At the centre of it all

Aptly named Centre Road, Bentleigh’s epicentre is lined with shops, gyms and cafes galore.

With convenient parking and over 250 places to explore, you’ll always find a way to spend your day. (Or somewhere to grab a tasty treat!)

 

Brewbaker Coffee

Smiles, laughs, long conversations – and delicious coffee. At Brewbaker, you’ll find it all!

But first, grab yourself a hot drink – and a cruffin. (Wait… what?) It’s Brewbaker’s signature hybrid between a croissant and a muffin.

Brewbaker also boasts a pantry to rival your grandma’s. Think shelves lined with condiments – including yuzu hot sauce and delicious house-made burger sauces – plus meal-based sauces and snacks galore.

And if you can’t be bothered to cook, grab one of their freshly made takeaway lasagnes or gnocchi. (Insanely good. You can thank us later!)

 

 

Free Range on Centre Charcoal Chicken  

Crowned Melbourne’s best charcoal chicken by Time Out, Centre Charcoal Chicken is sure to have you crowing for more.  

Their succulent free-range Lilydale chicken is marinated in house-made chicken salt. Then rotated for 80 luxurious minutes over steaming hot coals – smoking it to perfection.

And then there’s the equally impressive sides. Chips that are crunchy on the outside and soft in the centre. Gravy that oozes flavour. And roast vegetables to round out the ultimate meal.

Not feeling like chicken? The lamb gyros wraps are divine – and cooked with the same love and care as their Melbourne-renowned poultry!

 

 

Milo’s Deli  

New to 328 Centre Road stands the glorious Milo’s Deli.

There, you’ll find freshly cut meats and rows of delicacies – some packaged, some straight out of the kitchen. Plus, the most impressive collection of cheese wheels.

Milo’s platters are enough to bring a tear to a food lover’s eye and an instant dampness to the lips. You can even order them for that special occasion, too.

With plenty of inspiration (and salivation) on offer, Milo’s Deli is a definite hotspot in the making.

 

 

Triple Five Fitness 

Are you a lady who loves to lift – but isn’t so fond of fighting gym bros for a turn on the machines? 555 is for you.

The only female-only gym within a 5km radius, all programs and classes run by 555 are designed solely with the female body in mind.

Bust your way through a circuit class or sweat out last night’s vino in the upstairs cycle room. And if you want to go all out, sign up with a personal trainer for a tailored nutrition plan.

No matter what you choose, you’ll be burning muscles – and calories – in no time.

And the best part? You can try before you buy, with a special offer of $20 for 20 days.

 

 

Fresca Pasta

Got some last-minute dinner guests to impress and at a loss for what to cook?

A two-minute stop at Fresca Pasta will leave you with a smorgasbord of choices – and your visitors wondering if you’re hiding Nonna in the pantry.

Hand-crafted cannelloni. Sumptuous ravioli. Traditional bolognese and Napoli sauces. At Fresca, it’s all made fresh – every day.

Family owned and run, it’s a little taste of Italy at 171 Centre Road. Bellissimo!

 

 

Starfish Swim School

Located just off Centre Road on Clapperton Street, you’ll find Starfish Swim School.

With infant aquatics, eight learn-to-swim levels and a comprehensive pre-squad program, Starfish is suitable for youngsters of all ages. And offers them the chance to learn swimming skills – then practise and hone them – in a safe, supportive environment.

For the adults, there’s free Wi-Fi, a TV and a coffee machine on-site. While Starfish’s indoor and outdoor play areas will keep younger children entertained while their siblings swim!

 

 

 

A hop and step from the bustle

In Bentleigh, the action isn’t confined to a single strip. The suburb is full of out-of-the-way places that’ll put a smile on your dial.

 

Halley Park

Down on Jasper Road, close to Patterson train station, you’ll find scores of local families spending their day at Halley Park.

With plenty of fun activities for the kids – and kids at heart – you’ll find slides, swings, giant games, basketball courts and exercise equipment.

Many a birthday party is thrown here, too. With rotundas, barbecues, and picnic benches to hire, the kids can dive head-first into that cake – and you won’t be left cleaning for days.

Plus, there are plenty of areas for your furry friends – on and off the leash.

Prefer to get away from the chaos? Halley’s historic trees and nature walks will have you feeling like you’re in a private faraway land. Perfect for a recharge!

 

 

Barefoot Bowls

Like some friendly competition? Grab your friends – but leave your shoes at the door.

Located at 1 Higgins Street, Bentleigh Barefoot Bowls is a mecca for local bucks and hens, birthday parties, end-of-year functions – or simply a fun day out with your crew.

With an array of catering options you can really go all out for your event. Blow your guests away with a grazing table, put on a banquet or even dip into the local food trucks on hand!

And with a fully stocked bar at bowling club prices, you won’t go short of refreshments.

Keen to be a frequent bowler? Sign up for a membership or team. After all…who doesn’t want their name etched for life on the clubroom winner’s wall?

 

 

Fresh Fresh Flowers

Want to spruce up your home – or that of someone you love?

Found on the corner of Centre and Thomas Street, this family owned and run florist has been bringing joy and comfort to the families of Bayside and beyond for over 30 years.

Specialising in hard-to-find stems and classically styled bouquets, there’s something for every occasion.

And, if you want to add a little spice to your nice, pair those blooms with one of Fresh Fresh Flowers’s locally sourced bottles of gin.

 

 

 

A weekend to remember

The working week’s done, and you’re looking for some family-friendly fun.

Bentleigh delivers here, too!

 

Bentleigh Sunday Markets

Love the markets but not keen to trek across town to South Melbourne or Queen Victoria? Then you’ll be overjoyed for Sundays in Bentleigh.

Located in the Bent Street railway carpark, these markets have been running since 1977. Every Sunday, they’re open 7am to 12pm – giving you plenty of time to roll out of bed and head down!

With over 150 stalls that offer food, plants, jewellery, clothing, cosmetics, antiques and more, you’ll be sure to pick up something unique – and it’s often a bargain!

Run by the Rotary Club of Bentleigh Moorabbin, it’s a cultural hotspot with community spirit. Plus, all stall hire costs raise much-needed funds for local charities, hospitals and rotary projects – a wholesome initiative indeed!

 

 

The Bentleigh Street Festival

Every November, Centre Road transforms into a springtime festival wonderland.

Pony and amusement rides intermingle with stalls, specials and demonstrations from local Bentleigh stores. Showcasing all the magic this special suburb has to offer.

When you’re ready for a rest, simply take a seat in one of the classic cars on show. Or pick a spot near one of the many talented street performers.

Wherever the day takes you, one thing’s for sure: there really is something for everyone.

 

 

Want the lowdown on more of southeast Melbourne’s finest suburbs? Look out for the Suburb Spy stories on The Peer Blog!