Clarendon Street South Melbourne
A bustling South Melbourne street alive with diverse eateries, unique shops, and the iconic South Melbourne Market.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the full market buzz
Clarendon Street South Melbourne
Best Time
Experience the full market buzz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling South Melbourne street alive with diverse eateries, unique shops, and the iconic South Melbourne Market.
"Clarendon Street is a foodie's paradise and a shopper's delight, especially with the vibrant South Melbourne Market nearby."
🎯 Explore Beyond the Main Street
Venture off Clarendon Street to find hidden cafes and unique boutiques.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if visiting the market. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
South Melbourne Market
Adjacent to Clarendon Street
A bustling market with fresh produce, gourmet food, and unique crafts. A true taste of Melbourne's vibrant culture.
Dessertopia by 196below
342 Clarendon Street
Experience whimsical, themed desserts with a focus on nitrogen ice cream. A fun stop for sweet treats.
Lukes Banh Mi
Clarendon Street
Savor authentic Vietnamese street food, famous for its fresh, crunchy rolls and delicious fillings. Expect queues!
Hunter & Hound Pub
209 Clarendon Street
Your go-to spot for pints, parmas, and pool. A lively local pub atmosphere with good food and drinks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Clarendon Street
Discover South Melbourne's Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore Beyond the Main Street
Venture off Clarendon Street to find hidden cafes and unique boutiques.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if visiting the market. :athletic_shoe:
⏰ Arrive Early for Lunch
Popular spots like Lukes Banh Mi get busy quickly. :alarm_clock:
💰 Market Bargains
The South Melbourne Market is great for finding unique gifts and local produce. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore Beyond the Main Street
Venture off Clarendon Street to find hidden cafes and unique boutiques.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if visiting the market. :athletic_shoe:
⏰ Arrive Early for Lunch
Popular spots like Lukes Banh Mi get busy quickly. :alarm_clock:
💰 Market Bargains
The South Melbourne Market is great for finding unique gifts and local produce. :moneybag:
☕ Coffee Culture
South Melbourne boasts excellent cafes; try Deadman Cafe for a local vibe.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Clarendon Street in South Melbourne is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse culinary scene, and excellent shopping opportunities, particularly with the adjacent South Melbourne Market. Visitors praise the variety of food options, from street food to pubs and unique dessert spots. The market is a consistent highlight for its fresh produce and artisanal goods. Some find parking challenging and popular spots can get crowded, but the overall experience is highly regarded.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Clarendon Street is easily accessible by public transport. Tram routes 12 and 109 run along Clarendon Street, connecting you to the Melbourne CBD and surrounding suburbs. Driving is also an option, with parking available, though it can be competitive, especially on market days.
Yes, Clarendon Street is very walkable and best explored on foot. It's a great way to discover the various shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Walking is ideal for exploring Clarendon Street itself. For longer distances or to reach other parts of South Melbourne, trams are a convenient option.
Limited street parking is available along Clarendon Street and surrounding side streets. Paid parking stations are also an option, but can be expensive. Consider public transport if possible.
From Melbourne Airport (MEL), you can take a SkyBus to the city and then transfer to a tram heading towards South Melbourne. Alternatively, a taxi or rideshare service is a direct but more expensive option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Clarendon Street itself is a public thoroughfare and does not require tickets. However, individual shops, cafes, and restaurants will have their own entry requirements or cover charges.
Shops and restaurants on Clarendon Street generally operate during standard business hours, typically from around 9 AM to 5 PM or later for restaurants. The South Melbourne Market has specific operating days and hours (Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun).
No, entry to the South Melbourne Market is free. You only pay for the goods you purchase.
Clarendon Street and the surrounding South Melbourne area often host various events, especially around the market. It's best to check local event listings closer to your visit.
For popular restaurants, especially during peak times, booking a table in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Clarendon Street offers a diverse culinary scene. Highlights include Lukes Banh Mi for Vietnamese street food,
Hunter & Hound Pub for pub fare, Zauq Clarendon for Pakistani cuisine, and Dessertopia for unique ice cream. Many other cafes and eateries line the street.Yes, many restaurants and cafes on Clarendon Street offer vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus online or ask staff when ordering.
The South Melbourne Market is a foodie paradise, offering everything from fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, international street food, and gourmet treats.
Dining options on Clarendon Street range from budget-friendly cafes and market stalls to mid-range restaurants. You can find options to suit various budgets.
Absolutely! Clarendon Street and its side streets are dotted with excellent cafes serving great coffee and breakfast. Deadman Cafe is a popular local choice.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping
Clarendon Street features a mix of boutiques, homeware stores, specialty shops, and some well-known brands. You can also find unique items at the nearby South Melbourne Market.
Yes, Clarendon Street is known for its independent boutiques offering fashion, gifts, and homewares. RAYS Wellness is one such store located on the street.
At the market, you can find fresh produce, flowers, artisanal foods, clothing, accessories, handmade crafts, and unique souvenirs.
While not a dedicated souvenir street, you can find unique local crafts and artisanal products at the South Melbourne Market, which make excellent souvenirs.
You might find some antique or vintage stores in the vicinity, with mentions of antique shops in the area.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant street life, the colorful stalls of the South Melbourne Market,
and the unique storefronts. The architecture and the bustling atmosphere offer many photographic opportunities.Generally, yes, but it's polite to ask permission from staff or other diners before taking extensive photos, especially of food.
While Clarendon Street is more about urban charm, a short walk can lead you to views of the Melbourne skyline or the nearby Albert Park Lake.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for street photography. Midday can be harsh but is great for capturing the market's vibrancy.
Definitely! The themed desserts at Dessertopia,
the colorful market produce, and the unique cafe interiors offer plenty of Instagram-worthy shots.For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Culinary Delights of Clarendon Street
Many cafes, like Deadman Cafe, are scattered along the street, perfect for a morning coffee or a casual brunch. The variety ensures that whether you're looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, Clarendon Street provides ample options. It's a street where you can easily spend a day hopping between different culinary hotspots, experiencing the vibrant food scene of South Melbourne.
Shopping and Local Finds on Clarendon Street
Even beyond the market, the street itself has a charm that invites exploration. You might stumble upon hidden gems or discover new favorite brands. The area also sees real estate activity, indicating a dynamic neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial appeal. Whether you're hunting for fashion, home decor, or a special gift, Clarendon Street and its surroundings offer a rewarding shopping experience that goes beyond the typical high street.
Experiencing the South Melbourne Market
Beyond the food, the market is a fantastic spot for browsing unique crafts, fashion, and homewares. You'll find everything from handmade jewelry to artisanal cheeses and freshly baked bread. The energy of the market is infectious, with local vendors passionate about their products. It's an essential part of the South Melbourne experience and a must-visit for anyone exploring Clarendon Street.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit