Is Croydon the best place to live in Melbourne?
IS CROYDON the best place to live in Melbourne? Here’s everything you need to know about eating, drinking and playing in this leafy outer eastern hotspot.
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IF YOU’RE lucky enough to live in Croydon, you’re probably already aware of the postcode’s culinary and crafty drawcards.
From its burgeoning cafe scene and local brewery to its myriad schools and A-list celebrity ambassadors (Mick Molloy, Gold Logie winner John Wood, Kath & Kim comedian Magda Szubanski and rapper 360 all grew up or attended school in the area) — it’s no wonder the leafy enclave is a jewel in the south east’s crown.
At 27km from the CBD and just 15 minutes’ drive to the rolling, vine-carpeted hills of the Yarra Valley, Croydon offers both proximity to the hustle and bustle of Melbourne as well as easy access to all the cool-climate chardonnay and pinot noir your heart could ever wish for.
So, if you’ve never been before, we’re here to give you the 411 — or, in Croydon’s case, the 3136 — on everything to eat, see, drink and do in this suburban belle.
If you’re a local, revel in the fact that you get to enjoy it all, everyday.
WHERE TO EAT
BRUNCH
Croydon’s brunch game is pretty strong. With a raft of local eateries dishing up delicious breakfast and brunch treats, the most difficult decision is picking which one to visit.
Bekendales, which opened nine years ago, is a Main St stalwart. The house-made Belgian waffle is a must eat. The potato hashbrown benedict at The Full Pantry is another mouth-watering breakfast morsel. Their chai-spiced French toast and braised beef cheek baked eggs are up there with the all-time breakfast greats. If you’re a fritter fanatic, the zucchini, corn and halloumi fritters at The Lower Deck Cafe or the corn and quinoa fritters (topped with smashed avo) from Tabel Talk are sure to tickle your tastebuds. After a healthier start? Acai Brothers Superfood Bar is the place to go for all your smoothie and smoothie bowl needs. The raw jaffa bowl (blended acai, banana, coconut water, orange essential oil and cacao, topped with buckinis) is the ultimate summer breakfast.
THE DETAILS
Bekendales: 1/50 Main Street, Croydon
The Full Pantry: Shop 2 66-68 Maroondah Highway, Croydon
The Lower Deck Cafe: 6 San Carlos Walk, Croydon
Tabel Talk: 401-415 Maroondah Highway, Croydon North
Acai Brothers Superfood Bar: Shop 1, 3-5 Hewish Road, Croydon
BAKERY
Sweet tooths, listen up: Goldeluck’s Bakeshop is the ultimate pastry lovers’ paradise. Home of the doissant (doughnut crossed with a croissant), this experimental bakery is pumping out some seriously innovative candied creations. Think McDoughnut Sliders (doughnuts that look like Quarter Pounders) and 24 karat magic cronuts (croissant doughnuts). Yes, edible gold doughnuts are now a thing. For more traditional-style croissants, head to La Brioche. These buttery bad boys have garnered a cult following, with some locals even saying they are the best croissants you can buy outside France. But be sure to get there early as they tend to sell out.
THE DETAILS
Goldeluck’s Bakeshop: 15 The Mall, Croydon South, Croydon
La Brioche: 188 Bayswater Road, Croydon
MORE: THE BEST DOUGHNUT SHOPS IN MELBOURNE
COFFEE
For your AM pick-me-up, look no further than Mad Ram Cafe. The beans are by Toby’s Estate and the baristas are bearded so you know it’s going to be good. Mad Ram is run by three chefs tuned cafepreneurs so both the coffee and the food are en pointe. The Community Roasters single origin on pour at Rumour Mill cafe is also a worthy drop. If you want your morning cuppa with a side serve of silence, check out the Little Village Play Cafe. Here, the littlies can keep themselves entertained in the play area while you sit back and sip in peace.
THE DETAILS
Mad Ram Cafe: 19 Paul Street, Croydon
Rumour Mill: 22 McAdam Square, Croydon
Little Village Play Cafe: 30 The Mall, Croydon South
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BURGERS
The Local Burger Co has some of the best buns going round. This American-style burger bar is dishing up classic hits as well as new school treats. We’re talking crumpet buns and croissant burgers washed down with original Dr Pepper — like in the glass bottle and everything. Who says fancy burger joints are only in the inner suburbs? There’s also no going past Croydon’s original burger king, Rocco’s Burger Cafe. Their Parma Burger is one of the best. Also, give the Fish Taco, burger style, a go. You won’t regret it.
THE DETAILS
The Local Burger Co: 114 Bayswater Road, Croydon
Rocco’s Burger Cafe: 1 Exeter Road, Croydon North
RESTAURANTS
If you’re looking for somewhere to go for dinner, Croydon has plenty of options. Get your mouth around the chilli prawn fajitas at mod-Mex eatery Carlos Cantina. The souvas at Meat Empire are authentic and delicious — as is the grilled saganaki. And if you like your meat smoky and fall-off-the-bone tender, you’ll love the American-style slow-cooked feasts at The BBQ Joint. It’s all good so you may as well go straight for the share platters.
THE DETAILS
Carlos Cantina: 72 Maroondah Highway, Croydon
Meat Empire: Shop:2, 131 Main Street, Croydon
The BBQ Joint: Shop 43, The Mall, Croydon
BEST PLACE FOR A SUNDAY SIP
The Public Brewery is a new(ish) bar/taphouse/beer temple that is putting Croydon on the map for it's great community vibe, quality fresh food and, of course, it’s brewskis. It’s a microbrewery for cult beer lovers where you can sip, savour and even craft your own sips, with a hands-on brewing experience taking you through each step of the beer-making process. It’s also home to a boutique bottle and retail shop, and a delightful bar and dining area that opens out to a paved beer garden. It’s a Sunday sesh dream just waiting to come true. They also have live music on the balcony; so yeah, it’s pretty much the best local ever.
THE DETAILS
The Public Brewery: 13 Lacey Street, Croydon
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BEST PARKS
If you like to get out and about and enjoy the sunshine, Croydon has no shortage of open spaces. From picnics in the park at Town Park and Silcock Reserve to puppy play dates at Eastfield Dog Park, playground adventures at Cheong Park and skate fun at Croydon Park, Croydon’s recreation resume ticks all the boxes.
THE DETAILS
Cheong Park: 84-100 Bayswater Road, Croydon
Croydon Park: 213-215 Mt Dandenong Road, Croydon
Dorset Recreation Reserve: Dorset Road, Croydon
Eastfield Park: 119-139 Eastfield Road, Croydon
Silcock Reserve: 25-45 Surrey Road West, Croydon
Town Park: 8 Norton Road, Croydon
Warrien Reserve: 18-52 Warrien Road, Croydon North
For more information visit maroondah.vic.gov.au/explore
MORE: MELBOURNE’S BEST PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS
THINGS TO DO
ARTS
Unleash your inner artist at the Wyreena Community Arts Centre. This community hub — set in a classic prairie-style building on 1.5 hectares of beautifully maintained lawns and gardens (plus an adventure playground for the kids) — celebrates the work of local artists and artisans. Every term, they also offer a range of creative courses, such as pottery, sculpture, painting and relaxation. Pop by the Arts Lounge and peruse the latest gallery, or enjoy coffee and cake at The Conservatory Cafe.
THE DETAILS
Wyreena Community Arts Centre: 13-23 Hull Road, Croydon
WALKS
Nothing beats a Sunday stroll (except maybe Sunday brunch) and the walking tracks at Candlebark Walk Reserve — which is set on 9.2 hectares — are an idyllic weekend escape. If you’re after a leisurely weekend walk, Dorset Recreation Trail offers an easy, 4km return hike. For something more serious, Mullum Mullum Creek Trail is an 18.5km nature lover’s trail. The Mullum Mullum Trail connects the Main Yarra Trail and, soon, will connect to the Koonung and EastLink Trails. This will form a 42km off-road circuit.
GOLF
Swing life away over nine or 18 holes at Dorset Public Golf Course. It may not be the biggest course in Melbourne, but Dorset is proof good things come in small packages. The greens are well maintained with a fun layout that still offers plenty of challenging shots (we’re looking at you, 3rd hole). It’s harder than it looks, trust us.
THE DETAILS
Dorset Public Golf Course: Trawalla Road, Croydon
FESTIVALS
Get into the community spirit at the annual Maroondah Festival. Now in its 28th year, Maroondah Festival sees more than 20,000 people descend on Croydon’s Town Park, making it the largest free community event in Melbourne’s east. Presented by Maroondah City Council, the one-day event offers hundreds of free activities for people of all ages. This year’s event will see the return of the Kids Kingdom as well as a youth space, wellbeing area, eco village, artisan market and Tastes of Maroondah stage as well as live music and performances from local artists.
THE DETAILS
Maroondah Festival 2017 is on Sunday, November 12 from 10am-4pm.
Town Park, Norton Road, Croydon.
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