Elsternwick: The creative suburb that's home to Victoria's longest-operating cinema

Big on heritage and creativity, Elsternwick is home to film festivals, cultural institutions and – as the suburb where it all started for Ceramiques studios – the joy of hands-on making.

Plus there are plenty of cafes, bakeries and shops to keep locals and visitors fed and entertained.

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The beating heart of Elsternwick is Glenhuntly Road. The strip between Nepean Highway and Kooyong Road has it all, with surrounding side streets housing hidden gems and Victorian-era terraces.

Start on Riddell Parade at To Be Frank, the southside outpost of the beloved Collingwood bakery. Sweet pastries and substantial options abound, as does coffee. Grab a seat outside or take it to-go while you explore the suburb on foot.

If you’re hosting guests, stop by Aviv Cakes and Bagels. The newly relocated bakery is home to one of the city’s best babkas, as well as top quality bagels and more. You’re also not too far away from Glen Eira Road’s Little Sister Elsternwick – an ideal spot for Middle Eastern-style loaves and pita pockets.

But back on Glenhuntly Road, it’s time to make a stop at Classic Cinemas. Located just off the main drag on Gordon Street, the independent cinema is also Victoria’s longest-operating one, playing host to independent Australian and foreign films as well as new blockbusters. It’s also home to different film festivals throughout the year, including the much-loved Jewish International Film Festival. Keep an eye on the Classic website for details on upcoming events.

Just down the road is the newly re-opened Holocaust Museum. Originally founded by Holocaust survivors in 1984, the museum is home to both rotating and permanent exhibitions with the aim of educating visitors about Jewish life in Poland before, during and after WWII. It’s a cultural institution in the area, and well worth making a visit.

When it comes to dinner time, there are plenty of options. Hanoi Hannah, Paradai Thai and 48H all have Elsternwick outposts. Or try Copycat – a darkly lit, moody bar offering cocktails and elevated share plates. Its location next to the cinema makes it an ideal spot for a post-movie debrief.

This article first appeared in Domain Review, in partnership with Broadsheet.