Brunswick West: Buy Or Skip?

Brunswick West is a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, ranked 63rd best by locals in the Melbourne region. It is known for its convenient location, peaceful atmosphere, and great value for money. The area offers a mix of large blocks of land and apartment living, with a variety of properties available for sale. The suburb has a strong community vibe, with friendly locals, and is known for its diverse demographic, including young families, professional singles, and retirees. It boasts convenient transport options, with easy access to the city via public transport, as well as close proximity to popular shopping strips, cafes, and restaurants. Brunswick West also has a wealth of parks and open spaces, making it ideal for families and pet owners. The dining scene in Brunswick West and the surrounding areas offers a range of cuisines, including Mexican, Vietnamese, Indian, and Middle Eastern options, as well as pubs, cafes, and casual eateries.

Brunswick West's ranking and reviews

Brunswick West is ranked 63rd best suburb by locals in the Melbourne (Greater) Region, VIC. The suburb has received several positive reviews from locals, who praise its convenient location, community vibe, and peaceful atmosphere.

One reviewer highlights the "great public transport and freeway access", as well as the proximity to busy shopping strips and a vibrant cafe culture. The area also boasts large blocks of land, parks, and reserves, making it ideal for families and pet owners. The mix of old charm and hipster vibes, along with the presence of trendy cafes and restaurants, adds to its appeal.

Property-wise, Brunswick West offers a range of options, from spacious houses on wide, quiet streets to modern apartments with fantastic views. The suburb is known for its good value for money, with properties being more affordable compared to other areas closer to the city.

When it comes to dining, Brunswick West has a lot to offer. The area is home to a variety of eateries, including pubs, falafel joints, and casual restaurants catering to different tastes and dietary preferences. Fish and chip shops in the area, such as Margarita's Fish & Chip Shop and Union Square Fish & Chips, have received positive reviews from customers.

Overall, Brunswick West is praised for its convenient location, friendly community, and peaceful atmosphere. It is an ideal suburb for those seeking a mix of inner-city living and a relaxed, spacious environment.

Transport links

Brunswick West is well-connected to the rest of Melbourne and beyond, with convenient transport links. The area is served by several bus routes, including the 503, 504, 506, 508, 509, 510, and 951. These buses connect Brunswick West to nearby suburbs such as Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Clifton Hill, Northcote, and Alphington. The 509 bus provides a direct link to Brunswick Station, while the 951 night bus service operates between Brunswick Station and Glenroy, via Brunswick West.

In addition to bus services, Brunswick West also has tram links. Tram route 58 is described as the "quickest tram in the north", providing a rapid connection to the city. Another tram line, the number 55, runs past several notable landmarks and destinations, including the zoo, the Children's Hospital, Melbourne University, and the CBD.

For those looking to travel further afield, there are also train connections from Brunswick Station to other parts of Melbourne and beyond. The Upfield train line stops at Anstey, Jewell, and Brunswick stations, providing access to destinations such as Gowrie, Fawkner, and Coburg.

Local amenities

Brunswick West is a vibrant suburb located in Melbourne, Victoria. With its close proximity to the city centre and a range of amenities, it offers a great lifestyle for residents.

Dining and Shopping

The suburb offers a range of dining and shopping options. The iconic shopping and dining strip of Sydney Road is located nearby, offering a diverse selection of cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Additionally, up-and-coming strips such as Melville Road and Albion Street have a variety of eateries and shops. Local markets, multicultural cuisine, and unique shops and galleries are also available for residents to explore.

Parks and Outdoor Spaces

The area boasts several green spaces and parks, including Dunstan Reserve, Clifton Park, and Gilpin Park (which includes a popular dog park). These parks are perfect for relaxation, exercise or picnics. Furthermore, the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail is easily accessible and provides an opportunity for residents to engage in walking, jogging, and cycling while appreciating the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Public Transport

Brunswick West has great public transport, with tram and bus services providing convenient access to surrounding areas. Major roadways such as Melville Road and Sydney Road also make commuting by car a breeze.

Schools

Families with children have access to quality educational facilities in and around Brunswick West. The suburb is home to Brunswick North Primary School and Brunswick South West Primary School, providing excellent options for primary education. Secondary schools and colleges are located in nearby suburbs, ensuring a comprehensive range of educational opportunities.

Food and drink

Brunswick West has a lot to offer in terms of food and drink, with a variety of dining options to choose from. The suburb is known for its diverse and eclectic food scene, ranging from casual eateries and pubs to more upscale restaurants.

For those who enjoy international cuisine, Brunswick West has a variety of options, including Vietnamese, Indian, Sri Lankan, French, Italian, and Mexican. Bhang, for example, serves Indian street food, while Los Hermanos Mexican Taqueria offers authentic tacos and gorditas. There are also several pizza places, such as Ollie's Pizza Parlour and The Pizza Doctor, as well as burger joints like Harding's Burger Joint.

The area is also home to several cafes, such as Duke of Grantham and McIver's Coffee & Tea, which are perfect for a quick bite or a casual meeting with friends. In addition, there are pubs and bars like the Union Hotel Brunswick, known for its vegan-friendly menu and rooftop bar, and the Little Albion Bar and Beer Garden, which offers a range of drinks and a relaxed atmosphere.

Brunswick West also has a variety of dining options for those with specific dietary restrictions. For vegans, Shuki Rosenboim and Louisa Allan's restaurant, known for its chickpea-based dishes, is a popular choice. There are also gluten-free options at Small Axe Kitchen, and an affordable Middle Eastern bakery and cafe that caters to various dietary needs.

Overall, Brunswick West offers a diverse and exciting food and drink scene that reflects the area's cultural mix and caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. Whether you're looking for a casual bite or a more upscale dining experience, you're sure to find something to suit your palate in this vibrant suburb.

Schools

There are a handful of quality primary schools in Brunswick West, including St. Joseph's School, which has been serving the community for over 100 years. The school believes in creating an environment of high expectations and a focus on personal learning, with a strong partnership between the Parish, school, and families. Brunswick North West Primary School is another option, known for its joyful, warm, and colourful environment. It is committed to the safety, participation, and empowerment of children, with zero tolerance for child abuse. Additionally, Brunswick South-West Primary School fosters an inclusive, respectful, and curious attitude among its students. The school aims to engage, challenge, and empower its students to become lifelong learners.

For secondary education, Brunswick Secondary College is an option, although some locals believe it is not on par with Northcote High and Strathmore. However, with the presence of various primary and secondary schools, Brunswick West is ideal for families.

Frequently asked questions