mosey

Thornbury VIC, Australia

February 2026 Edition (updated bi-annually)

With only a small footprint, Thornbury has often been overlooked however the suburb is emerging as a favourite destination for locals and visitors alike – reminiscent of a smaller, more laid-back version of neighbouring Northcote. The suburb boasts a rich heritage, shaped by its strong Greek and Italian roots, evident in the lively old social clubs, bustling groceries and delis, and a diverse dining scene.

Thornbury Neighbourhood Guide – $5.00

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Snapshot

Thornbury’s beating heart (and one of our favourite areas for a night out!) is High Street. A vibrant hub where old-school charm meets contemporary cool, this thoroughfare offers something for everyone – from artisanal bakeries and a food truck park, to relaxed bars, eclectic eateries and live music venues, plus indie art spaces, boutique stores and even a cinema in a 1920s petrol station. It’s no wonder High Street earned the accolade of coolest street in the world!

But the common thread that runs through our favourite spots in Thornbury – and indeed the neighbourhood itself – is a strong sense of welcome and inclusion. Less concerned with Instagram likes, instead you’ll find countless options for a relaxed, friendly spot with great hospitality, where you can unwind and be yourself, amongst a community that feels like family.

The basics

  • Where is it?

    In Melbourne’s inner north, 8kms from the CBD. Take the 86 tram from Bourke Street or catch the train from Flinders Street Station (Mernda line) to Thornbury Station. ‍
  • When to visit?

    Year-round, but in summer vibes are high with locals cramming onto tables along footpaths to make the best of sunny afternoons, and rooftop bars serve spritzes late into the night.
  • Where to stay?
    There are a few options on Airbnb in Thornbury, plus neighbouring suburbs Northcote, Clifton Hill and Fitzroy North. But being close to the city, you could choose from one of Melbourne’s many hotel options and take the short journey to Thornbury by tram.

Tucked into Melbourne’s inner north, between Northcote and Preston, Thornbury is a dynamic suburb that captures the essence of community and creativity.

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The guide

  • Digital guide – instant access and a mobile-friendly format, for easy use while on the move.
  • Curated list – 54 of our favourite places, including restaurants, bars, coffee spots, retail and more. Plus ‘sidewalks’ if your exploring takes you further afield.
  • Online directory – A comprehensive and easy-to-navigate directory that’s accessible any time, anywhere.
  • Interactive map – An exclusive custom map with colour-coded pins for easy use while on the move, including our favourite places, sidewalks, and some extras for you to explore.
  • Free updates – Every time the guide is updated, you will receive all new content at no extra cost.

Our curated guide showcases the very best of Thornbury, ensuring you can spend less time researching and more time roaming.

Tried & tested

We are Tim and Steph, two creatives hailing from the vibrant city of Melbourne, Australia (learn more about us ). Over countless trips, we’ve built a habit of digging deeper than the typical tourist trail.

We sort through the viral TikTok venues and the overpriced tourist traps, and we collect tips from friends who have visited. We chat with chefs, baristas and shop owners and ask about their must-visit destinations and locals’ secrets — not the places on the ‘top ten’ or ‘hot’ lists, but the ones that locals return to again and again. Slowly piecing together a picture of what makes each place unique.

Then we try them all ourselves, hand-picking our favourite places to eat, shop and explore, and the experiences that capture the heart of each neighbourhood.

For the cost of a cup of coffee, you can find out where to go for the best coffee, a relaxed vibe, fabulous food or a delicious pastry.

- Mary, Thornbury Guide

The neighbourhood places that are recommended are obviously chosen with great care and discerning taste.

- Ben, Thornbury Guide

Mosey guides are such a fun adventure. You think you know somewhere, and then you’re sent off on a treasure hunt, and the treasure is always good!!

- Lisa, Pererenan Guide

The guide is extremely informative and detailed. We have visited many of the hand picked spots and used the interactive map.

- John, North Melbourne Guide

Explore more

Monday 10:30pm, Shotkickers, Thornbury