Not all playgrounds are created equal. Some have faded plastic, others have actual thought behind them
Best Overall
The Honest Union — 346 Main Terrace
Under the radar but deserving of more attention. The owner is usually on-site and hands-on. Rating: ★★★★½.
Humble Table (334 Glenferrie Avenue) — One of the better ones in Tottenham. Recently renovated. Not flashy, just good at what they do.
Zara’s (244 Anderson Grove) — One of the better ones in Tottenham. Check their website for current hours. Prices are competitive.
Best for Toddlers
Ivy — 161 Station Place
The go-to option for most locals. Family-friendly with designated areas. Rating: ★★★★☆.
The Old House (76 Station Place) — One of the better ones in Tottenham. Check their website for current hours. Popular with locals for good reason.
The High Pantry — 38 Main Terrace
The go-to option for most locals. The owner is usually on-site and hands-on. Rating: ★★★★☆.
Best for Older Kids
Operator (98 Station Place) — A solid option in Tottenham. Established in 2021. Not flashy, just good at what they do.
Bellbird — 3 Clarendon Street
Under the radar but deserving of more attention. Book ahead on weekends. Rating: ★★★½☆.
The Honest Place — 251 Anderson Grove
The go-to option for most locals. Pricing is transparent — no hidden fees. Rating: ★★★★★.
Shaded Playgrounds
Hazel’s — 113 Glenferrie Avenue
Under the radar but deserving of more attention. Family-friendly with designated areas. Rating: ★★★★★.
Theo’s — 3 Station Place
Under the radar but deserving of more attention. The owner is usually on-site and hands-on. Rating: ★★★½☆.
Mill (352 Station Place) — Reliable and consistent in Tottenham. Open daily. Not flashy, just good at what they do.
With Cafe Nearby
Remy — 99 Clarendon Street
A newer addition that has earned its place. Family-friendly with designated areas. Rating: ★★★★★.
Theo’s — 230 Clarendon Street
Under the radar but deserving of more attention. The owner is usually on-site and hands-on. Rating: ★★★★★.
The Sunny Press — 248 Clarendon Street
Been around long enough that quality is consistent. Pricing is transparent — no hidden fees. Rating: ★★★★½.
Quick Reference
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Suburb | Tottenham |
| Region | Melbourne Greater Melbourne |
| Character | Unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven |
| Transport | Public transport options in Tottenham |
| Coffee price | $4.00-4.50 |
| Dinner out | $18-32 pp |
Tips for Residents
Save the council number. For Tottenham, 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 Tottenham 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 Clarendon Street are what give Tottenham its character. Use them or lose them — every dollar spent locally recirculates in the suburb economy.
Know the parking rules. Most streets around Clarendon Street 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 Tottenham. Most daily errands in Tottenham 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 adequate — shared paths exist but dedicated lanes are limited.
Shopping & Errands
The main commercial strip along Clarendon Street covers most basics: pharmacy, post office, newsagent, and several takeaway options. For major grocery shopping, there’s a Aldi within walking distance. There is a small fresh produce market on weekends.
Weather & Seasons
Melbourne weather applies: dress in layers, keep an umbrella in the car, and never trust a sunny morning. Tottenham is sheltered by tree cover in the residential streets. 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: Spring markets and outdoor events run September through November. The local traders do seasonal events worth following on socials.
Cost of Living Quick Reference
General daily costs in Tottenham: coffee $4.00-4.50, brunch $15-22, dinner out $18-32 per person. For more detailed pricing across all categories, see our Tottenham Cost of Living Guide.
Nearby
- Melbourne CBD — neighbouring suburb
- Tottenham Things to Do
- Tottenham Cost of Living
- All Tottenham Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Community Guide in Tottenham
- Coworking Guide in Tottenham
- Council Services in Tottenham
- Library Guide in Tottenham
- Sports Clubs Guide in Tottenham
Useful tools:

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