If you’re chasing a perfect Melbourne escape, sans the hustle and bustle of the CBD, Glen Iris is where you’ll find all that and so much more. This cosy and quaint suburb, just a mere 10 kilometres from the city centre offers a small slice of suburban paradise. Home to some of Melbourne’s best cafes, a wide range of shopping, art, museums and more, there’s so much more to Glen Iris than meets the eye. The charming, sleepy village vibe and abundance of greenery would have you mistaken for thinking you were well out of Melbourne, despite only being a stone's throw away from famous precincts and attractions. There is no better way to experience the region than on four wheels, so what are you waiting for? Pack up your Hertz rental car and get ready to explore one of Melbourne’s most charming localities.
Discover the inner South East
Glen Iris lies at the epicentre of Melbourne’s top shopping destinations, with everything from village shopping streets, markets, bustling shopping centres and all that lies in between. First up, take a short drive over to Maling Road, Canterbury, where you’ll be able to experience Melbourne like a local. Take yourself for a stroll along the high street and discover a variety of excellent cafes, boutique stores and quirky antique shops. Stop in at The Good Food Collective for top coffee, delicious brunch and great atmosphere - the sort of place where you’ll want to mingle and chat with the locals.
Just a 10-minute drive out of Glen Iris is Chapel Street, home to Melbourne’s iconic and thriving fashion district. Here you’ll find everything from local designers, international brands and some great vintage finds. There’s more than enough in this precinct alone to fill an entire day. While you’re in the area, foodies will find themselves at home in Prahran Market. This Melbourne institution is home to a wide range of artisan food producers, delicious eateries and local specialities - you won’t want to skip these iconic markets.
For those after a more upbeat, cosmopolitan shopping experience, head to Chadstone shopping centre, only a 5-minute drive from Glen Iris. This vibrant shopping destination is the largest in Australia, home to over 500 stores including a fashion and designer precinct, entertainment and dining options - there’s sure to be something for everyone at Chadstone.
There’s also plenty to be found hidden in the suburbs in the way of museums and galleries. Just down the road from the centre of Glen Iris, you'll find Duldig Studio, one of Melbourne’s best hidden gems. This historic artist's residence is not only a fascinating fine art gallery, it is also home to a museum, beautiful gardens and sculpture display housed at the rear of the property.
If you’re staying locally, make yourself at home at Manhattan Apartments. This upmarket boutique hotel is ideally located right on the high street, and is your very own luxury stay right in the heart of the neighbourhood. You’ll be just minutes away from excellent restaurants and cafes. While you’re here, don’t miss Bellezza Restaurant for an unpretentious yet sophisticated dining experience. With a seasonal menu highlighting modern Australian and global fusion, the food and wine at Bellezza is top notch. It’s little wonder it is favourite amongst locals and visitors alike, and all walking distance from your apartment.
Beyond the burbs
Looking to venture further afield during your time in Melbourne? Glen Iris is the perfect place to base yourself if you’re exploring in your Hertz rental car. The famous foreshore of Port Phillip Bay from St Kilda to Brighton is home to family friendly, golden sandy beaches and it’s only a 15 minute drive away. If you’re craving a full day adventure, the seaside towns of the Mornington Peninsula can be easily reached in under an hour. Hugging the coastline is the best way to experience the region’s scenery and beaches, through the villages of Rosebud, Rye and Sorrento - you’ll be reminded just how close you are as you catch glimpses of the CBD across the bay. If mountains and country towns are more your scene, the Dandenong Ranges can be reached in 40 minutes, and Healesville and the Yarra Valley in 60 minutes. There’s no shortage of picturesque road trips and adventure-filled day trips to be found right on Melbourne’s doorstep.
Glen Iris is a cosy and quaint suburb tucked away in the South East, providing a bit of reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city. Everything you’re looking for in a Melbourne escape can be found right here - from an excellent cafe scene to refined restaurants and fine dining options, galleries and museums as well as easy access to all of Melbourne’s top attractions. Glen Iris provides the perfect balance between access to the city and suburban retreat, and it’s the ideal place to base yourself for all your adventures, no matter how big or small.
