Meg Watson

Richmond is a suburb on a cultural crossroad. It’s not quite north and not quite south, and it’s been home to both the rich and the poor. Its quiet back streets are lined with renovated workers’ cottages and old factories converted into exclusive apartments.  But no matter how much has changed in recent years, its character has remained: Richmond is a suburb that takes pride in its working-class roots, its football team, and its vibrant community nurtured by Greek and Vietnamese migrants. Jump to a section: EAT DRINK COFFEE THINGS TO DO SHOPPING What’s Richmond known for? Richmond sits just east of the city, separated from the CBD by Melbourne’s sporting precinct. Though stadiums are closed for the moment, visitors usually pour in all year ‘round to see sporting events and concerts at AAMI Park, Margaret Court Arena, Rod Laver Arena and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This area along the Birrarung (Yarra River) has been a gathering place for members of the Kulin Nation long before these stadiums were erected.  The suburb’s three main strips each have a distinctive feel to them. Victoria Street is Melbourne’s go-to destination for Vietnamese food: it’s a one-stop shop for pho, banh mi and Asian groceries. Bridge Road is known for its factory outlets, both fashion and furniture. And Swan Street is home to some of the suburb’s best restaurants and cafés (as well as a few thousand footy fans depending on the day). Why do the locals love it? Richmond has a bit of something f