Collingwood is a hub of cutting-edge galleries, popular cafés, enticing restaurants and nightlife hotspots in Melbourne’s inner northeast. A formerly gritty and somewhat downtrodden neighbourhood, Collingwood rapidly transformed into a multicultural creative quarter for local artists, musicians and tastemakers. Wander down Smith Street, Collingwood’s main artery, and take in the contemporary culture that spills out of the suburb’s historic mid-19th century architecture.

Be sure to grab a coffee from one of the cafés along Smith Street or one of its side streets and go for a stroll along the strip. Check out the busy street’s hidden treasures and explore contemporary art galleries, independent bookstores and fashion boutiques that showcase clothing and accessories by local designers. Pick up rare and unique items of clothing and retro furniture at the vintage stores that line the street. There is a strip of factory outlet stores selling outdoors equipment, sports clothing and household appliances on Smith Street’s northern end.

Local bakeries, including delicious Vietnamese sandwich shops and Italian pasticcerias, serve freshly baked goods and sweets. Experience Collingwood’s excellent food scene and pick from a string of elegant Japanese restaurants, pub bistros, fashionable diners and cosy cafés.

Collingwood has a reputation for being one of Melbourne’s most exciting nightlife areas. Discover Collingwood’s rock ’n' roll scene at the historic corner pubs dotted along Johnston Street, or dance the night away in the gay nightclubbing district around Gertrude Street. Enjoy a quiet cocktail in one of the bars that look over Smith Street from the second floor of terrace buildings or simply enjoy the night air with a delicious cone of locally made gelato.

Reach Collingwood via tram from the city centre or catch a train to Collingwood Station, which is located a 15-minute walk east of Smith Street. Just to the east of Collingwood in neighbouring Abbotsford, you’ll find the Abbotsford Convent, a leafy estate filled with cafés, galleries and boutique stores, as well as the Collingwood Children’s Farm on the banks of the Yarra River. Catch a local match of Australian Rules football or cricket at Victoria Park, also located in Abbotsford.