A guide to exploring life and local favorites in Nunawading
If you’re thinking about settling down in Melbourne’s eastern part, Nunawading has a lot of potential. This suburb is peaceful, but has all the needed convenience that makes daily lives easier: reliable transportation, a warm community, and great commercial hubs.
This is what Nunawading offers: you get to live in a quiet place without having to feel like you’re disconnected from the rest of the world.
So, if you’re considering moving here or just curious to see what Melbourne suburbs have to offer, this is a great start.
Where is Nunawading?
Nunawading is a Melbourne suburb located about 18km east of the CBD.
It’s a part of the City of Whitehorse where you’ll find a mix of family homes, leafy streets, and lively community hubs.
How to get to Nunawading
Via bus: You can take bus routes 901, 902, 273, and 735. The closest route is 901, which stops at McCulloch Street and Whitehorse Road stations.
Via train: Train lines BELGRAVE and LILYDALE have routes that pass near Nunawading.
Via taxi or ride-sharing platforms: Get a taxi or book via ride-sharing apps, such as Uber to get to Nunawading conveniently. Just pin on the app or let the driver know your exact drop-off location.
Via private car: The M3 Freeway and the Burwood Highway connect through Springvale Road and Whitehorse Road, which are the entry points to Nunawading.
What to do and see in Nunawading
1. Explore the Nunawading Arts & Craft Market
Media credit: nunawadingmarket
Website: http://www.artsnunawading.org.au/
Address: Whitehorse Civic Centre, 379-397 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading
Phone: +61412324249
Operating hours: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
If you’re looking for a place to get locally-made goods and other quirky stuff, you’ll surely enjoy exploring the Nunawading Arts & Craft Market.
The market is open every 4th Sunday of the month, and when you visit, you’ll be greeted by stall after stall of handcrafted items, fresh produce, treats, and more. You can expect over 100 stalls spread around the area.
In fact, shopping here not only means supporting local shops, but you’re also supporting the community, as the proceeds go towards the cultural programming for the City of Whitehorse, such as art groups and community scholarships.
2. Enjoy some quiet time at Nunawading Library
Media credit: Whitehorse Manningham Libraries
Website: https://www.wml.vic.gov.au/Libraries-Hours/Nunawading-Library
Address: Whitehorse Civic Centre, 379 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading
Phone: +61398728600
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Wednesday 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
If you’re the kind of person who finds comfort in reading, the Nunawading Library is ready to welcome you. You’ll find everything here, including novels, magazines, and even family-history research tools.
It’s not just books, but you’ll also find digital resources and community programs.
If you want to gain full access to the library’s benefits, like borrowing books and accessing all online resources, you’ll be required to join the library membership. Don’t worry, it’s free!
3. Visit the Whitehorse City Council Civic Centre
Media credit: Whitehorse City Council
Website: https://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/
Address: 379-399 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading
Phone: +61392626333
Operating hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
What makes the centre alive are the festivals and events that take place here. The most prominent one is the annual Spring Festival, which usually features music, performances, markets, and interactive activities for all ages.
Right behind the civic center is The Round–an arts and culture venue that usually serves as an extension for activities and events for the centre.
The area outside the centre is just delightful. Although there’s not much landscaping or architecture, there’s a good amount of trees that keep the open spaces and benches shaded.
4. Check out the Parks and playgrounds
Media credit: Whitehorse City Council
Nunawading has its fair share of parks and playgrounds where families can spend some good time. Some of them are expansive and packed with challenges, while others are more peaceful and nature-oriented.
Most of these parks are under the care of the City of Whitehorse, so you can expect these areas to be safe and well-maintained.
For families considering moving here, one thing’s for sure: wherever you are in Nunawading, there’s a park that’s just within your reach.
Where to eat in Nunawading
1. Miss Lucy
Media credit: Miss Lucy
Website: https://www.misslucy.com.au/
Address: Pavilions Blackburn Lake, 133 Central Rd, Nunawading
Phone: +61392592022
Operating hours: Sunday to Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Miss Lucy is a farm-to-table café that serves wholesome foods made from local and seasonal produce. Their all-day menu consists of healthy items from breakfast all the way to drinks.
Just think of a brunch that’s filling but without the unhealthy feeling, or a refreshing smoothie without the guilt.
The café is family-friendly, and they always make sure that families who visit here are not only filled with good food, but also feel warm and happy.
2. Mipung Korean BBQ
Media credit: Mipung
Website: http://www.mipungbbq.com/
Address: 2-6 Market St, Nunawading
Phone: +61404860052
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday 5:30 am – 9:45 pm
- Friday 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm – 9:45 pm
- Saturday and Sunday 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm – 9:45 pm
I know it’s not just me, but a good Korean barbecue really hits the spot as a comfort food. Mipung Korean BBQ is a favorite spot of many Nunawading locals when it comes to this popular Korean dining.
You’ll get to enjoy their selection of premium meats and seafood, fresh vegetables, side dishes, and even desserts.
It’s an unlimited buffet-style dining, so you can fill up ‘till your belly and heart’s content!
3. Patrida Greek Street Food
Media credit: Patrida Greek Street Food
Website: https://www.patrida.com.au/
Address: 101 Mount Pleasant Rd, Nunawading
Phone: +61388393726
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Friday and Saturday 12:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Patrida is a cozy restaurant that’s located in a quiet neighborhood serving authentic Greek cuisine.
The menu is composed of generous, authentic dishes, such as gyros wraps, gyros plates, skewers, and more. The dishes are simple but bursting with flavors — many frequent goers even described it like they’ve been transported to Greece.
It’s quieter on weekdays, but it’s a favorite Sunday brunch spot of many families in the area.
Living in Nunawading
1. What’s in the area
Media credit: Whitehorse City Council
Living in Nunawading offers a good balance of suburban living, but is still not far from the convenience similar to a proper town or city.
As a residential area between Box Hill and Mitcham, it means there’s easy access to retail, dining, and amusement spots. Basically, everyday life is covered without needing to wander far.
Nature-wise, Nunawading offers beautiful parklands and shade to the streets, where you can comfortably enjoy walks, picnics, and family time.
The suburb is generally peaceful with a lower crime rate than Victoria and the national average, especially in the residential areas. So, we can say that Nunawading is a safe place to live.
2. The community
Media credit: Whitehorse City Council
First of all, Nunawading has a family-oriented community with numerous parks and family-friendly facilities for both children and adults.
Another thing is that the strong sense of friendliness is what makes Nunawading attractive to those who want to feel settled and at home right away.
Around 38% of the population was born overseas, mostly of Chinese, Indian, and English heritage. The diversity in the community and culture adds another layer of experience to the atmosphere, especially when it comes to festivals and food.
Nunawading may not have the nightlife or daily hustle like in the CBD, but the community can be summed up as genuine, safe, and connected.
3. Residential options
Media credit: Whitehorse City Council
Classic standalone houses dominate the housing stock in Nunawading, which means you get to have that space that you can personally work on if you want. Do you want that garden or yard? Have it your way.
On the other hand, there’s a growing demand for townhouses and condo units for those who just want convenience and luxury right off the bat, as these come with modern touches and furnishings.
Apartment units are popular among young professionals who are more into low-maintenance living.
However, rentals aren’t that popular in Nunawading, so you have to be prepared to purchase the property.
4. Transportation
Media credit: Jack Careedy
Transportation here is well-established, so there’s not much fuss getting around and out of Nunawading. There are multiple bus options with routes heading to the CBD and other suburbs.
Meanwhile, the main train line serving Nunawading is the Lilydale and Belgrave line, which has stops at Nunawading Station.
If driving’s more your thing, you can expect fair to heavy traffic, especially on weekday mornings and afternoons.
To add, paths and trails make cycling and walking viable, allowing a healthier option for shorter distances.
5. Education
Media credit: Nunawading Christian College
When it comes to education, there are a few prominent choices in the area. First is the Nunawading Christian College (NCC), which is part of the top 35 secondary schools in Victoria. The school offers classes from early learning through Year 12.
Another option is the Nunawading Adventist College, offering elementary and secondary education.
At the primary level, Mount Pleasant Road Primary School is a favorable choice if you want a semi-personalized environment for your child. The teacher-to-student ratio is just around 1:11.
Some of these institutions even offer after-school hours care and bus services.
Aside from these options, there are also plenty of public schools in nearby suburbs.