Our microguides series is inspired by the slow travel movement, encouraging travellers to relax their pace and take a deep dive into one particular neighbourhood in a well-loved city. Rather than a whirlwind itinerary that aims to hit up every must-see attraction, these compact, close-up guides encourage you to zone in, take your time and truly explore like a local.
Escape the skyscrapers of Melbourne’s central business district, and less than a mile northeast you’ll find Collingwood. Sharing a border with tourist favourite Fitzroy, it’s just as foodie and artsy – but still pleasantly rough around the edges.
Collingwood’s young, creative community is embracing the warehouses left behind by the suburb’s manufacturing past, creating amazing spaces to wine, dine and browse. Smith Street – the eclectic high street that Time Out voted “Coolest Street in the World 2021” – is well worth a stroll. There’s a great selection of bakeries, record stores, coffee shops and boutiques.
Venture into the side streets and you’ll find what makes Collingwood really special. Microbreweries, coffee roasters and restaurants are all hidden away behind rolltop doors. Throw in some fascinating architecture and street art, and you’ve got yourself a home base you’ll be dying to get back to.
Abbotsford Convent is now an arts venue
(Getty)
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Soak up the street art
Melbourne is famous for its street art. Collingwood is home to a Keith Haring mural dating back to 1984, and an epic tower-block sized mural by Adnate on Wellington St. You can’t miss these vivid creations, but book a street art guide for the full experience.
Visit Abbotsford Convent
Set in 16 acres of land next to the Yarra River, Abbotsford Convent has been reborn as Australia’s biggest multi-arts precinct. Galleries, cafes and unexpected inner-city green spaces (including a city farm!) sit alongside a mish-mash of artists’ studios and workshops that line the echoey corridors and leafy courtyards of the old convent.
The Collingwood Beer Trail
Despite being just 1.3sq km, Collingwood packs in much of the essence of Melbourne’s craft beer scene. Stomping Ground beer hall is joined by many smaller warehouse spots that spill out onto the streets. Take on The Collingwood Beer Trail to check out The Mill Brewery, Molly Rose Brewing Co and IPA specialists Fixation Brewing…
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