The Areas of Sydney Road
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 St to Victoria street. Catch some live music and have a drink at The Penny Black, The Retreat, Brunswick Mess Hall, or The Brunswick Green or check out the Mechanics Institute for a theatre performance.
- Grab a coffee at Maddox, 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 Scavengers and Melbourne Vintage are really booming, with a selection of the good ol’ op shops, Don Bosco and Savers.
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 multi-cultural melting pot of cuisines and flavours.
- Brunswick Market is also located between Florence and Williams Street and hosts a big fruit & veg stall, 2 meat counters, specialty chicken shop and a multitude of other stalls where you can pick up a bargain or two.
What are the highlights?
- Bridal stores such as Raffaele Ciuca, Croce & Colisimo and Brides of Brunswick, 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, head to Biff Tannin’s wine bar 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 the Sydney Road Brunswick border.
What’s it like?
- Another multi-cultural 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 new local cafes and takeaway joints in there too.
What are the highlights?
- Bargain hunters should head for the large Salvos store with a shoe factory outlet and party supply shop.
- The nightlife is a variation of aromas from Pakistani and Indian restaurants but also hosts several Shisha lounges to chill in.
- Health services are plentiful with Reload Physio establishment and National Hearing Care.
- Not to be missed is our famous costume shop at Centrestage Costumes.