East Melbourne & Richmond Travel Guide

A sporty, well-connected mix of parks, terraces and Chapel Street shopping.

• Best for: Sporting events and easy access to Chapel Street shopping
• Vibe: Leafy and lively, quiet streets meet bustling strips
• Nearest station: Richmond Station (major interchange) and Jolimont for the MCG
• Price level: $-$$, many mid-range stays and casual eateries
• To the main sights: A short tram or train from the CBD; walkable between parks and venues
• Safety: Generally safe; busy on match days and evenings near pubs

Great for:

• Sports fans coming for cricket, AFL or tennis
• Shoppers wanting boutique finds on Chapel Street
• Travellers who want easy CBD access without staying downtown
• People who like cafés, local pubs and live music

Maybe skip it if:

• You want quiet nights in a rural setting
• You need high-end fine-dining on every corner
• You dislike crowds on event days

The district runs from the eastern edge of the CBD across Jolimont and Richmond; main streets are Swan Street, Bridge Road and Chapel Street, with Richmond Station and Jolimont rail close to the river.

• Match-day planning: Expect heavy crowds and public-transport surges on AFL, cricket and tennis days; allow extra travel time.
• Getting around late: Trains and trams run late but taxis/ride-hails are easiest after midnight.
• Chapel Street browsing: Weekdays are calmer for shopping; weekends bring the biggest foot traffic.
• Market mornings: Gleadell Street Market is best early; stalls sell out later in the day.
• Book ahead: Reserve restaurants and accommodation during major events and weekends.

• Melbourne Cricket Ground: Catch a cricket match, AFL game or take a stadium tour at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground.
• Melbourne Park: Visit the Australian Open precinct and surrounding arenas at Melbourne Park during events.
• Fitzroy Gardens: Wander the Victorian-era lawns, tree-lined paths and historic cottages in Fitzroy Gardens.
• Chapel Street: Shop independent boutiques, vintage stores and eat at cafés and bars along the long Chapel Street strip.
• Bridge Road: Hunt bargains at the leather shops and outlets scattered along Bridge Road and side streets.
• Gleadell Street Market: Browse the small local market for produce and character-filled stalls on a weekend morning.

• Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine): Take the SkyBus from the airport to Southern Cross Station (about 30-40 minutes), then a short train or tram to Richmond/Jolimont (10-15 minutes, one change). Taxi or ride-hail is simplest door-to-door (30-45 minutes depending on traffic, higher fare on peak times).
• Avalon Airport: Catch the Avalon Airport coach to Southern Cross, then train or tram to Richmond (total 70-90 minutes including transfer). A taxi from Avalon to inner city is long and costly; coach plus city connections is usual.
• From the main sights: From the CBD (Federation Square/Flinders Street) take a short train to Richmond Station or a tram along Swan Street; the trip is usually 5-15 minutes and covered by a single myki Zone 1 fare.

• Train: Richmond is a major rail interchange with frequent services from Flinders Street and Southern Cross, handy for stadiums and the inner east.
• Tram: Trams run along Swan Street and Chapel Street, convenient for hopping between cafes, shops and the river.
• On foot & bike: The area is compact and mostly flat, walk between parks, terraces and lanes; bike lanes and shared paths run along the river.

Accommodation ranges from big-brand hotels near the sporting precinct to small serviced apartments and a few budget hostels. Jolimont and Richmond Station are the most convenient bases for transit and stadium access. Expect mostly mid-range prices, with larger hotels closer to the parks and CBD. Book early for match days and major events.

Luxury

• Pullman Melbourne on the Park: Upscale hotel beside the parks and sporting precinct; convenient for the MCG and Melbourne Park.
• Le Méridien Melbourne: City-brand hotel with classic service and easy access to the CBD and inner-east streets.
• Windsor Hotel: Long-running grand hotel offering traditional comfort near the parklands and city attractions.
• Sheraton Melbourne Hotel: Large international hotel option close to the CBD and within easy reach of Richmond and Jolimont.

Mid-range

• The Motley Hotel Richmond, Tapestry Collection by Hilton: Stylish, local-feel hotel a short walk from Richmond Station and Chapel Street cafés.
• Adara Richmond: Modern mid-range hotel convenient for Bridge Road bargains and match-day crowds.
• Quest East Melbourne: Apartment-style rooms near the parks and within walking distance of the sporting venues.
• Quest Jolimont: Practical serviced apartments a short walk from Jolimont and the MCG.

Budget

• Knightsbridge Apartments: Basic apartment option for travellers on tighter budgets within walking distance of Richmond shops.
• Home @ The Mansion: Hostel-style accommodation for budget travellers hoping to stay near the inner east.
• Magnolia Court: Simple, no-frills lodgings suitable for short stays and those prioritising location.

Cafés and casual eateries dominate, you’ll find strong Vietnamese, Japanese and modern-Australian options along Swan and Church streets. Chapel Street adds a more diverse range of restaurants and late-opening bars. Most places are wallet-friendly to mid-range; reserve for busy brunches and evenings on weekends.

• Georgie Boy Expresso: Local café good for quick coffee and a daytime stop; budget-friendly.
• Noodle World: Casual noodle shop, great for a cheap and quick meal.
• Richmond Hill Cafe & Larder: Popular neighbourhood café offering brunch and coffee in a relaxed setting; mid-price.
• Pho N Roll: Affordable Vietnamese favourites in a casual setting, good for speedy lunches.
• Anchovy: Small restaurant mixing Vietnamese and Australian influences; mid-price dining.
• Caddie: Barbecue-focused local spot popular for relaxed dinners; mid-price.
• Sogumm: Korean restaurant offering casual dining options; mid-price.

Nightlife here leans on old-school Australian pubs, live-music rooms and a smattering of cocktail bars. Church Street, Swan Street and nearby lanes are the busiest after dark, with music and sports bars filling the calendar. Most venues are casual and open late on weekends; match days push crowds into the streets and transport hubs.

• Corner Hotel: Well-known live-music venue and pub drawing bands and late crowds; good for concerts.
• The Vine Hotel: Local pub near Richmond Station, busy on game nights and weekends.
• London Tavern Hotel: Longstanding pub on Swan Street popular with locals for drinks and meals.
• The Sporting Globe: Large sports bar ideal for watching matches on big screens, bustling during events.
• Spread Eagle Hotel: Neighbourhood pub with regular live acts and steady evening trade.

Shopping ranges from boutique fashion along Chapel Street to outlet bargains on Bridge Road. Weekend markets and small specialist shops offer local produce and vintage finds. Most shopping is concentrated along Chapel Street, Bridge Road and nearby arcades; larger malls sit a short ride away.

• Gleadell Street Market: Small, characterful market popular for fresh produce and local stalls on weekends.
• Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre: Larger suburban mall offering mainstream retail and supermarkets a short ride east.
• The Hive: Local shopping centre with household and food outlets near the precinct.
• Harvey Norman: Major electronics and homewares store useful for practical purchases and bigger items.