Quiet Pocket Rocket

The Age

Saturday November 24, 2007

Susannah McGregor

Elsternwick isn't showy but it's racing upwards in popularity, writes Susannah McGregor.

CAMPED beside much-fancied Elwood and affluent Brighton, Elsternwick is an inner-city patch all too often overlooked. In an idyllic location close to the beach and nestled quietly away from the hubbub of its more famous neighbours, the quietly performing pocket offers a blend of substantial blocks with period homes of solid infrastructure and 1960's apartment blocks. A recent flurry of activity along Glen Huntly Road, with a host of new places opening, has pushed the cosmopolitan strip forward as a strong rival to neighbouring Carlisle Street in the trend stakes. Here, 3185's architectural history is celebrated in mosaic tiles set into the footpaths, and family businesses stand happily alongside boutique stores. In the September quarter, the Real Estate Institute of Victoria recorded a 26.1% annual increase in the median house price that shows the suburb is a rising real-estate star.

TOP TEN SPOTS1Elsternwick Hotel, 259 Brigh-ton Road. Erected in 1854, this grand building affectionately termed "The Wick" by locals is one of the oldest hotels in suburban Melbourne. The bistro's $12 parma night on Tuesday and $12 traditional carvery on Sunday see the tables busy until close.

2Rippon Lea Estate, 192 Hotham Street. Built in 1868, this opulent estate is National Heritage-listed and an excellent example of Victorian Italianate style. Explore the sweeping gardens includ-ing a heritage orchard, take a boat ride on the lake and climb the look-out tower for a superb vista.

3Jewish Holocaust Museum, 13-15 Selwyn Street. This inter-nationally acclaimed museum and research centre conducts lectures and seminars and houses touching exhi-bitions with a personal focus.

4Elsternwick Croquet Club, 27 Parkside Street. Play a friendly game of croquet at one of Melbourne's oldest clubs.

5Tokyo Deli, 418 Glen Huntly Road. All the essentials for a Japanese feast are sold here, includ-ing Japanese beers to slake a hard-earned thirst.

6Classic Cinema, Gordon Street. This elegant arthouse cinema offers independent and mainstream films and a handy member card allows cheap movie tickets and local restaurant discounts.

7Trialto Meats, 397 Glen Huntly Road. Friendly staff and an excellent selection of meats and shelf products see the locals returning to this established business. The barbe-cue packs are a handy solution for a hungry mob.

8Aviv Cakes and Bagels, 412 Glen Huntly Road. Baked cheesecake to popular bubka cakes and a range of biscuits to satisfy the fussiest sweet-tooth.

9Antique Bar, 218 Glen Huntly Road. There's always a pleasant off-beat vibe at this low-key bohe-mian bar. The shabby-chic furniture provide the perfect perch to sip cocktails with friends.

10Frank's Elsternwick Bakery, 291 Glen Huntly Road. Loyal customers have been flocking to Frank's for more than three decades. The prize-winning rye and sourdough are consistent favour-ites and the Bravarian pretzels are a tastebud treat.

HOME TRUTHS

TRANSPORT

Elsternwick station is on the Sandringham line, with a travel time to the city of about 15 minutes. The 67 tram on Glen Huntly Road ferries students to Melbourne University and the 246 bus travels to the La Trobe University terminus.

EDUCATION

There's Elsternwick Primary School and Wesley College has a big campus for students from kindergarten to year 9. Leibler Yavneh College is a Modern Orthodox Zionist Jewish day school, educating from prep through to year 12. The Glen Eira Council provides a variety of education sessions for parents - phone 9524 3333 for details and bookings.

PARKS

Elsternwick Park ticks all the boxes for a recreational area. There's a playground, walking/riding track, lake, skateboard bowl, practice nets, barbecue facilities and an off-leash area for dogs. The park also incorporates a picturesque golf course intercepted by a canal, and is home to sporting clubs.

BE CREATIVE

Aimed at budding florists or those wanting a romantic hobby, the Floral Art School of Australia at 22 Riddell Parade (phone 9523 5052) offers courses to bring your skills to full bloom. If you're better on your feet than with your hands, Sway Dance Studio at 480C Glen Huntly Road (phone 9532 9910) is a great exercise alternative and has classes for all levels in a variety of styles. The Victorian Music Library at 64-66 Orrong Road (phone 9528 3135) is a one-stop shop for the musically talented and has a variety of sheet music available to borrow.

© 2007 The Age

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