Melbourne is a city you can always count on to be endlessly evolving. While the CBD and inner-city gets most of the attention, there’s plenty else in Melbourne to discover. If you’re keen to venture out a bit further you’ll also find plenty of hidden gems, local favourites, great shopping destinations and plenty of grassy parklands, especially in Melbourne’s south-east.

Hop in your car, or jump on a train and enjoy some of these south-east hot spots, all located within 10-20 kilometres of Melbourne’s CBD.

Glen Iris: 10kms from CBD
The delightful suburb of Glen Iris is home to some little known wetlands. The Glen Iris Wetlands are a hidden gem just metres off High Street near Gardiners Creek. They are a popular spot for casual walkers, bird enthusiasts and even cyclists. You’ll also find cycling paths leading into the city, undercover picnic areas with BBQs, and plenty of open spaces to unwind.

Carnegie: 12kms from CBD
Venture into nearby Carnegie and enjoy a trendy brunch at Left Field, located on Koornang Rd. This tasty little hotspot is a local favourite, and while it’s firmly placed in the suburbs, it’s managed by the team behind CBD favourite Rustica Canteen, Richmond’s Touchwood, South Yarra’s Tall Timber, and Hawthorn’s Short Straw. It’s the perfect weekend brunch spot with an inventive Mediterranean-inspired menu that’s certain to have something for everyone. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, it’s also a hotspot for pooch play dates.

Malvern East: 12kms from CBD
Keen for a bit of retail therapy? Spend your day shopping at the iconic Chadstone Shopping Centre. Following a mega-refurbishment, the precinct is now the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. There’s something for all tastes too, with the range of stores from luxury brands—including Tiffany & Co, Prada, Burberry and Gucci—as well as reputable department stores and boutique retailers. There’s also a fantastic cinema complex featuring a 24-metre Xtreme screen offering 4K crystal clear images.

Huntingdale: 17kms from CBD
Just over a 30-minute drive from the CBD, Huntingdale is the ultimate spot to hit the fairways. Huntingdale Golf Club is a private championship course that has hosted some of the most famous names in golf—including Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Greg Norman. Ask those who’ve played the course and they’ll probably say the last few holes are some of the finest and most challenging you’re ever likely to encounter.

Ormond: 12kms from CBD
Ormond makes for the perfect place to get artsy. Atelier 451, located on North Road, is a gallery and art school that offers a variety of classes where you can hone your skills or discover a new one. With plenty on offer for beginners, as well as advanced artists, there’s something for all. Love art but haven’t the talent? Pop into the gallery and browse a mixture of paintings, sculptures, etchings and more from local and guest artists.

Hughesdale: 14kms from CBD

Get your caffeine fix at Hughesdale’s Temperance Society. This is a gorgeous little local that, even though located on the suburban Kangaroo Road, is as trendy as they come. If you’re familiar with Camberwell favourites—such as Miss Frank and Collective Espresso—you’re likely to be in the know with the talented team behind this popular breakfast and lunch spot. Locals love the mix of fresh favourites as well as the sweet and even savoury treats. It’s bright, sunny and also has plenty of outdoor seating for those times when you want to soak up a bit of sun and enjoy the weekend newspaper with your brunch.

Melbourne’s south-east has a lot on offer, and it is only set to grow in coming years. With stylish eateries, cafes and galleries well on the rise, and a plethora of shopping precincts and strands to suit, it could soon give the uber-trendy inner-city a run for its money.