Melbourne Neighbourhood In Focus: Richmond

Three kilometers southeast of Melbourne’s CBD lies a suburb synonymous with sport and shopping. Home to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Bridge Road, and Little Saigon, Richmond is a culmination of all-things-Melbourne. Every weekend bargain hunters head to the factory outlets while sports fans can watch AFL in the winter or a game of Cricket in the summer, and foodies indulge in a plethora of cafes including the locally thriving Vietnamese scene.

No matter what your interests are, Richmond has something for you. Fashionistas can shop up a storm on Bridge Road where there’s always a bargain to snatch and a new boutique to discover. From fashion outlets to furniture shops, a visit to Bridge Road may put a sizeable dent in your bank account. If all that shopping has made you thirsty, then head to Mountain Goat Brewery where you can sample quality ale on Wednesday and Friday nights. Richmond is also home to some of Melbourne’s most impressive street art as well as one of the city’s most beloved music venues, The Corner Hotel, which serves up pub grub alongside classic rock. Richmond is also home to the MCG where footy fans can enjoy a game at the largest stadium in the southern hemisphere.

Restaurants

You’ll never go hungry in Richmond with plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from. If you’re after a coffee then we recommend Top Paddock who pair their Five Senses coffee with a robust selection of dishes. If it’s cheese you’re after then head to Richmond Hill Café and Larder, who have their own cheese room and even a cheese club. For all-day breakfast try Reunion & Co. Café or Short Black Cafe who open their doors bright and early at 6am. Visit Pillar of Salt for a trendy take on a casual café or if you’re after an artsy, laid back vibe try Friends of Mine. Guilt free desserts are on offer at LSX Café. Meanwhile, Feast of Merit offers a rooftop bar and scrumptious Middle Eastern crumpets. Richmond is also home to Melbourne’s Little Saigon so if you’re craving Vietnamese food then take a stroll to Victoria Street.

Notable People and Popular Culture

Among Richmond’s most notable residents are model Megan Gale, comedians Andy Lee and Rove McManus, Australian musical icon Molly Meldrum, gangster Squizzy Taylor and Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater. Richmond is mentioned in Paul Kelly’s song ‘Leaps and Bounds,’ TV renovation show The Block have filmed on Cameron Street, and cult classic Dogs in Space starring Michael Hutchence was also filmed in Richmond. Stake out these spots and relive your favourite moments of Australian popular culture.