From beaches to breweries, you can discover Melbourne's best hidden gems in the beachside paradise of Kingston.
The secret that is Melbourne’s paradisal south side is about to become common knowledge. If sun on sand, beers in hand and really great bands sound good, we have just the place for you. This, if you hadn’t guessed it already, is Kingston.
The collection of seaside suburbs south of the city that make up Kingston are home to enough beaches, breweries and live music venues to fill up a summer’s worth of golden days. Even still, just one day in Kingston is enough to discover the three pillars of summertime bliss that make this corner of Melbourne an underrated gem.
We spent a day traversing the backstreets for breweries and basking under the sun on the beaches. After a hard day’s work, we’ve compiled an action-packed guide for you to follow so that you can embark on your own Kingston explorations.
Make a day of it in the south side of the city. Read on to discover Melbourne’s newest beachside paradise of Kingston.
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Aspendeli
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This quaint corner store is a tried-and-true favourite when it comes to the brunch and coffee scene in Kingston. Situated in the tree-lined neighbourhood of Aspendale, Aspendeli is the perfect place to begin your day. You’ll find families and locals settled around picnic tables outside, and a cabinet of brekky rolls and treats inside. Aspendeli is great for grabbing a takeaway coffee as well as sitting down for a day-starting sando. If you’re stuck for choice, a must-try is the iced matcha latte. Make sure to fuel up here on a good feed and a great coffee. The day that we have planned ahead for you is going to be a big one of epic adventure.
Aspendale Beach and Boat Sheds
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You can’t visit the south side without stopping by the famous beach boxes. These colourful boatsheds and bathing boxes are stretched out in a rainbow across Aspendale Beach. Kingston alone is home to 190 boatsheds and bathing boxes, and some structures are a whopping 150 years old. Both a historical artefact and a charming sight, these petite pastel-coloured structures are the perfect backdrop as you explore Aspendale Beach or traverse its adjoining walking track.
Bonbeach
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When we say we’re here to guide you through Melbourne’s secret beachside paradises, we really mean it. Bonbeach is a must-visit seaside spot on your travels throughout Kingston. This sleepy seaside suburb makes for the perfect place to stretch out on the sand as the turquoise waves wash away the hustle and bustle of the CBD. This pocket of paradise boasts a kilometre and a half of wide sandy beach. Better yet, you’ll also find the same kind of quaint beach boxes that Aspendale has.
The Kitchen Container
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Down on Kingston’s southernmost edge of the bay, The Kitchen Container makes for the perfect stop off in between beachside activities. Tucked behind Carrum Beach, this is the ideal spot to take a rest break between strolling along the sand and swimming in the ocean. Pop by the converted shipping container – the kitchen’s name is no lie! – and grab a coffee or a treat for a tasty pick-me-up. Cruise the coastal surrounds and soak up these spectacular views. There aren’t many suburbs in Melbourne that can boast an outlook as beautiful as this.
Mordi Village
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Like so many of Kingston’s gems, one of Melbourne’s best art galleries is hiding in plain sight. Mordi Village in Mordialloc’s industrial precinct is home to a free neighbourhood-wide exhibition of eccentric art. All around the streets, you’ll find a range of acclaimed Australian and international artists’ work. A great way to make the most of Mordi Village is by adventuring the streets on your own self-guided walking tour. You’ll discover some of the high-profile painters who have brought the streets and buildings to life all around the neighbourhood, inviting everyone from locals to visitors to enjoy this street-wide art project. The open-air art gallery is open all year round, although the Wall to Wall festival in April is another great time to check out Mordi Village. A self-guided tour is also a fantastic way to discover all the hidden gems within Mordi Village itself; Guras Cocau Chocolatier, Urban Ground, Saint Felix Gin Distillery, Le Studio Arts, Wild Soul Wellness, Hansa Steakhouse, Braeside Brewing Co. and Curbside Coaching – there is so much to uncover in this reimagined industrial precinct.
The Mordi Canteen
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Just a short stroll across the road from Mordialloc Beach, The Mordi Canteen is a great spot for morning tea. With deck seating that catches the Mordialloc sunshine, as well as a window to collect your coffee order from, this quaint canteen makes it easy to grab’n’go through the hole-in-the-wall window and get you on your way to your next adventure. If you’re feeling hungrier than what a croissant could satisfy, make sure to sit down and tuck into their Mordi Canteen Chilli Scramble. You’ll also find mouthwatering burgers and refreshing açai bowls adorning their exciting menu.
Chiki Chan and Hiki Bar
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Chiki Chan is the newest kid on the block in Mordialloc, and already a staple in the dining scene. Book a table for lunch and indulge in their incredible menu of Asian-inspired creations and lavish cocktails. With an abundance of dishes that may tempt you, it’s a good idea to order some platters to share. That way, you can get a taste of everything – and trust us, you’ll want to. The must-have dish is the silky-smooth Szechuan burrata with roasted sesame sauce. This delectable dish is absolutely to die for, making it a hard one to want to share. Next door, you’ll also find Hiki Bar, a stylish cocktail bar that is the perfect after-lunch treat.
Ciccio’s Woodfire Pizzeria and Bar
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Ciccio’s Woodfire Pizzeria and Bar isn’t any old pizza restaurant. This woodfire pizza palace flaunts two of the best pizza chefs in the state, so you just know that every slice of doughy goodness that makes its way out of the woodfire oven and onto your plate has been perfected by the masters. Chefs Sam and George have threaded their Italian heritage and cultural knowledge into the fabric of Ciccio’s, crafting a family-friendly business that makes anyone who steps through the door feel right at home. From the must-try Ciccio’s Classic pizza to the homely atmosphere in the old brick building, you’ll no doubt leave this pizzeria with a full belly and a full heart.
Mordialloc Pier and Beach
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A historic beach gem in Victoria’s crown of ocean jewels, Mordialloc Pier and Beach are both known for their beauty and history. An important site that is rich with First Nations significance, the Mordialloc area is the traditional lands of the Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. Mordialloc’s foreshore was also once home to a history of boat building and horse racing, although neither of these quirky beachside activities are still operating today. The wide beach now boasts walking trails, picnic areas and a surf lifesaving club, as well as the iconic 300-metre-long pier. With accessible walking tracks and excellent facilities, Mordialloc Beach is the perfect spot for a picnic or a light stroll.
Wolf of the Willows Brewery
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The first in the string of breweries we have for you to try around the south side is one of the best in the state. There’s no better place to start this beer-hopping journey than the iconic Wolf of the Willows Brewery. Like almost all of the breweries around this region, Wolf of the Willows has taken over a warehouse and turned it into a beer-lovers heaven. Situated in Mordialloc, Wolf of the Willows is great for families and groups of mates who don’t mind some space to stretch out as they try a few of the new beers the Wolf has on tap. We visited Wolf of the Willows just as the brewery was about to realise their Pasito-inspired beer, Pash – a sweet, passionfruit-like brew that will no doubt be the coolest drink of the summer.
Braeside Brewing Co.
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Braeside Brewing Co. is your go-to for woodfired pizzas served up alongside local brews and community spirit. This hidden gem in Braeside’s backstreets sits among other warehouses and industrial structures. You might almost miss it walking past, if it weren’t for a sky-high light-up sign denoting just one word: BEER. It’s certainly not false advertising – Braeside Brewing’s speciality is that beautiful bubbling concoction of hops and wheat. Grab some pizza and a pint of beer and settle into their cosy courtyard in this locally loved watering hole.
Saint Felix Distillery
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Just to mix things up a bit, why not chuck a gin distillery in the mix? This isn’t just any gin distillery, either. Saint Felix Distillery is a converted warehouse with enough corners and pockets to satisfy anyone and everyone visiting, including a gin-tasting room. Prepare to be whisked away on a journey of your wildest gin dreams and get the taste buds dancing with a selection of Saint Felix’s spirits and liqueurs. We had the pleasure of trying their Bitter Chocolate Negroni cocktail, as well as their new Limoncello. Both cocktails are a must-buy to keep on your cocktail shelf at home, especially for the upcoming summer months. Saint Felix is also located within the same complex as Urban Ground, which boasts a massive outdoor undercover area filled with food trucks on the weekend, a playground for kids, and an inside bar.
Boatroacker Brewery
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We finished off our day of exploring with a beer from the famous Boatrocker Brewery in the heart of Braeside. It’s anchors away at this boat-themed brewery, with barrels lining the walls and ship-paraphernalia displayed around the warehouse. The room fills up quickly with families and friends catching up on weekends, so if you’re visiting, make sure to get in early. Patrons are also spoilt for choice with a mammoth selection of Boatrocker brews on tap. There’s even a food truck parked in their driveway, so you’re sorted for feeds too. Pull up an old-timey bar stool or settle into a picnic table in the beer garden out the front and watch the sunset over an action-packed day of adventure across Melbourne’s secret beachside paradise.
To discover more pockets of paradise around Kingston, follow This Is Kingston on Instagram here and visit the website here.
This article was made in partnership with Kingston.
