How to spend the perfect day in Preston

If you’re looking for evidence that Melbourne’s city centre is moving north, simply follow this guide to spending the perfect day in Preston.

Situated 10 km north of the CBD, Preston’s High Street is bustling with activity, from restaurants and cafes to op shops and hip Melbourne boutiques – the kind of activity the quieter Plenty Road is bound to have in a couple of years.

An up and coming suburb with a huge variety of real estate on offer, Preston is the perfect place to invest. Have a day to check it out? Here’s how to spend it.

9:30 –  Enjoy one of Melbourne’s most unique cafes, Sartoria

One of Melbourne’s most unique cafes? Now that’s an accolade. In a city saturated by amazing breakfast and coffee spots, Sartoria manages to offer a truly distinct guest experience.

While Sartoria’s menu is exceptional, the space is what stands out. A dressmaking and bridal shop from 1970’s through the 90’s, Sartoria is still decorated with relics from the past, including antique Singer sewing machines and spools of thread everywhere.

10:30 – Visit the Preston Market

Next up, the Preston Market. An icon of the northside, the Preston Market is where locals and visitors alike go for just about everything.

The variety here can be a bit overwhelming, from florists to speciality grocers, sweet shops and hair salons. Our advice? Take your time and wander slowly. Give yourself at least an hour here to take it all in and don’t leave without checking out the Slavonija deli or indulging in a jam doughnut from Anna’s.

12:00 – Explore the Darebin Creek

Beginning its journey in Wollert and ending in Alphington, the Darebin Creek passes through Preston towards the end of its journey south and residents of the suburb are happy it does.

That’s because of the countless recreation opportunities the Creek and shared path provide, including bird watching facilities, walking paths and picnic areas. If you want to catch a glimpse of rare critters, the Darebin Creek is a great place to go. Home to several rare or threatened species including the Striped Legless Lizard, the Darebin Creek is a bustling ecosystem. Echidnas and a platypus have even been sighted here in recent years!

1:30 PM – Pop in for lunch at Cheshire

You’ve treated yourself at the Preston Market and walked it off by the creek – it must be time to eat again.

After all, one of the perks of living in Melbourne is the incredible food and Preston is no exception.

Introducing Cheshire. A light-filled space with perfect coffee (and we mean perfect), a fresh, diverse breakfast and lunch menu plus a cabinet filled with delicious sweets, this cafe will have you smiling like the cat it was named after.

2:00 – Catch a movie at HOYTS Northland

The northern suburbs’ largest shopping centre, Northland features more than 300 specialty stores.

If you still have more shopping left in you after the Preston Market, be sure to check them out. Otherwise, grab some popcorn, see what’s on and enjoy some down time at the HOYTS cinema located in the megamall.

4:00 – Neko HQ

Melbourne is filled with pet-friendly parks for dog lovers to go and get their canine fix, but what about the feline aficionados among us?

In our opinion, the lack of places for cat lovers to hang out and socialise is discrimination plain and simple! Fortunately, there’s Neko HQ, a space to go and enjoy some quality time with cats and kittens. Buy your tickets and enjoy meeting some of Melbourne’s cutest, friendliest felines while also supporting the Maneki Neko Cat Rescue charity. And just so you know – they’re all up for adoption.

5:00 –  Eat in at Takeaway Pizza 

Takeaway Pizza – the name is nondescript and that’s how they like it. This pizza shop is where Preston goes when they want straightforward, delicious pizza and perhaps a negroni as well!

You can visit Takeaway Pizza to grab an order, or dine in and enjoy the amazing atmosphere – think American pizza shop meets quirky cocktail bar. If you can’t get your head around the pairing just yet, trust us – there are few things better than eating a slice of homemade pepperoni, goats cheese and basil pizza with a pina colada in hand.

7:00 – Finish the day with a drink at the Raccoon Club

If you’re after more laid-back vibes post pizza, head into the Raccoon Club. This cosy, warm bar is the perfect place to unwind and reminisce on your perfect day in Preston. The Raccoon Club is all about relaxing, so sit back in the vintage furniture or take the active route with a free game of pool.

Want to find out more about Preston? Reach out to the team at Nelson Alexander or stop into our Preston office. We’ve been helping Melburnians buy, sell and lease property in Melbourne’s north for more than 45 years and are happy to answer any questions you might have.