Streets: Elegant, independent boutiques are a highlight of this charming Albert Park shopping strip

What makes it special? 

Surrounded by lush parks, an abundance of cafes and retail, and only a short tram ride from the South Melbourne Market or the beach, Bridport Street in Albert Park is totally charming. The suburb’s main park and namesake, the sprawling Albert Park, is reason enough to head to this part of the world, but the retail here truly is something else.  

Alongside well-known chains like Gorman and Seed, this strip boasts elegant independent boutiques teeming with unique garments from Australia and all over the world. The suburb hosts some of Melbourne’s most gorgeous Edwardian and Victorian terrace houses, its streets wide and tree-lined. Just around the corner is the heritage-listed St Vincent Gardens, too. 

The area is home to lots of young families, and on a weekday morning, you’ll see mums pushing prams, balancing coffees and speaking animatedly on the phone or to each other. Older couples walking big dogs stand chatting outside cafes on their morning walks. I think I can smell the bay, but it might just be knowing that it is close that makes my mid-week meander salt-washed and dreamy. 

 What will you find there?

I grab a coffee at Alberton cafe and take a look at their menu, making a mental note to come back and try the crepes. Walking up the street, I look across the road to Dundas Place to the Avenue Bookstore, operating in Albert Park for 35 years – definitely pop across the road and enjoy a leisurely browse of their extensive local and imported stock. 

Back over on Bridport Street, I wander into Faith clothing store – it’s a clearance shop for an interesting array of Scandinavian labels at affordable prices. Bags, hats and funky, distinctively European dresses make the store a delightful place to peruse.

Right next door is Albert and Victoria, an enchanting independent store where the owner, Melissa Langford, designs (and makes!) the clothing with the help of a few employees. Florals and knits feature heavily, its pink walls and puffy sleeves like a boho Marie Antoinette movie set. Langford’s bespoke service makes-to-order, her pieces even featuring on Australian TV.

“I didn’t study [making clothes]. I learnt at my grandmother’s knee,” Langford says. “I like the idea of strip shopping; I liked being away from all of the big obvious stores … It’s a lovely opportunity for small boutiques, and this is much more a discovery thing.”

Further down, you’ll find another great cafe called No. 84, where the pastries and adorably packaged pantry goods in the window will be enough to draw you in, as well as the Gianna Molinaro store, selling beautiful designer fashion specialising in natural fabrics. 

Our top tip 

The South Melbourne Market is a real treat. Wednesdays to Sundays, this 150-year-old institution bustles with locals and tourists enjoying everything the market has to offer. Fruit and veg stores, delis, butchers, retail, cafes, takeaway food and more – take a tram to enjoy a crisp morning here and don’t forget to pick up the infamously delicious dim sims! 

 How to get there

One-hour parking along Bridport Street and on side streets. Catch the 96 tram to Albert Park Station or the No. 1 tram to Merton Street-Dundas Place.