Brunswick East, VIC 3057

I have worked in urban development in Melbourne for over 20 years. I cannot begin to tell you how much interest there is in this suburb. I have not seen it in all my years.

New developments, restaurants and homes, all within a few km from the city and the better part of Lygon st. In the next 3 years, this suburb will take the mantle from Essendon in the north.

It’s a fascinating dichotomy where the leafy trails of the Merri Creek meet urban grunge. A mix of housing ranges from modern apartments, renovated and un-renovated miners cottages to period double front family homes. Lygon Street is the central hub for a diverse cultural background paving the way for an array of international cuisines in local cafes, restaurants and traditional pubs.
Two trams lines servicing the suburb make getting in and out of the city easy. There a number of dog friendly parks for our four legged friends, and great people to meet while your there.
Leafy streets. Fixie’s. Trendy bars. East Brunswick

We lived in Brunswick East for less than a year but really enjoyed the suburb. It is so close to everything, shops, cafes, restaurants. Public transport is excellent with two tram lines. We felt very safe walking on the street at any time as it is just busy and vibrant even at night. Short stroll to merri creek with the lovely walking / cycling trails. Rent wise it is very reasonable compared to the south and eastern suburbs that has the same distance to city, and is therefore particularly good for renters.

One of the most vibrant communities in the inner north, Brunswick East manages to both hum along and stand still all at once. Lygon Street rivals its Carlton neighbor nowadays for excellent dining options, whilst some of the best brunches in Melbourne hide on every corner (especially Pope Joans on Nicholson Street).

Fantastic parks abound, dog owners particularly favour the spectacular Flemming and Balfe parks for off leash fun, and having access to Trams on both Nicholson (96) and Lygon(1,8) mean that you have easy access to and from the CBD, especially handy now 24 hour trams run on weekends.

Great community groups around also, with the 5th Brunswick Scout group on Weston Street always out and about, and the amazing CERES Community Environment park providing an amazing centre for the community.

from the bustle of the top end of Lygon Street, to the idyllic parkland at Merri Creek - Brunswick East really does have a little bit of something for everyone.

Would have to be my favorite of suburbs I've lived in. It offers something for everyone but maintains a low key and relaxed community in which I've always felt safe and invited. Bars, shopping, supermarkets and transport. My favorite things to do in the area is Ceres Market on a Sunday morning with a tram ride over to St Kilda and a sunday beer at The Espy!!! Below is a piece I wrote about Nicholson Street, where I live in Fitzroy North which I thought I'd include in this review as well.

One of my favorite Melbourne Streets, particularly Fitzroy, North Fitzroy and East Brunswick. Nicholson Street takes a north-south route from the city beginning at Spring Street and through to Albion Street, at the Brunswick East end. It encompasses numerous suburbs including Carlton, Fitzroy, North Fitzroy and Brunswick East. At the southern end, on the corner of Victoria and Nicholson Streets is St Vincents hospital and opposite is where the Carlton Gardens begin, one of the best parks in Melbourne in my opinion, which includes the Museum and IMAX complex. The housing around this area mostly consists of old Victorian buildings that are beautiful, although expensive. Further North, the street sweeps into Fitzroy and gives a starting point to head West up to Lygon St or East to Brunswick St. There are a few bars and restaurants right off the tram stops, namely the Pumphouse and the Commerical Club Hotel which both offer great food and atmosphere.

Again moving Northwards, Nicholson Street changes to include more residential and schooling whilst still maintaining the wide tree-lined street. The real Heart of 'North' Nicholson street however is 'Nicholson Village', running between Pigdon St and Brunswick Road. The strip in North Fitzroy comprises of bars, cafe's, deli's and world class meat and grocery providers within a community atmosphere easily accessible by public transport. Highlights include the famous 'North Carlton Quality Meats', 'Birdie Num Nums Cafe' 'The Empress Hotel' and 'Bar Fred'. There's also 'Maria's Deli' and 'Milawa Cheese' to take in which add to the number of places to visit on a Saturday walk. Sometimes its hard to leave.

Further north towards East Brunswick there are numerous developments taking place for both residential and retail and it sees the beginning of the famous #96 Bumblebee tram that travels from East Brunswick all the way to St Kilda Beach. Just around the corner from the last stop on the route is the 'Ceres Market' which offers everything in organic agriculture and sustainability. A great Sunday morning destination. From the Northern end it is also only minutes walk to either Lygon Street or Sydney Road as well North Fitzroy, particularly, The Pinnacle Hotel and Piedemonte's supermarket.

What I like mostly about Nicholson Street is the variety in which very step develops into something fresh and new. I've lived in both the Middle and Northern ends since 2002 and have to say, it is one of the most community orientated, friendly and safe streets I have lived on. The ease of access with the Number 96 Tram is a huge bonus to get to city work as well as to St Kilda Beach and everything Fitzroy Street. Walking to and from bars, restaurants, cafes, food and retail is second to none and although a busy street you never really feel closed in. The developments at the northern end will only add to vibrant culture and I look forward to seeing Nicholson Street in the next five years as it goes from strength to strength.

I love this place! I've lived here for 6 years. It's rapidly becoming the cool part of town. Great cafe's surround you - like Helenic Republic and Rumi and there are always new ones opening. It's close to town and the public transport is always close by.

Having lived in Brunswick for almost 30 years one thing I have found is that I love this area more and more as time goes on. The vibe keeps getting more upbeat and there are always cool new bars, restaurants and cafes constantly opening.