Richmond

Richmond is four strips in one: Victoria Street's Vietnamese Little Saigon, Bridge Road's outlet shopping, Swan Street's sport-and-bar scene beside the MCG and tennis, and Church Street's dining. Three kilometres from the CBD and served by trains plus trams 70, 78 and 109. Practical, unpretentious and great for cheap Vietnamese and match-day energy.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is Richmond worth visiting for a tourist?

If you want cheap Vietnamese, a sports-day atmosphere, or outlet shopping, yes. It's more functional than pretty, but it's genuinely local, well-connected, and pairs naturally with an MCG or Australian Open visit.

Where should I drink before or after a game?

Swan Street is the match-day heartland, lined with pubs, bars and cafes a short walk from the MCG. Church Street has a more contemporary bar and dining scene if you want something a bit quieter than the sport crowd.

How close is Richmond to the MCG and the tennis?

Very close. Richmond borders Melbourne's sports precinct, home to the MCG, AAMI Park and Melbourne Park where the Australian Open is held. On event days the pubs and bars on Swan Street fill up, and it's an easy walk from Richmond Station.

How do I get to Richmond from the CBD?

Richmond is only about 3km out. Trains from Flinders Street reach Richmond Station in under 10 minutes on many lines. Trams also serve it: route 70 on Swan Street, 78 on Church Street, and 109 on Bridge Road, each connecting to the city.

Is Victoria Street good for Vietnamese food?

Yes, it's one of Melbourne's original Vietnamese strips, nicknamed Little Saigon, with a dense run of pho, banh mi and grocers. It's cheap and authentic. Footscray now rivals it, but Victoria Street remains a classic and is closer to the city.

What is each of Richmond's main streets known for?

Victoria Street is Little Saigon, packed with Vietnamese restaurants and grocers. Bridge Road is known for outlet and fashion shopping. Swan Street is bars, cafes and sport, right by the MCG. Church Street has a growing dining and bar scene. Each has its own feel.

Which tram do I take for Bridge Road versus Swan Street?

Route 109 runs along Bridge Road from the city to Box Hill. Route 70 runs along Swan Street from Flinders Street out to Wattle Park. Route 78 covers Church Street and links down to Prahran and Chapel Street. Pick by the strip you want.

Is Bridge Road still good for shopping?

Bridge Road built its name on fashion outlets and factory seconds. The strip has softened over the years as retail changed, but it still has outlet stores, cafes and the direct 109 tram to the city. Set expectations as bargain-hunting rather than a glossy mall.

Nearby in Ask Melbourne

• AnchovyRestaurant0.59 km · 7 min walk
• MinamishimaRestaurant0.72 km · 9 min walk
• Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)Attraction1.33 km · 17 min walk
• Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne GardensAttraction1.76 km · 22 min walk
• Royal Botanic Gardens VictoriaPark1.81 km · 23 min walk