Boasting stately heritage trees, a luscious carpet of grass and magnificent views of the glittering city skyline, not many a park in Melbourne compares to Anderson. Whether you’re going for a run around the park’s leafy periphery, retreating with a good book on a shady park bench or taking your dog for a game of fetch on the oval, here, life is simply more idyllic. A collection of sporting facilities is also found here, including South Hawthorn Tennis Club. Just 750m from Timeless, the verdant oasis is bound to become a weekend go-to for residents.
Camberwell has long been synonymous with natural beauty, a suburb cloaked by a veil of luscious greenery. Anderson Park, Cato Park and Bowen Gardens are all within walking distance of home, ensuring moments of outdoor rejuvenation are never far away.
Definitely its natural beauty, be it in the form of canopied streets, European-style gardens or expansive parklands. It has that ‘green’ character to it, which is rare for a suburb that is essentially an urban enclave. I also love Camberwell’s heritage feel, with its beautiful period homes and buildings.
The location is within walking distance of a range of offerings, including Anderson Park, South Hawthorn Tennis Club and The Baker’s Wife cafe. For anything that isn’t within walking distance, Tram No.72 passes right by the home, so you don’t have to rely on your car. Camberwell Junction, for example, is just a short tram ride away. It’s a peaceful and quiet spot that is still completely connected, making for a life of ease.
I’d start the day off with grocery shopping at the Camberwell Fresh Food Market. Losing hours is all too easy here with such huge variety. Next, I might go for brunch at one of the Junction’s trendy cafes – My Other Brother is a recent favourite of mine. If it’s nice and sunny, a walk in Anderson Park could follow this, or maybe a hit of tennis at the South Hawthorn Tennis Club. At night, dinner at one of the new wine bars would be superb, followed by a movie at the iconic Rivoli.
While it is very well-heeled with its heritage homes, manicured gardens and prestigious schools, it’s still very much animated and vibrant. Pockets of the suburb feel very suburban and serene, while others feel more exciting and cosmopolitan. New bars and restaurants are popping up all the time, so it could just as easily be enjoyed by young professionals as families or empty nesters.
Established in 1940, The Rivoli epitomises the heritage charm for which Camberwell is widely renowned. A fine example of Art Deco architecture, admire the iconic facade and glamorous interiors, complete with elaborate detailing and a dignified, winding staircase. The auditoria themselves are breathtaking, where a combination of arthouse and commercial release films are screened. With a rooftop bar that overlooks the suburb’s picturesque streetscapes, one night here and you’ll never want to see a film at a generic cinema again.
At night, Camberwell becomes an epicurean’s paradise. Wine bars and up-market restaurants are aplenty, including East End Wine Bar, along with institutions like Elyros and Italy 1. If the dinner party is at home, visit McCoppins to source gourmet ingredients and a premium bottle of red.
Wander three minutes down the road to The Baker’s Wife to have both your brunch and bread needs fulfilled. The eatery is a synthesis of kitchen and bakery; churning out wholesome brunches as well as artisan loaves of bread, decadent pastries, fresh donuts and buttery croissants. The interiors depict a rustic farmhouse with industrial accents, complete with wooden roof beams and exposed brick.
Camberwell has slowly but surely become one of Melbourne’s most prominent brunch destinations. There’s the grungy My Other Brother, the homely Legacy and the futuristic Light Years all within one postcode, along with a plethora of others.
When it comes to grocery shopping, the historic Camberwell Fresh Food Market houses everything you could ever need under the one roof. Garden-fresh fruit and vegetables, premium meat and fish, artisan baked goods, beautifully arranged bouquets of flowers and more; there is so much to be explored within this plenteous trove, which recently celebrated its 85th birthday.
If you’re someone who finds delight in a bit of retail therapy, the Camberwell Junction has you more than covered. Here, quintessential Australian labels like Country Road and Seed intertwine with international labels like Oska. For beautifying the home, there’s Abode Living, along with Eufloria for breathtaking flower designs.
Just a stone’s throw from Timeless, Camberwell Primary School presents an excellent option for parents choosing where to send their child. Nurturing, inspiring and innovative, the school more than prepares its students for high school.
For the suburb’s boys, Camberwell Grammar School is just a short tram ride away. Pairing beautiful, historic buildings with state of the art facilities and progressive learning programs, the school has long been considered to be one of the best in the state.
A vibrant community, Camberwell Girls Grammar has a track record of consistently producing confident, respectful and inspired young women, with the VCE results to match. Adhering to the full scope of learning, from academia to sports and the arts, their curriculum is exemplary.
Just a 15-minute walk from Timeless, become a member of Camberwell Library for free. An impressive selection of books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, online journals and audio books is available here, along with quiet study areas and a range of literary-themed events.
The Camberwell Rotary Market is an iconic and long-standing Melbourne institution. Kicking off at 6.30am every Sunday, explore vintage clothing, records, crockery and esoteric pieces you won't find elsewhere – all to the sound of live music and the scent of hot jam donuts.
Located on Camberwell Road, Camberwell Sportsground is the suburb’s sporting and recreational hub. The Old Scotch Football Club is found here, along with a tennis, bowls and cricket club for when you want to engage your competitive side.