Our guide to spending a lazy Sunday in Kew

 

Leafy streets, a quick commute to town, a bevvy of world-class cafes and wine bars and miles of parkland along the Yarra River. What’s not to like about Kew? If we had a Sunday free, here’s how we’d spend it in this desirable inner city suburb.

9:00 a.m: Take a brunch-break at Hiatus

Sundays are meant for sleeping in, so take your time in the morning before heading to Hiatus to refuel and relax. This cafe is all white walls, freshly roasted espresso beans and delicious inventive brunch meals, making it the perfect place to start Sunday slowly.

The food reads a little strange on the menu but give it a chance and it’ll blow you away – go for the flank steak, served with parsnip purée, confit shallot, hollandaise and a poached egg, and thank us later.

10:30 a.m: Soak up the sun at Hays Paddock

After several coffees and a satisfying meal, Hays Paddock is the perfect place to go. It boasts one of Melbourne’s best kids playgrounds if the little ones are in tow, and a quiet reprieve surrounded by bush if you’re alone.

Get active and do the circuit walk, or put your feet up and soak up the sun surrounded by nature.

11:30 a.m: Caffeinate and shop for greenery at Kew Cafe and Nursery

Fact: you can never have enough house plants or coffee. Kew Cafe and Nursery is the perfect spot for you to indulge your twin passions. Grab a flat white and browse the impressive selection of shrubs, plants and cacti.

1:00 p.m: Dine on the water at the Studley Park Boathouse

If you’re open to a little fine dining fare, head along the Yarra to one of Kew’s most iconic venues, the Studley Park Boathouse. This piece of history was built in 1863 by the Burns family and used as a meeting place for those boating up and down the river.

Over 150 years later, it’s been lovingly restored and repurposed as a dining and event venue with a picturesque view along the river. Bookings are essential so call in advance.

2:30 p.m: Hit nine holes along the Yarra River

You’ll barely have to let the river out of your sight if you head along to the Kew Golf Club and hit nine holes along its banks. This challenging course is edged by well-established trees and bush, and plenty of native birds, making it a beautiful place to play even if you’re having a rough day off the tee.

6:30 p.m: Enjoy authentic Sicilian dining at Mr Bianco

Mr Bianco was described by The Age as “Equal parts comfort and sophistication” and we tend to agree. The portions are generous, and the flavours and presentation are elegant and considered, delivering an incredible mix of traditional Italian and modern European dishes.

The seasonal menu changes often, but if you go soon you might get to try the incredible roasted lamb belly with hummus and pomegranate.

9:00 p.m: Finish the night with wines at Cru

Once you’re full of Italian food there’s only one thing for you. Take a quick stroll down Charles Street and Cotham Road and you’ll find yourself at Cru, an all-day eatery that turns into a bustling wine bar when the sun goes down. They’ve got almost 400 wines behind the bar and staff that know their stuff, so settle in by the window and end your night with a glass of something delicious.

We love talking about all things Melbourne, so if you need tips from the locals or you’re looking to buy real estate in Kew, get in touch with the team at your nearest Nelson Alexander office.