Melbourne’s south side is quietly turning up the volume and Kingston is where the party is at. Just a 20-minute drive from the CBD, this coastal haven boasts some of the best live music venues and eateries in the city.
If you’ve been sleeping on the south side of Melbourne, this is your sign to wake up. Follow the coastline along the shore and you’ll be met with a mecca of beachside eateries and live music entertainment havens. All in just one corner of the city, this is where the freshest sounds and flavours are thriving. This is Kingston.
While Kingston may be famous for its sensational beaches and restaurants, what you might not realise is that it’s also a hotspot for exciting art and culture. From strolls along the golden sand to margaritas and freshly made tortillas, as well as a plethora epic gigs to end your night, you can spend a whole day from start to finish in Kingston. And we did!
We’ve rounded up some of the best Kingston venues for you to explore. This is the Kingston only the locals know. So dive into this coastal pocket of paradise and make a day out of it with an adventure around Kingston.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
Applehead Deli
Applehead Deli is a sandwich spot that packs a punch. Located in Mentone, this cosy joint is the perfect way to kick off your day, offering rotating sandwich specials and barista-made coffee in a space oozing with charm. Past creations include a spicy lamb ragu toastie, fior di latte chicken pesto, and even a lasagna sandwich. Experimental? Absolutely. Tasty? Without a doubt. Decked out in retro red-and-white decor, the vibe matches the homey sando flavors. Pull up a red stool in their sunny courtyard and dig into a bacon-and-egg roll as you bask in the magic of what Applehead has deemed ‘Meatball Summer‘.
Mentone Racecourse
Don’t let the name fool you – Mentone Racecourse Reserve isn’t home to any horses these days. This historic horse racing track operated from 1948 to 1972, after which the area was sold as a housing estate. Today, this expanse of lush green park is home to a calm lake of water fountains and curious creatures and a network of walking trails and bridges to weave you around the vibrant space. There are also sporting facilities and picnic areas, as well as a playground decorated with horse-themed imagery to honour the space’s past life. Mentone Racecourse is an idyllic escape just off the beaten track. Pack a picnic or grab a coffee, sprawl out on the grass, and let the city’s chaos melt away.
Mentone Life Saving Club
Nestled into the heart of Mentone Beach, the Life Saving Club offers views to die for – their rooftop is the place to be on a beautiful day – and feeds to match. Tuck into a hearty eggs on toast as the ocean breeze rolls in. You won’t find a breakfast view that comes close to comparable anywhere in the CBD. Swap the cityscape for sweeping blue seas and start your day with the sun shimmering over golden sand.
Mentone and Parkdale Beaches
For a city that is nestled around the archway of the Port Philip Bay, it’s all too often that we forget to take advantage of these stretches of shimmering turquoise just outside of Melbourne’s centre. Mentone and Parkdale Beaches offer up the best of both worlds – close to the CBD, but far enough away that these slices of paradises feel like hidden gems. These quiet coastal escapes boast gentle waves and golden sands, perfect for a beach day or a lazy afternoon with a good book. Mentone Beach is even dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along.
Hawker Bar
When you’re grazing the streets of Highett, look no further for the perfect spot for an afternoon drink or delicious dinner than the double-whammy that is Hawker Bar and Typhoon. Hawker is the perfect place for sipping on a cocktail while watching the world go by. Elevate your experience by trying some of the mouthwatering Vietnamese-inspired dishes from the next-door Typhoon restaurant, like braised beef or crispy coconut prawns. Hawker has also got you covered for live acoustic music every Sunday, as well as trivia on Thursdays. This restaurant-bar-combo brings the best of Highett to one easy – and scenic – spot.
Chilpa
The word is out: you can find Melbourne’s best Mexican dining experience just south of the city. Specifically, at Highett’s Chilpa. This colourful corner restaurant is already an icon of its area, beloved by locals and the Latin community. For the uninitiated, Chilpa is home to a gluten-friendly kitchen, serving authentic Mexican street food. This is the kind of feed you’ll be thinking about for days, maybe even weeks, after. The Joroches Yucatecos – corn masas filled with zucchini flower and Oaxaca cheese, topped with a red bean sauce – are a Mexican-style dumpling and a delightful must-try. Decked out with a bar that honours all the vibrant flavours of Mexican alcohol, make sure to also check out the delicious Horchata sweet milky rice drink with cinnamon and vanilla. Each dish is bursting with flavour, and according to the chef, the secret ingredient is always love.
Railway Wine
Also sitting pretty on the train line, Railway Wine is the perfect little spot for an afternoon or after-dinner drink. With a courtyard adorned with cacti and straw umbrellas, this wine bar is straight out of a Los Angeles motel. Railway’s knowledgeable staff will help you navigate the extensive grape selection at the bar, pairing you with the perfect recommendation for your palate if you find yourself overwhelmed by the choices. Railway Wine is the kind of stylish neighbourhood wine bar that will have you travelling from many a neighbourhood away just to try a sip. Their Italian-inspired menu makes it a great spot for an afternoon bite, too.
LOEV
Situated in Moorabbin’s industrial-come-entertainment district, LOEV has converted an old unused warehouse to one of the hottest live music venues in the area. Run by owners Micky and Bri, LOEV prides itself on creating a place of inclusivity and celebration. Their diverse calendar of tribute gigs, local musos and raging parties offer a night out suited to anyone. Cosy corners of armchairs and couches fill the converted warehouse space, along with a bar stocked with all your favourites, a stage for entertainment, and a massive dance floor that welcomes anyone ready to join in the fun. Knick-knacks line the walls and neon signs light the room as the music vibrates all around. Spacious and inviting, LOEV’s warm and friendly atmosphere makes for an incredible venue to dance your heart out.
Lucky 13 Garage
Another converted warehouse, Lucky 13 Garage has honoured the history of its building through the relics that adorn its walls. An old mechanic garage, owners Rob and Irene have transformed it into the vibrant music venue it is today. There’s vintage motor vehicles around the room, as well as a collection of rock memorabilia. You’ll be transported straight down memory lane at Lucky 13 Garage. The stage stretches across the venue, while the dance floor in front begs to be filled with moving bodies. You’ll find a roster of local bands on the lineup, as well as tribute shows and era-based dance parties. If you’re chilling in the courtyard – which is fully decked out with seats and heaters – the large warehouse doors open into the entertainment area, so you don’t have to miss a minute of the action.
Pockets Moorabbin
Pockets in Moorabbin is your go-to for when you’re wanting to feel the thrumming vibration of the music. This music venue boasts both live bands and DJs on the weekend, with affordable drinks to quench your thirst. There are also plenty of pool tables and darts on offer to mix the music up with a game of friendly competition. Pockets host their fair share of tribute shows, too, so your weekends are sorted with all the greatest hits. Their late closing time and infectious party vibes might just have you dancing the night away on their epic dance floor, soundtracked by all the songs you know and love.
Arcobar
Arcobar in Heatherton boasts an outdoor dining area as large and as inviting as the indoor one. Here, you’ll find plenty of spots to sip on a beverage. Picnic tables and umbrellas spread out across a rolling green hill that overlooks a lush backdrop of Heatherton. A hotspot for catching the best local gigs, Arcobar is a venue you’ll want to book live music ahead for. Local bands, tribute shows, and innovative live music at Arcobar sell out quickly. The venue is an ideal watering hole where music, food and people come to connect. Just sit back as you experience some of the best music this side of Port Philip Bay.
You can keep up to date on all things Kingston at the website here and on Instagram here.
This article was made in partnership with Kingston.
