Location – Mattone Richmond

MATTONE rests at the heart of one of Melbourne’s most tightly held enclaves. Its immediacy to central Melbourne is belied by the locale’s atmosphere of established quietude and natural beauty. Stately mature tree’s line the surrounding streets, alluding through the majesty of their size to the heritage narrative and grassroots history of the area. Quaint Victorian terrace houses, meticulously maintained, rub shoulders with industrial shells resurrected for contemporary urban living.

Binding these is a meandering mapping of green spaces, from nearby neighbourhood pocket parks to the vast native expanse of the Main Yarra Trail where the soundtrack of birdsong, gently flowing water and rustling leaves drowns out the sound of the arterials and commercial precincts which step into relevance as needed only a stones throw away.

The natural majesty of the locale inserts a rare charm within a deeply urban context with stately eucalypts dipping into the waters of the Yarra River walking distance from Richmond’s commercial epicentre and the restaurants, bars, cafes and shops at nearby Toorak Village.

Food & Drink

Friends of Mine

Spilling out onto Swan Street, Friends of Mine is a casual culinary institution serving delicious brunch and coffee amidst Richmond’s iconic exposed brick and leafy ambience (with a casual chandelier included for a touch of opulence). Entrenched in the community, Friends of Mine is a long-time favourite place to meet friends and bump into neighbours.

Kanteen

Situated on an idyllic bend in the Yarra River, Kanteen is a laid-back indoor-outdoor experience where the food is hearty and the spirit of place is tangible. Grassroots vibes emanate from the slated timber façade which lets the view and summer breeze in while heavy-duty bar heaters and soul food bring the cosy in winter.

Future Future

Defined by one of the buzz words of the zeitgeist, ‘umami’, this non-traditional Japanese restaurant is all about the essence of deliciousness. Against a typical Richmond backdrop of peeling brickwork and designer furniture and lighting elevated further by Australian artwork from Artbank, this Melbourne favourite
is perfect for a casual local dinner.

Nature & Recreation

Main Yarra Trail

Running along 38kms of the Yarra’s meandering pathway through the north eastern suburbs of Melbourne, the Main Yarra Trail is a natural, verdant touchstone within the dense urban jungle. Existing as a fundamental equaliser between built and natural landscapes, the trail is the antidote to fast paced life for many providing walking, jogging, bike riding and rowing launchpads amidst countless picnic and meditation spots.

Burnley Gardens

These 9-hectare gardens are home to over 1,000 species of plants including some of Melbourne’s oldest trees. A tranquil oasis in the midst of Richmond, the gardens are a reminder to slow down and attune to the pace of days gone by. Located on the lands of the Wurundjeri people, Burnley gardens are a conduit between historic and future dialogues with an annual calendar of events.

Burnley Golf Course

Whether it’s for business camaraderie or a casual putt, Burnley Golf course has provided a hub for social golfers since 2007. With a regular competition schedule and an open-door visitor policy for beginners, Burnley Golf Course is a popular place on the banks of the Yarra and a welcome amenity for the surrounding neighbourhoods.