Travelling Guide to Fitzroy & Collingwood, Melbourne

Think you know Fitzroy & Collingwood? These suburbs will leave you starry-eyed.


On the books, Melbourne is Australia's fastest growing city... but it is also the promised land of the hipsters and everything vintage. Venture beyond the city centre and into the suburbs to be immensely rewarded by a different experience altogether. Pack in the most you can within one single visit to the Fitzroy and Collingwood suburbs area... get ready your bellies and walking shoes!




1. Conduct your own photoshoot along the graffiti walls.
Rose Street Grafitti Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Rose Street, Fitzroy
Rose Street Grafitti Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Rose Street, Fitzroy
Rose Street Grafitti Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Rose Street, Fitzroy
Rose Street Grafitti Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Rose Street, Fitzroy
Rose Street Grafitti Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Grafitti walls in the Fitzroy suburb
Rose Street Grafitti Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Rose Street Grafitti Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Rose Street Grafitti Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)

Who can resist? There are so many talented graffiti artists around, and they leave their creative traces all over the walls that are practically begging to be photographed. There are so much of graffiti all around that it feels like a city within a museum, and I actually got jaded with so much of it. Pick the ones you really, really like or your camera's memory card will explode. Don't be afraid to explore the little laneways, you just might find gems around the corner.

2. Brunch with Grace, coffee with Industry Beans.
Grace Cafe, Rose Street, Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Grace Cafe, Rose Street, Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Image credits: Grace Facebook page
Grace Cafe, Rose Street, Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Image credits: Grace Facebook page
Grace Cafe, Rose Street, Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Image credits: Grace Facebook page
Menu of Grace Cafe, Rose Street, Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Grace Cafe, Rose Street, Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Grace Cafe, Rose Street, Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)Menu of Grace Cafe, Rose Street, Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Menu of Grace Cafe, Rose Street, Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Breakfast places can't get better than Melbourne's, and Grace Cafe found in Fitzroy is arguably one of the best in the region. It seems like they can do no wrong with their 'kind food' menu which features default vegetarian, gluten-free with an option to add bacon if you'd like. I'd recommend the quark-filled crepes with berry coulis (or lemon curd, your pick), the banana cakes, and the mushroom & spinach baked eggs. Unfortunately, their coffees erred on the side of being mildly burnt and slightly too acidic. If you're particularly about your coffee, why not hop over to Industry Beans right beside Grace? You deserve only the best, so grab a cuppa at this boutique coffee roaster which distributes its coffee beans to many cafes around Melbourne. Definitely a gold-star contributor to the standard of cafes in this world-class coffee city.
Grace Cafe
76 Rose St
Fitzroy VIC 3065

Industry Beans
Warehouse 3
62 Rose Street
Fitzroy VIC 3065



3. Spot quirky shops (and cars! and people!)
Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)

Fitzroy is a magnet for the quirky and expressive - keep your eyes peeled for interesting people and buildings. You might just score decorated beards and cosplayers. Talk to the grungy but friendly man advertising the Rose Street Artists Market, or even take a photo with him. He can be found at the corner of Rose Street and Brunswick Street on weekends. 

4. Treasure-hunting at opportunity stores.

Opportunity Stores - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Opportunity Stores - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Opportunity Stores - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Opportunity Stores - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Opportunity Stores - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Opportunity Stores - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Opportunity Stores - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)

There are multiple locations for the opportunity stores lining both Smith Street and Brunswick Street, so shop to your hearts' content, ladies and gentlemen. Opportunity stores feature second-hand, pre-loved items, as well as unsold last-season brand-new items from local stores, including but not limited to: dresses, tops, skirts, pants, jackets, shoes, sunglasses, furniture, books, electronics, accessories, wallets, bags... everything materialistic. There are luxury items and very vintage collections sold for cheap, you just have to dig for them. Most of them are in good quality that will be very value-for-money. Essentially a whole suburb of flea markets. All day, everyday.

5. Zip into Love, Evelyn Weekend Markets
Love Evelyn Flea - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Love, Evelyn Weekend Market
Love Evelyn Flea - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Love, Evelyn Weekend Market
Every weekend, magic happens at The Evelyn Hotel. Artists and flea market stall holders flock to hold a space at Love, Evelyn Weekend Markets. Here, you will find more contemporary creations and artisan cakes made by locals. Jive to the hippy background music. It isn't a huge area, but packs quite a bit of punch if you looked closer.

Love, Evelyn Weekend Market
351 Brunswick Street
Fitzroy VIC 3065


6. Pilgrimage trip to Gelato Messina
Gelato Messina - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Gelato Messina - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Gelato Messina - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)

After all that shopping, surely you'll need a little sugar rush to keep you going. Make a stop at Gelato Messina, the sweet heart-throb for many locals... claiming that it's way better than the best of Italy's! Look at how they can't resist ice-cream even on a blustery winter day - you know you can't miss this. Still not convinced? Just read the fanatic fanmail Messina gets on their Facebook page. The only problem you'd have is choosing a flavour. I had the coconut - it was divine. People swear by the salted caramel, pandan, and apple pie.
Gelato Messina
237 Smith Street
Fitzroy VIC 3065

7. Tour the Rose Street Artists Market
Rose Street Artists Market - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Rose Street Artists Market - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Rose Street Artists Market - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Rose Street Artists Market - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Rose Street Artists Market - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Rose Street Artists Market - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Rose Street Artists Market - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Rose Street Artists Market - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Rose Street Artists Market - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)

If you're here on a weekend (you should be, or you'll miss out on all the exciting stuff happening here), head onto the famous Rose Street market to check out the craft work of local artists. They are often priced at a premium because they are absolutely unique and handmade! Pick out a few for souvenirs or as an indulgence for yourself!
Rose Street Artists Market
60 Rose Street
Fitzroy VIC 3065

8. Delve into the world of nature at Fitzroy Nursery
Fitzroy Nursery - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Fitzroy Nursery - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Fitzroy Nursery - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Fitzroy Nursery - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
The Fitzroy Nursery appears rather unimpressive from the outside, but enter to find a whole new world of expert gardening. It reminded me of the times when I could decorate my virtual garden in SIMS, except this is real. They had in stock the most comfortable chair in the world but it was promptly bought by someone already.
Fitzroy Nursery
390 Brunswick Street
Fitzroy VIC 3065

9. Lick on more gelato at N2 Extreme
N2 Gelato - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Image credits: N2 Gelato Facebook page
N2 Gelato - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Image credits: N2 Gelato Facebook page
N2 Gelato - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Image credits: N2 Gelato Facebook page
You can't get away with not trying N2 at some point in your stay in Melbourne, so just start early! Made fresh from liquid nitrogen (hence, N2), this gelato place offers unique flavours that can only be found in this store. Think: caramel-infused earl grey gelato and spam-mustard gelato? What the hell. Grab a cup here before moving on.

N2 Extreme Gelato
329 Brunswick Street
Fitzroy VIC 3065

10. Browse the Happy Valley bookstore
Happy Valley Bookstore - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Happy Valley Bookstore - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Happy Valley Bookstore - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Happy Valley Bookstore - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)

Welcome to my favourite bookstore in Melbourne which really deserves more publicity. Or maybe not, because I want to keep it for myself. Their collection of books convinced me to marinate myself in them until closing hour. For those who loves books: this is your to-go destination.

Happy Valley
294 Smith Street
Collingwood VIC 3066

 
11. Turn back time at Cook's Cottage.
Cook's Cottage, Fitzroy Gardens - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Cook's Cottage, Fitzroy Gardens - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Cook's Cottage, Fitzroy Gardens - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)

More far-flung from the rest of Fitzroy/Collingwood's attractions, the Cook's Cottage is one of the understated tourist stops in the city. It is the oldest building in the whole of Australia, shipped brick and mortar from the old house of explorer Captain James Cook. For a small fee of AUD6 for adults and AUD3 for children, you can tour his house, and see volunteers dressed up in period costumes.

Fitzroy Gardens
Wellington Parade
East Melbourne VIC 3002


12. Roam around Fitzroy Gardens and the Conservatory. 
Fitzroy Gardens - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Fitzroy Gardens - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Fitzroy Gardens - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Fitzroy Gardens - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)
Fitzroy Gardens - Fitzroy/ Collingwood  - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)

The Fitzroy Gardens is technically not in the Fitzroy suburb but definitely worthy to drop by if you're in need of a break from all that city fluster. Look out for points of interest including the magnificent floral displays in the Spanish mission style Conservatory. Cooks Cottage, a scarred tree, the Fairies’ Tree and model tudor village, sculptures, fountains and a stormwater cleaning and re-use system.

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I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @amie.hu and Facebook page!

Amie

a travel and food blogger with a constant longing to be somewhere to makes her feel alive ☆ life's an adventure

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