The coworking scene in Hillside has grown significantly since 2024
Dedicated Desks
Canvas — 282 Young Drive
Under the radar but deserving of more attention. The owner is usually on-site and hands-on. Rating: ★★★★½.
Oliver Commons (373 Fitzroy Crescent) — A solid option in Hillside. Open daily. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful.
Pilgrim — 100 Fitzroy Crescent
The go-to option for most locals. Family-friendly with designated areas. Rating: ★★★★★.
Hot Desks
Cellar (255 Elizabeth Grove) — A solid option in Hillside. Open daily. Not flashy, just good at what they do.
The Wide Store — 305 Fitzroy Crescent
Under the radar but deserving of more attention. Family-friendly with designated areas. Rating: ★★★★½.
Larder — 239 Elizabeth Grove
A newer addition that has earned its place. Family-friendly with designated areas. Rating: ★★★★★.
Meeting Rooms
The Southern Cellar (83 Young Drive) — One of the better ones in Hillside. Established in 2010. Popular with locals for good reason.
Iris Union — 303 Bell Grove
Been around long enough that quality is consistent. Book ahead on weekends. Rating: ★★★★★.
Cafe Alternatives
Sol Quarter (305 Fitzroy Crescent) — A solid option in Hillside. Check their website for current hours. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful.
Rosa Place — 207 Chapel Road
The go-to option for most locals. Pricing is transparent — no hidden fees. Rating: ★★★★★.
Max Lane (190 Fitzroy Crescent) — One of the better ones in Hillside. Established in 2010. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful.
Pricing Comparison
The Old Social (380 Bell Grove) — Reliable and consistent in Hillside. Open daily. Not flashy, just good at what they do.
Kai — 241 Bell Grove
Under the radar but deserving of more attention. Pricing is transparent — no hidden fees. Rating: ★★★★☆.
Quick Reference
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Suburb | Hillside |
| Region | Melbourne Greater Melbourne |
| Character | Unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven |
| Transport | Public transport options in Hillside |
| Coffee price | $4.00-4.50 |
| Dinner out | $18-32 pp |
Tips for Residents
Save the council number. For Hillside, your local council handles everything from noise complaints to hard rubbish collection. Their website has online forms for most requests — it is faster than calling.
Join local groups. The Hillside Facebook group and community boards are where you’ll find out about events, lost pets, and neighbourhood news before it hits the papers. Also check Nextdoor for hyperlocal updates.
Support local. The businesses on Fitzroy Crescent are what give Hillside its character. Use them or lose them — every dollar spent locally recirculates in the suburb economy.
Know the parking rules. Most streets around Fitzroy Crescent are 2-hour metered zones Mon-Fri. Side streets are unrestricted after 6pm and on weekends. The council does ticket — don’t push your luck.
Bin schedule. Green lid (general waste) is weekly. Yellow lid (recycling) and green waste alternate fortnightly. Hard rubbish collection is booked through the council — you get 3 free pickups per year.
Report issues. Potholes, graffiti, damaged footpaths, illegal dumping — report through the council’s Snap Send Solve app or their website. They actually fix things when they’re reported.
Detailed Area Guide
Getting Around
Public transport options in Hillside. Most daily errands in Hillside can be done on foot if you live near the main strip. For supermarkets and bulk shopping, a car or rideshare is more practical. Cycling infrastructure is improving with new bike lanes on Fitzroy Crescent.
Shopping & Errands
The main commercial strip along Fitzroy Crescent covers most basics: pharmacy, post office, newsagent, and several takeaway options. For major grocery shopping, there’s a Aldi within walking distance. The butcher on Chapel Road is worth knowing about.
Weather & Seasons
Melbourne weather applies: dress in layers, keep an umbrella in the car, and never trust a sunny morning. Hillside is cooler in summer than western suburbs due to proximity to parks. The parks are best in autumn (March-May) and spring (September-November). Summer evenings are genuinely pleasant here — long daylight, outdoor dining, and the neighbourhood comes alive.
Seasonal highlights: Summer brings extended trading hours and outdoor cinema nights. The local traders do seasonal events worth following on socials.
Cost of Living Quick Reference
General daily costs in Hillside: coffee $4.00-4.50, brunch $15-22, dinner out $18-32 per person. For more detailed pricing across all categories, see our Hillside Cost of Living Guide.
Nearby
- Melbourne CBD — neighbouring suburb
- Hillside Things to Do
- Hillside Cost of Living
- All Hillside Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Community Guide in Hillside
- Council Services in Hillside
- Library Guide in Hillside
- Playground Guide in Hillside
- Sports Clubs Guide in Hillside
Useful tools:

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