Gin’s Guidebook
My Fave Places to Eat & Drink
Whether it's a good glass of wine, a delicious pizza or damn fine burger, these are my tried and tested go-to places. Enjoy!
An extensive wine list and delicious food to accompany. If it's a sunny day you'll love the outdoor seating where you can do a nice spot of wine and people-watching!
30 Einheimische empfehlen
Blue Tongue Wine Bar
62-64 Ormond RdAn extensive wine list and delicious food to accompany. If it's a sunny day you'll love the outdoor seating where you can do a nice spot of wine and people-watching!
Great cafe atmosphere with quality coffee and delicious, quick and easy grub. Jimmi Jamz won't disappoint.
30 Einheimische empfehlen
Jimmi Jamz
130-132 Ormond RdGreat cafe atmosphere with quality coffee and delicious, quick and easy grub. Jimmi Jamz won't disappoint.
Gourmet pizza to die for! Run by Italians with a passion for pizza, you are in for a treat! If you're around on a Tuesday night, hit Zanini's for great discounts.
And if you're a sweet tooth, be sure to try the messy handmade Italian donuts dipped in Nutella! Words can't describe!
11 Einheimische empfehlen
Zanini Pizzeria & Cucina Italiana - Elwood
106 Ormond RdGourmet pizza to die for! Run by Italians with a passion for pizza, you are in for a treat! If you're around on a Tuesday night, hit Zanini's for great discounts.
And if you're a sweet tooth, be sure to try the messy handmade Italian donuts dipped in Nutella! Words can't describe!
Great coffee and healthy snacks, this trendy cafe in Ormond Road has something for everyone. It can get crowded, so pop in early and don't be put off by queues outside the door - the line moves pretty fast.
53 Einheimische empfehlen
Combi Elwood
138-140 Ormond RdGreat coffee and healthy snacks, this trendy cafe in Ormond Road has something for everyone. It can get crowded, so pop in early and don't be put off by queues outside the door - the line moves pretty fast.
I haven't been here myself, but my Elwood inside network say this is THE place to go for top quality Malaysian takeaway.
You even get a 5% discount if you bring your own containers (I love a place that cares about the environment)!
Singing Wok
152 Tennyson StI haven't been here myself, but my Elwood inside network say this is THE place to go for top quality Malaysian takeaway.
You even get a 5% discount if you bring your own containers (I love a place that cares about the environment)!
2kms (10 minute bike ride or 25 minute walk) from the flat.
This is my FAVORITE restaurant of all time. If you like top quality seafood and a cosy atmosphere, it's the place to be.
Live music, good beer and wine list too.
https://www.facebook.com/claypotsstkilda/
110 Einheimische empfehlen
Claypots Seafood Bar
213 Barkly St2kms (10 minute bike ride or 25 minute walk) from the flat.
This is my FAVORITE restaurant of all time. If you like top quality seafood and a cosy atmosphere, it's the place to be.
Live music, good beer and wine list too.
https://www.facebook.com/claypotsstkilda/
A new kid on the block, this place does not disappoint. A fresh, modern vibe with a great hot beverage selection (with lots of coffee alternatives) and delicious gourmet meals.
17 Einheimische empfehlen
Plain Sailing
144 Ormond RdA new kid on the block, this place does not disappoint. A fresh, modern vibe with a great hot beverage selection (with lots of coffee alternatives) and delicious gourmet meals.
Things to Do
So many choices, so little time! Enjoy these awesome activities our area has to offer.
No trip to Melbourne is complete without a ride on the Scenic Railway at Luna Park! Take a photo in front of the iconic smiling mouth entry and try your hand on the dodgem cars. Put your brave face on for the haunted house and take a picture on the beautiful hundred year old carousel - the most elaborate carousel in the Southern Hemisphere.
Opened in 1912, Luna Park is Australia's oldest theme park. It's the most loved and most well known theme parks in Victoria.
You can purchase tickets at the park - no need to pre-book. Buy one ticket for one ride, or purchase a book of tickets for multiple rides.
Head down Vautier St to the beach then walk North along the beach promenade for a scenic walk to the park (about 20 - 30 minutes), or cut through the lovely streets of Elwood for a more direct route. (Mitford, then along Acland St).
468 Einheimische empfehlen
Luna Park Melbourne
18 Lower EsplanadeNo trip to Melbourne is complete without a ride on the Scenic Railway at Luna Park! Take a photo in front of the iconic smiling mouth entry and try your hand on the dodgem cars. Put your brave face on for the haunted house and take a picture on the beautiful hundred year old carousel - the most elaborate carousel in the Southern Hemisphere.
Opened in 1912, Luna Park is Australia's oldest theme park. It's the most loved and most well known theme parks in Victoria.
You can purchase tickets at the park - no need to pre-book. Buy one ticket for one ride, or purchase a book of tickets for multiple rides.
Head down Vautier St to the beach then walk North along the beach promenade for a scenic walk to the park (about 20 - 30 minutes), or cut through the lovely streets of Elwood for a more direct route. (Mitford, then along Acland St).
Cakes, coffee, cafes and restaurants, Acland St has a vibe like no other. Head to Acland St for an eclectic mix of hipsters, buskers and the odd crazy character or two!
Be sure to have an empty stomach before you arrive, as the cake shops along this street are well known and out of this world. Monarch Cakes and Le Bon have been there since the 1930's and are still going strong. Be sure to try Monarch's baked Polish Cheese Cake or famous Eastern European Plum Cake. Sooo good!
259 Einheimische empfehlen
Acland Street
Acland StreetCakes, coffee, cafes and restaurants, Acland St has a vibe like no other. Head to Acland St for an eclectic mix of hipsters, buskers and the odd crazy character or two!
Be sure to have an empty stomach before you arrive, as the cake shops along this street are well known and out of this world. Monarch Cakes and Le Bon have been there since the 1930's and are still going strong. Be sure to try Monarch's baked Polish Cheese Cake or famous Eastern European Plum Cake. Sooo good!
Take a walk or ride south along Elwood beach till you reach the look-out at Point Ormond. A lovely spot to stop, breath and take in the lovely view.
16 Einheimische empfehlen
Point Ormond
Take a walk or ride south along Elwood beach till you reach the look-out at Point Ormond. A lovely spot to stop, breath and take in the lovely view.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/elwoodcommunitymarket/
The Elwood Community Market has great food, live music and artisan gifts and supports the Elwood Primary School.
It's on eight Saturdays each year (the first Saturday of each month during the school terms).
6 Einheimische empfehlen
Elwood Farmers' Market
49 Scott Sthttps://www.facebook.com/pg/elwoodcommunitymarket/
The Elwood Community Market has great food, live music and artisan gifts and supports the Elwood Primary School.
It's on eight Saturdays each year (the first Saturday of each month during the school terms).
Just one kilometre from Elwood village, this historic mansion is worth a visit. Built in 1868, it's beautiful gardens and gand house is really impressive. They host different events throughout the year (from teddy bear picnics, to live concerts, to art shows), so check out what's on while you are in town.
You can also book tours of the mansion and gardens.
76 Einheimische empfehlen
Rippon Lea Estate
192 Hotham StJust one kilometre from Elwood village, this historic mansion is worth a visit. Built in 1868, it's beautiful gardens and gand house is really impressive. They host different events throughout the year (from teddy bear picnics, to live concerts, to art shows), so check out what's on while you are in town.
You can also book tours of the mansion and gardens.
The site of the St Kilda Botanical Gardens were established in the 1800's. Registered with Heritage Victoria, the gardens contain 810 mature tree specimens. In the 1950s the Alister Clarke Rose Garden was established and a Sub-Tropical Rain-forest conservatory added in the early 1990's. Seasonal displays and local indigenous plants provide a valuable collection to study or sit alongside enjoying a picnic.
Built features in the gardens include a giant chess board, ornamental pond with Rain Man fountain, children's play space, gazebo, glasshouses and the Eco-centre which facilitates lessons on sustainable living practice. Rain Man is a key element to the ornamental pond and was installed in 2005, designed by Corey Thomas and Ken Arnold he runs on solar power and recycled water from the pond.
276 Einheimische empfehlen
St Kilda Botanical Gardens
11 Herbert StThe site of the St Kilda Botanical Gardens were established in the 1800's. Registered with Heritage Victoria, the gardens contain 810 mature tree specimens. In the 1950s the Alister Clarke Rose Garden was established and a Sub-Tropical Rain-forest conservatory added in the early 1990's. Seasonal displays and local indigenous plants provide a valuable collection to study or sit alongside enjoying a picnic.
Built features in the gardens include a giant chess board, ornamental pond with Rain Man fountain, children's play space, gazebo, glasshouses and the Eco-centre which facilitates lessons on sustainable living practice. Rain Man is a key element to the ornamental pond and was installed in 2005, designed by Corey Thomas and Ken Arnold he runs on solar power and recycled water from the pond.
Fancy a spot of Stand Up Paddleboarding? This place has good rates and offers lessons or hire. I haven't tried it myself but have heard good reports about it.
9 Einheimische empfehlen
The Zu Boardsports
Fancy a spot of Stand Up Paddleboarding? This place has good rates and offers lessons or hire. I haven't tried it myself but have heard good reports about it.
Visit the brightly coloured iconic Brighton Beach Boxes and for some great insta snaps! Jump on the bikes and head south along the beach bike track. You'll pass the Brighton Baths (beautiful in summer for doing some laps safely in the sea) and continue on until you get to the Brighton beach. Make sure you look for it in Google maps, as you'll need to head down a path to get there - you can't see them from the track.
180 Einheimische empfehlen
Brighton Bathing Boxes
EsplanadeVisit the brightly coloured iconic Brighton Beach Boxes and for some great insta snaps! Jump on the bikes and head south along the beach bike track. You'll pass the Brighton Baths (beautiful in summer for doing some laps safely in the sea) and continue on until you get to the Brighton beach. Make sure you look for it in Google maps, as you'll need to head down a path to get there - you can't see them from the track.
The iconic Brighton Baths has been home to a diverse and passionate community of swimmers since 1881. The enclosed, outdoor saltwater swimming facility is open year-round to members and casual visitors.
Casual visitors are welcome year-round. A Casual Day Pass includes access to Victoria’s only private beach and boardwalk, iconic sea baths, full-service change rooms inclusive of shower facilities, and the option to rent a towel or locker.
17 Einheimische empfehlen
Brighton Baths Health Club
251 EsplanadeThe iconic Brighton Baths has been home to a diverse and passionate community of swimmers since 1881. The enclosed, outdoor saltwater swimming facility is open year-round to members and casual visitors.
Casual visitors are welcome year-round. A Casual Day Pass includes access to Victoria’s only private beach and boardwalk, iconic sea baths, full-service change rooms inclusive of shower facilities, and the option to rent a towel or locker.
An iconic bar that is well worth a visit. It's been recently renovated and brought back to it's former 1878 glory.
Great bands, 2 restaurants (book for Mya Tiger if you can - AMAZING!!!) , ghost tours, and even life drawing classes. The "Espy" should definitely be on your list of place to visit.
Head to their website to see what they have in store when you are in town.
BTW - each room (and even the bathrooms) here are totally Instagrammable!
158 Einheimische empfehlen
Hotel Esplanade
11 The EsplanadeAn iconic bar that is well worth a visit. It's been recently renovated and brought back to it's former 1878 glory.
Great bands, 2 restaurants (book for Mya Tiger if you can - AMAZING!!!) , ghost tours, and even life drawing classes. The "Espy" should definitely be on your list of place to visit.
Head to their website to see what they have in store when you are in town.
BTW - each room (and even the bathrooms) here are totally Instagrammable!