High Street, Armadale

You know those streets that just feel fancy? High Street is that, but in a charming ‘treat yourself’ kind of way.

Framed by 19^th-century shopfronts and tree-lined footpaths, it’s a magnet for the style-savvy. So, if you’re in the market for a show-stopping outfit (or just a hint of elegance), this spot has you covered.

Browse racks at Zimmermann, Camilla, Cue or Carla Zampatti, or lose hours treasure-hunting in antique stores and galleries. And if you’re a beauty buff, you can’t go past Aveda or Facial Healing Co for a post-shop glow.

Need a break? Grab a coffee and something flaky from Ruben’s Deli, Ned’s Bake or Philippa’s Bakery.

Armadale knows how to do luxe, local style effortlessly.

 

 

Church Street, Brighton

Polished, leafy and a little bit bougie, Church Street in Brighton knows how to put on a show.

And with more than 260 shops, cafés and restaurants, this one’s a local institution.

Swing by Keith’s Homemade Cakes for a nostalgic slice or catch an arthouse flick at Palace Cinema. Shop designer threads at Salt Clothing, then wander into Top Titles – the kind of indie bookstore that makes you want to linger.

This is the sort of strip where you’ll see someone in activewear… but it’s designer.

Church Street knows how to do luxury with ease. You’ll come for the shopping, stay for the cinema and probably leave with a book and a cashmere sweater.

 

 

Centre Road, Bentleigh

Just browsing? Good luck with that.

Centre Road is Bentleigh’s beating heart. It’s buzzing, multicultural and full of surprises.

This strip serves up everything from Michelin-level croissants (seriously, don’t skip Artisanal Bakehouse) to bulk roasted nuts at the Fresh Nut Centre.

There’s boho homewares, second-hand gems and cosy bookshops and boutiques – all stitched together with a strong local vibe.

On Sundays, the market near the station turns the whole area into a treasure hunt. Think antiques, crafts, plants, books, fashion and more.

The bottom line? You’ll come for one thing and leave with five. No regrets.

 

 

Ormond Road, Elwood

Elwood’s Ormond Road feels like a slow Sunday morning, all week long.

Contributing to the vibe? The leafy sidewalks, heritage shopfronts and relaxed, breezy energy that leads straight to the beach.

Grab a top-tier espresso from Clifford Posner Coffee Supreme, then wander through boutique stores like Alafia Gallery and The Grumpy Swimmer for personality-filled knick-knacks and thoughtful gifts.

If you’re hungry, Dandelion serves refined Vietnamese with a modern twist, or you can café-hop your way to the sand.

It’s local. It’s lovely. And it’s the kind of strip that makes you want to linger.

 

 

Burke Road, Camberwell

If you love variety (and a bit of vintage), Burke Road Camberwell is your spot.

Anchored by the iconic Camberwell Junction, this precinct is a mash-up of fashion boutiques, major retailers, cafés and heritage shopfronts.

Start your day at The Chocolate Box – a Camberwell staple since 1958 – then wander through Silvermaple Boutique for curated fashion finds and styling advice.

And don’t miss the Camberwell Sunday Market. Here you’ll find 300 stalls serving up antiques, pre-loved fashion and curious finds you didn’t know you needed.

Busy. Eclectic. Friendly. That’s Camberwell.

 

 

Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn East

Glenferrie Road is one of those places where no one’s in a rush, but somehow everything’s happening.

It’s a mix of uni life, heritage charm and low-key cool that never really goes out of style.

We recommend starting your morning at Axil Coffee Roasters or cult favourite Liar Liar. You can’t go wrong with either – both roast, brew and brunch hard. Trust us.

After your caffeine hit, pop into Readings for a book you’ve had your eye on, then browse boutiques like Marais for a splash of Parisian fashion.

The strip’s walkable, vibrant and full of character. It doesn’t shout for attention, but it always gives you a reason to return.

 

 

Kingsway, Glen Waverley

Kingsway is where Glen Waverley comes alive. Especially after dark.

It’s loud, it’s lit, and it’s got more bubble tea than you’ll know what to do with.

You’ll find dumpling spots on every corner (cue the ‘who does it best’ debate), karaoke joints with zero shame and dessert bars with lines out the door.

Here, someone’s always celebrating something. Whether it’s a hotpot meal or a Timezone win.

Start with lunch, stay for dinner and maybe squeeze in a late-night snack just because you can.

This strip doesn’t do chill – it does chaotic. In the best way possible.

 

 

Eaton Mall, Oakleigh

Oakleigh’s Eaton Mall isn’t just a shopping strip – it’s the full Greek experience.

Pedestrian-only, always buzzing and unapologetically Hellenic, this is where locals come for grilled meats, strong coffee and a whole lot of kefi (that untranslatable joy-vibe thing).

Grab a table at Kalimera for Melbourne’s most talked-about souvlaki, or dive into syrupy baklava and galaktoboureko from Mylonas Cakes.

With leafy surrounds, open-air dining and the smell of charcoal in the air, it’s the closest thing to Athens without leaving Melbourne.

Come hungry, bring your yiayia – and don’t be surprised if you leave with a pastry box and a Greek earworm.

 

 

Bay Street, Port Melbourne

You’ll pop by for a smoothie, and next thing you know, you’ve done a tarot reading, bought a linen jumpsuit and booked a pub lunch. That’s the Bay Street effect.

You’ve got iconic pubs like The Local and The Exchange Hotel pouring pints and packing out Sunday sessions, while Noisette keeps the pastry-lovers coming back for that buttery, golden croissant perfection.

Pick up crystals and oracle cards at witchy shop Magick of Artemis, then wander into places like Laine Boutique or Witchery for fashion and homewares.

And with the beach just minutes away, there’s no real rush to leave.

 

 

Looking for more local gems, day-out inspo or foodie favourites? Check out The Peer Blog for all our top recommendations.