Things to do in Hawthorn
Hawthorn has established itself as one of Melbourne’s most desirable and influential suburbs. Located just 10 minutes east of the CBD by train, the cafés, restaurants and shops are always buzzing with people.
Explore Hawthorn
Hawthorn restaurants and cafés cover almost every cuisine you can imagine to satisfy all tastes, vibes, and budgets. Besides the cafes on uni campus, here are some of our recommendations for where to eat and drink nearby.
Cheap eats
Looking for a cheap meal? The dining options in Hawthorn on Glenferrie Road and surrounding streets and laneways offer a wide variety of tasty, inexpensive meals right near campus.
All of the popular takeaway chains are here – as are a load of independent restaurants that cater to students via discounts, lunch specials and daily deals.
Where to shop
If you’re looking to reward yourself for acing an exam, or simply keen to kill some time, the bustling Glenferrie Road has you covered for shopping in Hawthorn.
Stores include supermarkets, local grocers, boutique stores selling the latest fashion, bookstores, travel agents and more. Take a wander and you’ll quickly discover all the gems this one-stop shopping strip has to offer.
Where to relax
If you’re looking for things to do in Hawthorn when you are craving a break from the books, you’ll be spoilt for choice. For instance, you can unwind by watching an eclectic mix of the latest blockbusters, foreign flicks, indie productions and classics at Lido Cinemas. Students are eligible for discount tickets on Wednesdays. Plus, there’s a sweet rooftop bar too!
If immersing yourself in Mother Nature is more your thing, head around the corner to Central Gardens. Lush lawns, abundant trees and barbecue facilities are all available – so soak up some sunshine and kick your feet up for a few hours.
Students enjoy time out in Hawthorn's Central Gardens.
Sports and recreation activities
As an enrolled student, you can swim free at nearby Boroondara aquatic and leisure facilities, including:
Swim free at the Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
All you need is your Swinburne ID to access free swims at HALC. You can also use the gym and personal training facilities at discounted rates thanks to Swinburne Student Life. .For more information, please visit the Swinburne Student Life Portal or email studentlife@swinburne.edu.au
Where to eat or drink at Hawthorn
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Axil Coffee Roasters
If you’re serious about coffee, you’re in luck, as Axil Coffee Roasters has built a reputation for delivering a deliciously good brew.
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Beer DeLuxe
As the name suggests, beer is kind of a big deal here. Craft beer, live music, burgers and bar snacks are all on offer.
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Glenferrie Hotel
Trivia nights, lunch specials and a beer garden combine to make Glenferrie Hotel a charming old-style pub.
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Santoni Pizza
Pizza. Like, seriously good pizza. Rooftop bar. Drinks. That’s all you really need to know about this authentic Italian restaurant.
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The Hawthorn Hotel
Traditional pub meets chic bar at this Hawthorn institution which is popular with locals and students alike.
Getting to Hawthorn campus
Our Hawthorn campus is easy to get to with public transport, on-campus parking and cycling options available.