The sun is shining bright in Melbourne, which means it’s the perfect time to round up my top 7 things to see, do and eat in Elwood.
The bayside suburb of Elwood comes alive during the summer months. Home to endless cafes, boutique shopping and unique street art, this buzzing neighbourhood is not only one of the best spots to live in the South, it’s a destination that’s worth visiting week after week to soak up the culture, foodie finds and beach lifestyle.
Top 7 things to see, do and eat in Elwood
1 – The Best Smoothies in Melbourne
Nestled in the heart of Ormand Road, Combi is a petite cafe with a big smoothie reputation.
As per the sign tiled into the counter, follow your heart to their yummy offering of health-conscious raw foods and house blend coffee. You’re sure to fall in love with the beach shack vibes, so pull up a seat and get your smoothie on!
2 – Bread and Pizza and Burgers – oh my
Follow your nose to one of my favourite bakeries in Melbourne! Elwood Patisserie & Bakery is home to delicious fresh bread, cakes, pastries and pies, and let me share an insiders only tip, they have the best value sandwiches in the South. Everything is baked daily on site and the smell is amazing!
For pizza, head along Ormand Road to Jimmi Jamz. With a relaxed vibe and large courtyard, it’s the perfect spot for lunch or dinner with the whole family. PS. Happy Hour runs every afternoon from 3-6pm.
And for Burgers… one word. Saintly.
3 – Beach with your Baes
Undoubtably, one of my favourite things to do in Elwood is to book in for a brunch session at Elwood Bathers. After a cheeky glass of rosé and a few seafood indulgences, it’s time to grab an umbrella and towel from the car and head out onto the beach with a takeaway coffee and chilled water.
Slap on some sunscreen and settle in for some salt water paddling or a summer read. It’s a wonderful bayside beach and doesn’t get nearly as busy as some of the neighbouring sands.
4 – Local Produce + Fresh Blooms
If you consider yourself a gourmet foodie, or really appreciate the true value of shopping local, then the The Leaf Store is for you. Leaf offers beautiful fresh produce and providore, and almost everything in sight is organic or health conscious
For beautiful blooms, The Elwood Flower Studio is my top pick for the freshest seasonal flowers. Not only do they offer free delivery for Elwood locals, they also host a variety of interactive workshops including flower crown workshops (take note for next Spring Carnival).
5 – Get your shop on!
I love to stroll around the shops in Elwood. I could spend all day Saturday getting lost in a new retail find. Honestly, there is a boutique for every shop til you drop fan.
Here are some to get you started:
> For chick-ass threads, my top pick is Mad About the Girl.
> Need a unique gift, head to Be Marsupial.
> For lovely homewares, check out Charlie Mac.
> South Village Trading is a gorgeous little lifestyle boutique.
> For a great range of mens and womens fashion, visit Significant Other.
> For all the boho babes out there, Kahaani is for you.
6 – Catch up for Coffee
If Melbourne is known as the coffee capital of Australia, then Elwood could possibly steal the title for reigning suburb. Not even kidding!
You’ll find a cafe on every corner, and then another two-doors down. It’s the perfect coffee hop for a great, local brew. To get you started, check out Little Sun Flower, Hummingbird and Johnny’s Elwood Bodega.
7 – Hidden Art and Architecture
Walking or driving around Elwood is an absolute treat. The tree lined streets are manicured with a combination of art deco apartments, modern buildings, Edwardian cottages and Victorian mansions.
Street art, music culture and most obviously its laid-back vibe, makes it one of the prettiest patches of inner-city living in Victoria.
Check out the Explore Port Phillip website and follow @exploreportphillip on Instagram and Facebook for more exciting happenings throughout the City of Port Phillip this summer.
This post is proudly brought to you by the City of Port Phillip.
Liane
How did Grumpy Swimmer not make this list?! The bookstore is AH-mazing.
Emily Collie
Will have to check it out Liane.
Thanks for the tip 🙂