Coburg as a suburb offers visitors ample opportunities to explore its vast heritage and culture. With generational roots dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, the suburb has seen a surge in diversity that reflects in its offerings and streets. The quintessential Coburg experience doesn’t need much, just a stroll down any of its streets will have you witness experiences unique to this suburb — whether it is a mini huddle of Greek yia-yias or Italian nonnas catching up, people lining up for the best falafel in Melbourne across from an equally busy classic American BBQ joint, or in our case, a prison undergoing a revival as a heritage landmark and community hub.
There are always things to do in Coburg but here are some of the top things to add to your list, if you haven’t already!
1. Coburg Farmers’ Market
Image Credit: Coburg Farmers’ Market, Facebook
Location: 92 Bell St Coburg North Primary School, Coburg, Moreland, VIC 3058
Held every Saturday from 8am – 1pm, the Coburg Farmers’ Market brings vibrant, fresh produce to the suburb each week.
The market sees people from all across Victoria, who come to sell their vegetables, fruits (all seasonal as they are fresh!), meat, eggs, bread, cheese, alcohol, etc. There’s always some entertainment occurring simultaneously too.
The market is plastic bag-free so please remember, if you’re going to buy things, you’ll need to bring your own bag. Plus, your own coffee cup if you’re looking to grab some fresh brew too.
2. Merri Creek Trail
Image Credit: Lachlan Walsh, Weekend Notes
Location: Expands across Moreland
With multiple entries and exits, the 21km Merri Creek Trail can be altered to suit every trail enthusiast’s comfort level. The walking level of the whole trail is described as easy — it passes Coburg Lake Reserve, the Brunswick Velodrome and CERES Community Environment Park.
For a more detailed breakdown of a walk along the trail, click here.
3. Coburg Lions – VFL and Women’s Football
Image Credit: Coburg Lions, Coburg Football Club Website
A list of things to do in Coburg wouldn’t quite be complete without a mention of footy — Coburg Football Club is proud to be fielding men’s and women’s senior teams in 2021. Go see a Lions home game at Piranha Park. The VFL season and Women’s season run from April to August, every other weekend.
4. Coburg Lake Reserve
Image Credit: Moreland City Council, Film Victoria
Location: Coburg North, VIC 3058
If you’re planning to complete a walk along Merri Creek or stop by the Coburg Farmers’ Market, make the Lake Reserve your final destination. Relax at this popular spot, throw a picnic, have a barbecue, or just take a nap in nature!
The park overlooks Coburg Lake, which is surrounded by well-maintained lawn areas for visitors to lounge on.
5. Cinemas in Coburg
Image Credit: Pentridge Cinema, Facebook
When it comes to date nights or family night out, you can’t ever go wrong with a cosy movie night. Throw in a choc top, and you’ve got yourself a winner. Coburg has a few movie night options, especially since Pentridge Cinemas opened up a 15-screen venue!
Featuring luxurious interiors in all 15 auditoriums, along with a fully licensed menu (yes, you can take your drink in!) Pentridge Cinema offers Melbourne the absolute best cinema-going experience with Hollywood’s finest films and exclusive events.
If you’re looking for a more nostalgic experience, the Coburg drive-in cinema is still up and running, all you’ve got to do is bring your own pillows and blankets. Snacks are available within the premises and can be brought to your car.
6. Pentridge
Image Credit: Timothy Luck
Location: 1 Champ St, Coburg VIC 3058
Established in 1851, Pentridge is a state significant, heritage-listed former prison site. Today, the site stands at the beginning of a new chapter as a space for the community. Explore one of Coburg’s most iconic landmarks, while supporting local businesses set up within Pentridge’s bluestone walls.
Picnics are also allowed within the lawns of Pentridge, and you can often find families or individuals spending a sunny afternoon relaxing around Pentridge.
7. Go pub-hopping
Image Credit: Graham Denholm, TimeOut
Coburg comes with quite a few local pubs, with craft beer that many come back for time and time again. Local favourites that seem to be recommended the most are Drums Hotel, The Post Office Hotel and The Woodlands Hotel.
Each local haunt comes with menus that pack a punch — whether you’re looking to try something new or just want a good ol’ classic.
8. Explore Coburg’s diverse palate
Image Credit: Olivia Blackburn, Broadsheet
When a suburb embraces diversity, a walk down any street makes you feel like a globetrotter — especially in Coburg where you’ll find any cuisine your heart desires. As mentioned above, there are people who come across town in hoards for the famed falafel at Half Moon Cafe, Coburg’s Egyptian snack shack.
There’s also artfully crafted Italian cuisines, Middle Eastern gastronomy, quintessential Melbourne brunch spots that offer fusion food, American BBQ and more! All you’ve got to do is follow your stomach’s deepest rumbles…and Coburg will have it for you. Keen to do your research before you get here? Head over to Central Coburg’s directory for more information.