Albert Park: Is this upmarket 'burb home to Melbourne's best burger?

Visit Albert Park on a Sunday morning and you’ll get a glimpse of the upscale postcode’s buzzy community feel. Every cafe along Bridport Street is packed to the brim, young families walk their dogs along the generous foreshore and run clubs dominate the path surrounding the vast, glistening lake.

It’s strange to think that the suburb was once used as a garbage dump. It wasn’t until the 1860s – when the picturesque St Vincent Gardens were established – that Albert Park started to become the neighbourhood we know it as now. The Albert Park Bowls Club and Lawn Tennis Club were constructed soon after, along with the now-preserved heritage homes and landmark buildings synonymous with the upscale locale.

Today, cafe culture in Albert Park is just as important as the greenery and architecture. On the corner of Cardigan Place you’ll find mint-green-accented bakery Bread Club serving flaky croissants, family-sized sourdough loaves and loaded pizza slices. For a sit-down breakfast, grab a seat at Leaps and Bounds, a bright and airy spot named after a song by Australian icon Paul Kelly. You might go for Turkish eggs with spiced labneh, broccolini, toasted pine nuts and sumac, or harissa-roasted carrots plated with avocado, mint, tahini yoghurt, crushed pistachios and goat’s cheese.

After breakfast, shopping along Bridport Street and Victoria Avenue is always a good idea. Head into Elka Collective for elevated wardrobe staples; Stable (formerly Filly’s Stable) for high-end designer brands including Ganni, JW Anderson and Rotate; and Gum Tree Good Food for local produce and other gourmet goods.

Come lunchtime, nothing hits the spot quite like Andrew’s Hamburgers. The old-school institution, open since 1939, serves no-frills burgers stacked with chicken, steak or classic beef, plus potato cakes and dim sims. If you’re after beachside classics, head to the takeaway window at charming seafood diner Pipis Kiosk; many of Melbourne’s top chefs say it’s their favourite place to grab fish’n’chips. Inside, you can also book a table with ocean views and a refined menu starring its signature pasta: bucatini with Goolwa pippies, smoked tomato and pernod (France’s anise-flavoured liqueur). There are also plenty of pubs to choose from, but the Albert Park Hotel is arguably one of the best for food, complete with modern Chinese restaurant Happy Valley hidden inside.

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In the evening, you’re spoilt for choice. European-style wine bar Wally’s only opened mid last year but has already become a neighbourhood favourite. Expect small plates like a crispy hash brown topped with whipped cod roe, spaghetti alla chitarra doused in crab bisque and hard-to-find French chateau wines. Other dinner options include refined pizzeria Italian Artisans, stylish French bistro Chez Bagou and casual sushi joint Moonfishh.

Of course, the namesake Albert Park is a main draw for the lakeside neighbourhood. Every year, its street circuit is transformed into a world-class racetrack for the Australian Grand Prix, drawing fans from across the country and globe. It’s also home to the Melbourne Marathon Festival, along with other triathlons and cycling events. Most other times, it’s a magnet for everyday runners, cyclists, picnickers and dogwalkers drawn to scenic lakeside trails.

Agent lens

with Oliver Bruce from Marshall White

What was your most memorable sale and why?

My most memorable sale was 88 St Vincent Place North, Albert Park. It’s an incredible home that was beautifully restored about 35 years ago. I auctioned the property on November 6, 2021, and it made $11.11 million. It was a very unique property and quite difficult to place a value on for many of the buyers. As such, it sold for approximately $2 million above the reserve price. At the time, this was the highest price ever achieved at a public auction in the City of Port Phillip, but this record was beaten the following weekend when a well-renovated home sold for $30,000 more on the opposite side of the square.

For sale in Albert Park

Auction Saturday 5 April 10:30am

62 Victoria Avenue, Albert Park VIC 3206

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Behind its striking Victorian facade, this home offers space, character and prime positioning in Albert Park Village. Sunlit living and dining areas open to an al fresco area lined with established olive trees. Heritage details including a pressed tin ceiling complement contemporary touches like a marble fireplace to add charm.