Northcote

There's a decidedly creative vibe around the inner Melbourne suburb of Northcote, which boasts more than its share of live music venues, boutiques, bars and cafes. Whether it's Westgarth strip, High Street or St George's Road, there is a patch of Northcote to suit any taste. The Northcote Social Club is a pillar of the Melbourne live music scene and the venue of choice for many emerging local acts and high profile international bands. The beautiful Westgarth Cinema screens the latest arthouse films and hosts fringe film festival events. It's impossible to go hungry in Northcote, with an ever-growing range of breakfast and brunch spots and a veritable menu of restaurants with reputations worth crossing town for. Lines blur between creative exhibition spaces and traditional bars and cafes. It's no surprise to encounter story telling evenings during a drink with friends, or mind-blowing displays to accompany a morning coffee. Northcote's well-stocked emporia ensure you don't need to venture beyond the suburb limits. Whimsical objects, locally-designed fashion, books and music, and Scandinavian furniture are all taken care of, as well as more mainstream chain stores. All Nation's and Batman parks are welcome green spaces, and the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre offers health focused activities. Northcote is around eight kilometres from the Melbourne city centre or around 15 minutes by car. Take the Number 86 tram from Bourke Street or the Epping line train from Flinders Street Station.