Fitzroy
Fitzroy – Melbourne’s cultural hub
Fitzroy is Melbourne’s oldest suburb and this northern inner-city enclave today boasts both rustic old-world charm and contemporary, modern vernacular. Located less than 3kms from Melbourne’s CBD, Fitzroy is easily accessed on foot or by tram and is the home of some of Melbourne’s best art, live music, boutique shopping and dining/entertainment experiences.
With a diverse built environment, Fitzroy showcases abundant Victorian era architecture, historic streetscape and heritage preservation precinct, as well as modern creations and vibrant street art. Wander through painted alleys and laneways, check out the commissioned murals splashed over entire building facades and immerse yourself in the thriving local street art community. Fitzroy is alive with art, also home to multiple small commercial art galleries, modern artist spaces and studios, including the Gertrude Contemporary Art Spaces and Centre for Contemporary Photography.
Fitzroy’s commercial heart is Brunswick Street, one of Melbourne’s most famous shopping, dining and nightlife strips. In addition to art spaces and specialist bookshops, Brunswick Street is home to old and new school cafes, serving up speciality coffee and treats, plus a multitude of restaurants, bars and clubs, from fancy dining at Bon Ap’ to local gins and jaffles at Bad Frankie, as well as a plethora of ethnic eats, meat free meals and more. Brunswick Street and beyond promise a thriving bar, pub and live music scene – catch a local band at one of the many pubs, sit at a rooftop bar and sip a cocktail drinking in city views and sample local spirits and beers at one of the many hip, lively spots in the suburb.
Shop until you drop in Fitzroy, with boutique offerings and local one-off designer goodies, as well as quirky vintage finds, plenty of art, fashion, footwear and vinyl records. For fresh air and catching rays, wander through Fitzroy’s green space, Edinburgh Gardens, splash in Fitzroy Swimming Pool or do some barefoot bowling at Fitzroy Bowls Club.