What to see and where to shop in High Street, Thornbury

What makes it special?

Nightlife, music, bars and cafes – these are the things that make High Street in Thornbury a brilliant reason to venture north. It’s seven kilometres from the CBD and easy to get to on public transport; ideal for a night out. Since the turn of the last decade, an abundance of new cafes and bars gradually edged their way into the suburb, which is now a melting pot of people young and old, grounded by the area’s rich Greek and Italian history. And with great coffee spots to boot.

An endearing mismatch of building facades host record and book stores, second-hand shops and nail salons. Dotted along the strip between Darebin Road and Dundas Street there is so much to look at and taste – you can even head to the ever-gorgeous Thornbury Picture House to catch a movie.

The best thing about Thornbury is that it’s slightly more relaxed than the groovy suburbs to its south. While not everything may glisten, there are a lot of hidden gems.

What will you find there?

The Thornbury Local couldn’t be a more perfect spot to begin an evening adventure along High Street. I stop in for a bite and a drink to plan my next steps. Blues are on, and the bar is dimly lit, candlelight flickering along the booth-lined walls. Three older men are standing laughing together, and the staff are giggling too, in on the gag.

Susanna Joice, who works at the bar and music venue, says High Street has a “beautiful vibe”, where places like The Thornbury Local foster the spirit of the community. “It’s just like home when you walk in here,” Ms Joice says. “There is so much here … It’s a little slice of heaven,” she adds.

This place has an American-style menu and delicious wood-fired pizzas – the mushroom pizza is wildly good. For a snack, go for the mac and cheese croquettes. Be warned; they are supremely addictive.

Continuing on my journey, I cross the road to take a look at the lovely Pizza Farro, where the game is using spelt flour to create pizza that’s good for the gut, and they do it well. This is a wonderful place to take a few friends before heading up to Thornbury Picture House for a movie.

There are some interesting retail stores along the strip, including the elegant and white-walled Perimeter Books. It’s a minimalist’s dream, stocking selective independently published works on art and art theory, photography, design and architecture. So if you’re hunting for a new coffee table book or a unique gift, this is the place for you.

Take a peek at Lions Club op shop, Bespoke Wines and Spirits and try to pop into the bright and bustling Psarakos Market if you can!

Our top tip

On the corner of Clarendon Street and High Street is Crosta D’oro Hot Bread, and the banh mi is seriously outstanding. Cycle up, grab one of these heavenly sandwiches and head to Merri Creek for a ride along the trail. It’s only a 15-minute bike ride to the trail, and it is absolutely stunning in autumn.

How to get there

Catch the 86 tram to Darebin Road-High Street, stop 36. Catch the Mernda line train to Croxton Station. One-hour parking available along High Street, and parking available in side streets.