Beaches, Brunch and Breweries: Underrated Gems To Discover in Melbourne’s South

There are plenty of hidden gems beyond the inner south. In partnership with Kingston, we’ve put together a list of six places to drink, dine and discover in “the new southside”.

Along the eastern shorelines of the bay, Kingston extends across Melbourne’s south from Moorabbin and Cheltenham down to Carrum and Patterson Lakes. It encompasses a mix of suburbs brimming with cafes and restaurants, scenic parklands, and idyllic beaches. If you’re looking for a seaside jaunt, we’ve got you covered.

Take a dip (or cycle around) at Mordialloc Beach

One of the south’s biggest drawcards is Mordialloc Beach. It’s the ideal spot to enjoy a dip just 25 minutes from the inner city. Next to the beach is the Peter Scullin Reserve, with a large playground, tables and barbeques. For fitness enthusiasts there are walking and bike paths, and a 300-metre pier with panoramic views. If you like to get active, one of the best ways to visit is by bike. Jump on at Beach Road by Mentone Beach and cycle down the scenic path until Mordialloc Pier. It’s a cruisy four kilometres of coastline views, with cafes and nice spots to stop and stare at the water dotted along the way. Want more? Keep going and ride all the way down to Carrum.

Take a leisurely scenic stroll through Braeside Park

Continue your outdoor adventure at Braeside Park. This conservation park is an oasis of bush, wetlands and grasslands with 12 kilometres of trails, picnic areas and an adventure playground. Keep an eye out for echidnas, flying foxes and native birds during your walk through the red gums. Visit for planting days and bird watching, or keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming social park run.

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Fuel up for the day at Strange Servant

Strange Servant does cafe classics a little differently, often with a slightly spicy twist. This bright and intimate spot in Dingley Village swaps smashed avo for a “bashed avo” topped with feta, chilli, chimichurri and corn hummus. There’s also a breakfast toastie stuffed with haloumi, chorizo and sriracha. And Moroccan eggs come in a sizzling capsicum sauce. In the afternoon there’s an international lunch menu, with everything from a chicken shawarma in pita to a Philly cheesesteak baguette to butter chicken curry. All the usual coffees are available alongside matcha and turmeric lattes, a loose-leaf chai, and fresh juices.

Have a global fusion feast and drinks at Comma

Welcoming you to Comma is a handpainted sign that reads “come as you are”, signalling the unpretentious vibe inside. There are private booths and a large front courtyard with picnic tables and lawn games. The seasonal menu has a mix of a small and large plates, bar snacks and sides. Expect dishes that inspiration from all over, like duck dumplings in a hoisin broth, king brown mushrooms in mapo sauce, and a 300-gram porterhouse steak. The wine list is concise, focusing on Australian drops, and there are beers and cocktails. Check out the website for special evenings, like the Thursday gnocchi and wine night ($35), and drag bingo on select Friday evenings ($15).

Dine (and hang out) day-to-night at Morris Moor

No matter what time of day, you’ll find a place to eat and enjoy at Morris Moor. This vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment hub is in the old Phillip Morris factory in Moorabbin, and it blends industrial architecture with leafy green spaces. Come in the morning for coffee and croissants from Penny for Pound, which started out as a hole-in-the-wall bakery in Richmond but is now housed in this 100-square-metre HQ. There are two kitchens making fresh pastries and bread, and a 130-seat cafe with a dine-in menu. For an evening drink, try Stomping Ground brewery, a sprawling space that can hold up to 460 people, with more than 25 beers on tap, as well as wines and pub favourites like pizzas, burgers and steaks.

Thrift your newest ’fit at Hunter Markets

Want to shop responsibly? Hunter Markets is a retail experience unlike any other in Melbourne. Every Saturday and Sunday you can browse more than 30 stalls of second-hand clothes inside in a bright purple warehouse in Mentone. Alongside vintage pieces and fast-fashion brands you might also find top Australian designers such as Dion Lee and Bec & Bridge. Most garments cost between $5 and $70 (aside from a few luxury designer pieces), so it’s an affordable way to shop your favourite labels sustainably.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Kingston. For all the latest news and hotspots in Melbourne’s new southside, follow @this.is.kingston on Instagram or visit thisiskingston.com.au.