops, where you can get the genuine products and added advice. A few local cafes and takeaway joints in there too.
What are the highlights?
- Bargain hunters should head for the large Salvos store.
- The nightlife is a variation of aromas from Pakistani & Indian restaurants but also hosts several Shisha lounges to chill in.
- Health services are plentiful with Reload Physio and Dr Seham Mostafa’s Surgery.
- Not to be missed is our famous costume shop at Centrestage Costumes.