Replete with Victorian and Edwardian homes, Clifton Hill is a picturesque suburb with all the comfort and advantages of modern living. 

From shopping strips to efficient transportation, Clifton Hill performs well as a convenient place of residence. 

But apart from its commercial areas and living spaces of historic character, Clifton Hill is inviting to families in their generous offerings of childcare centers. The suburb understands the challenges parents encounter day-to-day as they try to earn a living and chart a life of comfort for their kids.

If you’re a parent thinking of ways to keep working while your children are being cared for, here are three childcare centers you may want to check out.

Goodstart Clifton Hill – Childcare Centre

Smartly-situated in one of Clifton Hill’s thickly populated areas, Goodstart Clifton Hill – Childcare Centre is close to the main roads where transportation are frequent and the schools and local shops are thriving. The center boasts of a beautiful old Victorian building that plays host to quality childcare.

The Preschool rooms care for kids six weeks to five years old. The rooms are staged in such a way that they reflect the facility’s  Early Years Learning Framework curriculum. Through what it calls Storypark, Goodstart is able to establish ties with parents to assure them of children’s needs.

Petit Early Learning Journey

Located in Hoddle St, Petit Early Learning Journey’s philosophy is reflected in its six core beliefs:

1. Learning is an active process, a keystone to play-based pedagogy
2. Partnering with families fosters strong reciprocal relationships
3. Teaching teams should engage with contemporary pedagogies
4. The Learning environment is a place of potential and possibility
5. Connection with community supports health and wellbeing
6. Every child is capable, resourceful, and a constructor of their own knowledge 

These are representative of Petit ELJ’s identity and trajectory, one that puts their client’s children first. Parents are thus assured that their children’s welfare is in the right hands.

Walker Street Community Kindergarten

At the core of Walker Street Community Kindergarten’s services is its aim at inculcating a sense of wonder and drive to learn in the children they educate. 

In accordance to this goal, the learning environment at Walker Street Community Kindergarten is vibrant, creative, and motivating. The staff allows kids to exercise curiosity and self-expression. Independence and confidence are virtues that the facility’s programs work on conscientiously to uphold. 

Strategically situated on a residential street in the suburb, Walker Street Community Kindergarten work closely with parents to ease a child’s transition from home to kindergarten. This the facility does by honing a diverse and dynamic range of experiences that allow the kids to be themselves with utmost courage.

With these three childcare centers, Clifton Hill parents are assured that their children are getting the education they need and the guidance they deserve.

Other Clifton Hill-related blogs:

You are never too far from anywhere.

In less than ten minutes, you can get to amazing places in the suburb simply by walking. If you have a bike, it would take less time-3 minutes or so. Fairfield is a pretty straightforward suburb where everything’s a stone’s throw away. If you prefer to walk than drive, then this suburb is perfect for you.

The local community is thriving.

Residents in the suburb enjoy the good meat selection and fresh produce from the local shops. There is no large chain supermarket in the area which only means that you do not only get handpicked selections, you also get personalised service.

It is a melting pot of different cultures.

With a significant population of different races, the Fairfield community is culturally diverse. You could bump into Greek, Italian, Chinese, Dutch, German and Indian young professionals, families, and empty nesters.

Fairfield is one of the most desirable suburbs in Melbourne. More and more buyers are finding this suburb as an investment because of its amenities. If you are thinking of selling your property in Fairfield, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Let us assist you in your real estate journey. Alternatively, if you are looking into buying a Fairfield home, let us discuss your requirements and let Collings Real Estate help you find your dream home. Email as us at info@collings.com.au or fill out our contact form.

Other Fairfield-related blogs:

Appealing to residents of all ages, Ivanhoe is a suburb where people flock to raise families. Set against the backdrop of thriving greenery, this gem of a suburb is replete with venues that give visitors and locals alike plenty to enjoy.

But what may not be known by many is that Ivanhoe hosts several places of exceptional services. They are described as such because these offer things that are conventionally in demand in an era ruled by screens and social media. These places give the mind a break–something that does not just give it an easy dopamine hit. These places feed the intellect and develop a healthy appreciation of literature and nature.  

Here are the 3 places in Ivanhoe that serve to sustain the mind.

Andrew’s Bookshop

Small but generous in its offering of various literature, Andrew’s Bookshop is a bookshop located at Upper Heidelberg RD in Ivanhoe. It is quaint, spanning more than 40 years. It all began in 1977 when a young man named Andrew started selling 2 boxes of his parents’ old books at the Wantirna Market. In 1983, Andrew’s Bookshop was opened. 

Andrew’s Bookshop thrives in its dedication to providing a wide range of books that deal with general fiction, interior design, travel, and art history, among others. It even offers adult coloring books and postcards, something that is seen as almost passe in the ever-expanding digital terrain. Nonetheless, Andrew’s Bookshop keeps itself afloat with something that the internet simply cannot offer.  

The Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub

The Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub is a place that celebrates intellect and cultural expression. It has become known as a place of inclusivity where visitors are free to think, study, delve into art, and get involved with other creative activities through cultural programs. Each of these will integrate and support each other. For instance, art workshops will be run by resident artists and joined by other artists or other library visitors. The aim is to be dynamic, adaptable, and of course, inclusive. 

Not wanting to leave anyone behind, it operates under the principle: Something for everyone, all under one roof, all year round. 

Chelsworth Park 

Apart from the cafes and specialty shops, are you wondering where else you can read your newly purchased book from Andrew’s Bookshop? Maybe you can stroll by the river first and settle on one of the wooden park benches underneath the massive old trees of Chelsworth Park. 

Surround yourself in Chelsworth Park’s teeming greenery and rich bird life as you find an escape from the daily drudgery of contemporary living. Visitors agree that the park is one of Ivanhoe’s finest with its well-maintained oval and walking tracks where you can walk your dog, beautiful riverside view, and the quietude it offers.

So there you go, if you happen to be in the Ivanhoe searching for a timid and repose from your monotonous day-to-day life, be sure to check out these places. Surely, your mind will find the peaceful break that it so deserves.

Other Ivanhoe-related blogs:

Initially seen as a semi-industrial hub with its massive warehouses, workshops, and factories, Brunswick East has grown into popularity as a highly-cultural suburb. 

Subjected to fast gentrification efforts of recent years, Brunswick East has been experiencing notable changes with several industrial sites transformed into residential and retail areas. 

Lifestyle has become a driving force in Brunswick East’s development. This being in the cards, Brunswick East is now a go-to cultural place that boasts of multiple delights. 

Here are 3 notable things that Brunswick East offers that make it a cultural hub you would want to visit:

A Community of Sustainability

A sustainable life is at the very core of living in Brunswick East. The suburb is host to the CERES urban farm and grocery, a community garden, urban farm and social enterprise center, and environmental education hub. Through the center, residents are able to learn everything from basic gardening to climate change. 

On top of that, all the suburb’s amenities can easily be reached by walking, doing away with the need for vehicles that require gas-powered vehicles.

Exciting Bars and Wineries

The bars at Brunswick East are replete of various wines and cocktails. It is home to the Noisy Ritual, a vineyard where visitors can witness how wine is made from actual grapes. 

Here, you can also find Atticus Finch for cocktails, Bouvier for whiskey, and beer at the Temple Brewing Co, and Alchemy Brewing. 

A Thriving Music Scene 

The Independent Music scene is alive with the suburb’s community radio station, the 3RRR. Meanwhile, The B.East and Whole Lotta Love are places where bands can play live music.

These features make up the triumvirate of fun in Brunswick East. But mind you, these are just a few of the suburb’s fine offerings. There are more things in the area that complete its picture as a highly-cultural suburb. 

Brunswick East is one of the fastest emerging suburbs in Victoria, so it’s not surprising that interested buyers are flocking to see and experience the beauty of the suburb firsthand. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, reach out to us and let’s make your real estate process a smooth one. Fill out our contact form or call us directly at +61 3 9486 2000.

Other Brunswick East-related blogs:

It creates competition

Auctions can create a competitive bidding environment. Interested buyers might stretch themselves in competitive environments to purchase their dream home. In fact, this can be the biggest driver in achieving your premium price. Remember: competition fuels emotion.

Related: How to bid at an auction

Vendors are protected by the reserved price

The vendor sets the reserve price with the agent prior to the auction and you don’t have to sell unless the reserve is met or you’re happy with the highest bid.

Unconditional contract

Once the hammer folds, the buyer is bound to an unconditional contract and an immediate exchange will take place. The auction method is one of the most transparent ways to sell real estate. Buyers can see exactly who they’re competing against and vendors can witness firsthand what the market is prepared to pay for their property.

For more real estate video tips, head on to our Youtube channel.

Kylie has just moved to Ivanhoe and was wondering what part of the suburb she could start exploring. Despite sharing a name with a famous Aussie pop star, Kylie’s life is not as vibrant as other 20-something girls like her tend to be. It’s not that she frowns upon the spectacle that social media has to offer or the throbbing allure of the Melbourne nightlife. No. That’s not how it is. Kylie prefers the quiet character of humble Victoria and what its high culture has in store. Kylie finds enjoyment in visiting specialty stores.

And that is something that Ivanhoe can deliver. 

If you’re visiting the suburb or already living there but have yet to catch a change of scene, these three specialty stores might just be something you can fancy.

Caffe Strada

Seen by many as the best coffee in all of Ivanhoe, Caffe Strada also serves a variety of food that is traditionally European. 

Apart from that, Caffe Strada offers catering services for parties and events. The cafe serves up a range of pastries, cakes, and other savory foods expertly made by its team of chefs. But what gets the attention of its patrons is Caffe Strada’s 100% Gluten-Free menu.

Voyager Music & Video

A relic of its time but still going strong, Ivanhoe’s Voyager Music & Video is a shop that sells new DVDs and Blu-Rays and used ones for low prices. 

The store boasts not only of its somewhat dated offerings but also its efficient and amiable service. It is the only rental DVD store to still be standing in Ivanhoe and among the few in the entirety of Melbourne. The store allows its patrons to listen to music privately before purchasing an album–something that hits right at the nostalgia. 

If you’re looking for a semblance of how the music and video industry once was, then Voyager Music & Video is the place to be.

Chocolatier Australia

Established by brothers David and John Grisold in 1985, what is known today as Chocolatier Australia was then called, “Diamond Creek Chocolate Company.” The brothers were inspired to set up shop in light of their influence while growing up in a family that manufactured food for the hospitality industry. David and John decided to make premium, designer chocolates for airlines and top-tier hotels in the country.

While staying loyal to the hospitality sector, the product range evolved to include chocolates for Easter, Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Valentine’s Day.

So there you have it, three specialty shops in Ivanhoe that are simply too interesting to pass up. If you happen to be in the suburb looking for alternative ways to amuse yourself, we recommend that you check these stores out.  Or perhaps having these specialty stores around is the ultimate deciding factor to move to this suburb. Give us a call at + 61 3 9486 2000 and let’s discuss your requirements!

Other Ivanhoe-related blogs:

Northcote is a trendy suburb especially appealing to young professionals because of its vibrant vibe. But apart from the bars and restaurants, especially in High Street, Northcote also offers a variety of family-friendly activities. In this blog, we have enumerated some of them:

• marvel at the amazing art pieces in Art Projects Australia
• watch a magic show at The Laneway Theatre
• have an afternoon barbecue at All Nations Park

Marvel at the amazing art pieces in Art Projects Australia

The studio gallery promotes the works of artists with intellectual disabilities. The art pieces are entered into exhibitions, art prizes and awards. Aspiring artists are encouraged to explore their creativity and formulate their own drawing and painting approach through printmaking, ceramics, digital photography, digital imaging, animation, 3D sculpture, and professional practice. Aside from fostering individual creative projects, they also do professional development programs in forms of field trips, skills workshops, collaborative projects, etc.

Watch a magic show at The Laneway Theatre

Another fun-filled activity in Northcote is watching a magic show by Tim Ellis at The Laneway Theatre. People who have watched the show only have positive things to say about Tim and his ability to keep the audience engaged from the beginning until the end of the show.

Have an afternoon barbecue at All Nations Park

Aside from being a nice park to walk around, All Nations Park at Northcote is also wide enough for an afternoon barbecue. Kids and adults have plenty of space to move around. All Nations Park is pet-friendly too so you can definitely include your furry friends in your afternoon barbecue.

At present, Northcote is one of the most sought-after suburbs in Victoria. This is not surprising as Northcote residents are very vocal about how good their neighbourhood amenities are. The suburb is known for its great internet access, public transport, parks and recreation, medical facilities and of course, lifestyle and entertainment options.

Are you looking into buying or selling a property in Northcote? Let us discuss your plans through info@collings.com.au or simply fill out our contact form and we’ll quickly get back to you.

Other Northcote-related blogs:

Northcote is known for its diverse array of restaurants, shops, and attractions. But one of the best things to do in Northcote is visit one of its many farmer’s markets! 

Farmer’s markets are a great way to support local businesses, get fresh produce and other goods at reasonable prices, and, in Northcote’s case, enjoy the unique atmosphere of the vibrant neighborhood. Here are three farmer’s markets in Northcote you should check out:

• The Local Market Co-Op
• The Northcote Community Farmers Market
• The Northcote Social Club

The Local Market Co-Op 

Every Sunday morning from 9 am-1 pm the Local Market Co-Op is open on High Street just north of St Georges Road. Here, you will find fresh produce from local farmers as well as artisanal goods from local makers. 

Whether you’re looking for organic vegetables or handmade jewelry, this is the farmer’s market for you! Plus, buyers enjoy the live performances of musicians and the numerous food trucks that serve up delicious food. 

So if you find yourself at the end of the weekend with nothing to do, go visit the Local Market Co-Op and have a good time.

The Northcote Community Farmers Market

This market opens every Saturday morning from 8 am-12 pm on the Northcote Town Hall grounds. 

The Northcote Community Farmers Market may be smaller than The Local Market Co-Op but that doesn’t mean there’s less to see.

At the Northcote Community Farmers Market, you can find a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as locally-produced honey, eggs, bread, and pastries. 

The Northcote Community Farmers Market also offers workshops throughout the year so you can learn more about sustainable living and growing food at home.

The Northcote Social Club 

If Saturdays aren’t convenient for your schedule, then check out the weekly farmers market at the Northcote Social Club every Thursday from 4 pm-8 pm. 

The Northcote Social Club sells all kinds of goodies including organic meats, artisan cheeses, jams, and preserves. On top of that, regular food trucks grace the venue to provide for hungry shoppers. 

But the fun does not stop there! Take advantage of the Northcote Social Club’s Happy Hour specials while you’re there.

There is Never a Dull Moment at These Farmer’s Markets

Whether you’re looking for fresh produce or artisanal goods made by local makers, Northcote offers these 3 farmer’s markets for residents and visitors to explore. 

With the Local Market Co-Op’s live music performances, the workshops offered at the Northcote Community Farmers Market, and the Happy Hour specials at Northcote Social Club’s weekly market, visitors are never left with any dull moment.

So next time you’re in town, be sure to visit these amazing farmer’s markets in Northcote. You won’t regret it!

Other Northcote-related blogs:

Wellness has become central to our lives of us. And this is not surprising given the demand for genuine rest and repose from the almost unforgiving speed of daily living.

Clifton Hill provides the venue for clinics that serve the cause. And serve it well these clinics do. Let us take a look at three facilities that are among the ones that render the best wellness services within the suburb.

Wellness Medicine

While it operates as a GP, Integrative Medicine is at the core of Wellness Medicine’s service. Catering to various patients struggling with chronic conditions that challenge the General Practice model. The facility offers Integrative Medicine as spearheaded by Wellness Medicine founder, Dr. Joanna Hickey.

Patients can easily access Wellness Medicine by either car or public transport.

If you’re interested in making an appointment with Wellness Medicine you can call them at (03) 9489 7955 or drop them an email at info@wellnessmedicine.com.au. You can also make a personal visit to 41 Queens Parade.

Body Osteopathy Clifton Hill

The Body Osteopathy Clifton Hill is a wellness facility centered on recovery through the restoration of mobility of the physically challenged so they can reintegrate seamlessly into life. 

As the name suggests, the facility offers Osteopathy, Cupping, and Dry Needling. On top of that, the experts also provide exercise advice.

Want to schedule a session with Body Osteopathy? You can visit them at 107 Queens Parade, ring them at 0434 292 751, or send an email through bodyosteo@gmail.com.

 Body Align Myotherapy & Massage Clifton Hill, Melbourne

As the name suggests, the professionals at Body Align Myotherapy & Massage are experts in soft tissue treatment. The clinic has been providing Myotherapy and Massage in the suburb for over a decade.

Interested in making an appointment with Body Align Myotherapy & Massage? You can visit them at 107 Queens Parade, or call them at (03) 9489 7511. You can also send them an email through contact@bodyalignmyotherapy.com.au or book one online.

These three facilities provide Clifton Hill residents with the most reliable and trustworthy wellness offerings in the area. If you happen to be in the suburbs and in need of care or health-related services, you might want to check these clinics out.  

Overall wellness is something that shouldn’t be overlooked. The suburb can only be as healthy as its residents. Having readily accessible facilities like this says so much about how important wellness is to the people it serves.

Is this a factor that you are looking into before purchasing a property? Or perhaps you are interested in selling your investment property – reach out to us and our Clifton Hill real estate agents will assist you with your requirements. Simply fill out our contact form or give us a call at +61 3 9486 2000

Browse other community highlights in Victoria: