High Street runs from the leafy green suburb of Westgarth, up the hill to Northcote, then as the road gets wide you hit Thornbury, and once you get to a fork in the road you are in Preston. The 86 tram will help you if you need it because you will find some of the best music venues, bars, shops, cinemas, and restaurants in the city using this guide. This Google Maps link here will help locate things as you work your way down High Street.

The Westgarth Theatre first opened in 1921, with a showing of Anne of Green Gables. In 2006 Palace Cinemas took over the theatre and added new auditoriums and bars, making the art deco architectural masterpiece a natural destination to visit as well. Session Times | 89 High St, Northcote

You will find the NSC perched on top of Northcote hill on High Street. Live music is the main drawcard, as they have hosted some killer bands over the years. But, there is more to NSC than just music. It is a meeting place where people come to hang out, have a drink, maybe have a parma, and chill out on the deck or out the front in the public bar. Gig guide | Instagram | 301 High St, Northcote

Free to Feed is a not-for-profit social enterprise that helps newcomers land on their feet by providing an opportunity for them to share their stories and food from their home countries. This comes to life in many ways, from cooking classes to home experiences, and more. To book a cooking experience use this link: Website | Instagram | 539 High St, Northcote

The Herbert Cafe is a vibe, located in a converted warehouse right next to Northcote Train Station. Stop by for a coffee or a snack and if you can stay for a while because the space is full of life with plants and herbs growing anywhere they can fit them and a quirky selection of furniture makes this a great place to sit and chill, especially when they set up the turntables and get a local DJ to curate the perfect breakfast listening experience. Menu | Instagram | 41 Arthurton Rd, Northcote

1800 Lasagne burst into most Melburnians’ lounge room during the 2020 lockdowns but 5 years before anyone had put on a face mask owner Joey Kellock was hard at work perfecting the best lasagne ever. You can still get home delivery, which comes hot to your door but for the full experience, you must visit the restaurant on High Street. Order one of everything menu, house vino on tap, and local DJs spin tunes regularly. Website | Instagram | 653 High St, Thornbury

Capers Thornbury is loved by locals for its late-night Greek and Cypriot-style dining and bar experience. DJs regularly spin tunes in the front bar and in the back garden. To find out more about their events hit up their Instagram and you can hit their DMs to book a table. Instagram | 843 High St, Thornbury.

Hands down one of the best bottle shops ever. They always have what you are looking for and everything you didn’t even know you wanted, but Carwyn Cellars is much more than a shop. They have 28 beers on tap which are anyways changing and they also have some super nice spots to sit in the sun and have a beer. Website | Instagram | 877 High St, Thornbury

Once a drive-through petrol station, now the Thornbury Picture House can seat 57 people in its art deco-style cinema. Showing a range of new releases and classics, but you can expect something different here as the owner have a focus on local and independent film. The charming bar and forecourt is a nice place for a drink and snack, which come from the neighbouring Italian restaurant Umberto. Now Showing | Instagram | 802 High St, Thornbury

The home of Do-Something's favourite Ramen has moved into Preston. We highly recommend the pork belly! But everything on this menu is great, so sit down at a shared table, smile, and, be sure to try a few things out. Hot tip order some warm sake. Website | Instagram | 143 Plenty Rd, Preston