At its core, Surrey Hills is simple. Pint-sized, polished and proud of its family feel, the suburb has built an identity on quiet, wholesome living.
The newly renovated Union Station is a big plus for accessibility and convenience. For a pick-me-up before your morning commute, grab a rich brew or lunch on-the-go from sleek cafe Sips & Stories. For extra variety and full-bodied caffeine, find the neon-lit Steam Coffee Co. Or venture further into Union Road Village for a classic dine-in brunch at Reunion Cafe & Dining.
You’ll also find a slim but worthwhile selection of gourmet grocers in the area, including the very first Coles Local. The family-run Chatham Food Store is a go-to for artisanal products and quality produce, its corner store charm accentuated by a black-and-white-tiled deli-style interior.
Just like its neighbouring suburbs, Surrey Hills has its share of parkland. Head to heritage-listed Surrey Gardens for a scenic walk – the beige rotunda, Art Nouveau artwork and vintage lampposts are nods to its early-20th-century origins. Or if fitness indoors is your preferred pick, sprint towards the area’s local Body Fit Training gym for up-tempo HIIT classes.
Fittingly for the suburb’s quiet appeal, a night out in Surrey Hills is primarily low-key and food-centric. As the name suggests, Old Kingdom Peking Duck’s signature duck is the ultimate crowd-pleaser – served plump with glistening crisp skin.
If you’re after something for the later hours, settle into Burger Burger. The single Wagyu-patty smash burger is particularly comforting with a side of satisfyingly golden-crisp onion rings.
Want booze? Try The Hills, a relaxed yet reliably refined wine bar from the team behind Toorak Cellars, Milton Wine Shop and The Alps. The venue’s appeal is in its intimate feel, aided by the dark timber flooring and crackly wood heater, making it a snug fit for the Union Road strip. Choose from a rotating wine list – featuring fresh and approachable classics by the glass and around 200 options by the bottle – alongside charcuterie and rustic woodfired pizzas.
This article first appeared in Domain Review, in partnership with Broadsheet.