Collingwood

Collingwood is Melbourne's cool-kid inner-north: Smith Street bars and speakeasies, Gertrude Street galleries, some of the city's best independent restaurants and breweries like Molly Rose. The Abbotsford Convent arts precinct is a short walk away. Grittier and more grown-up than Fitzroy next door. Tram 86 runs down Smith Street until roughly 1:30am on weekends.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is Gertrude Street worth walking?

Yes. Gertrude Street runs between Fitzroy and Collingwood and has a dense strip of galleries, design stores and excellent small restaurants and wine bars. It's one of the best short walks in the inner north for eating and browsing.

Where are the best bars in Collingwood?

Smith Street and its side streets are the core. Caz Reitop's Dirty Secrets is a 1920s-style speakeasy near Gertrude Street, The Gem is a long-running local fixture, and Beermash on Smith Street is a beer-nerd bottle shop and bar. The Gasometer covers live music.

Is Collingwood a good area for LGBTQ+ nightlife?

Yes, Collingwood and the Smith Street strip are widely considered a hub of Melbourne's queer nightlife, with several bars and venues along and around Smith Street. It's an inclusive, well-established scene.

Which breweries should I visit in Collingwood?

Molly Rose is the standout for creative, food-friendly beers including sour and wine-inspired styles. For range rather than a taproom, Beermash on Smith Street stocks an enormous selection of tap, can and bottle from boundary-pushing breweries worldwide.

What is the Abbotsford Convent?

A large former convent turned arts, food and community precinct just east of Collingwood, with galleries, studios, cafes and riverside grounds. Entry to the grounds is free. It's one of Melbourne's most atmospheric spots and pairs well with a Collingwood day.

How do I get to Collingwood from the CBD?

Take tram 86 or 96 along Smith Street from the city, about 15-20 minutes. The 86 runs late, until roughly 1:30am on weekends, which is handy after a night out. Collingwood and Victoria Park train stations sit on the eastern side.

Is Collingwood safe at night?

Generally yes. Smith Street stays busy and well-lit late into the night thanks to the bars and the late tram. As with any nightlife strip, keep the usual awareness on quieter side streets after midnight.

Collingwood or Fitzroy, which should I pick?

They border each other and share the 86 tram, so do both. Fitzroy is more boutique-shopping and brunch; Collingwood is more bars, breweries, galleries and restaurants. Collingwood feels a touch grittier and less touristed.

Nearby in Ask Melbourne

• Bar LibertyBar0.51 km · 6 min walk
• FitzroyNeighborhood0.94 km · 12 min walk
• Naked for SatanBar0.98 km · 12 min walk
• The Shady LadyBar1.1 km · 14 min walk
• Rose Street Artists' MarketMarket1.11 km · 14 min walk