Make the most of summer in Camberwell Junction

With the final month of summer upon us, consider this your friendly nudge to squeeze every last drop out of the season before it quietly packs up and leaves. Whether you’re chasing sugar, social plans, or a solid excuse to linger a little longer outdoors, Camberwell Junction has you covered.

Start sweet

If the heat hits the second you step off that train, you’re in luck. Right across from Camberwell Station sits Johnny’s Ice Cream, a charming 50s-inspired diner where booth seating, American nostalgia, and outrageously decadent sundaes collide. Milkshakes? Check. Homemade flavours? Too many to choose just one. No judgment if you need to come back twice.

For something a little different, pop into A+ Mart, a recent arrival stocking an impressive range of imported Asian goodies. Their mochi puffs have developed a cult following for good reason; they sell out fast, and stopping at one is simply not realistic.

Next door, Machi Machi delivers bubble tea with royalty status. Famous for their crème brûlée milk tea (served in impossibly aesthetic flasks perfect for Instagram), this Taiwanese global favourite also dishes up standouts like panna cotta lattes with fresh strawberries or mango smoothies with cream cheese and matcha jelly. Dessert and content, sorted.

Feeling virtuous after all those steps? Reward yourself at Penny For Pound with a hot, flaky croissant baked fresh every 30 minutes. You earned it!

Catch up properly with your friends

Summer is for seeing people in real life, so lock something in. Book a nail date with your bestie at Coco Nails, or go full glam with a head-to-toe pamper at Seri Hair and Beauty, where facials, professional makeup, and hair services make an all-in-one day dangerously easy.

If your idea of bonding involves sweat, KX Pilates offers reformer classes you can tackle together (or solo, if that’s your thing). For those craving an extra challenge, Little Mandarin Yoga & Pilates ups the ante with aerial and hot yoga, which are not for the faint-hearted but very satisfying.

A Melbourne catch-up isn’t complete without coffee and brunch. Keep things classic with Light Years Cafe or hit local favourite MOB, which is always a good idea before you hit the Sunday Markets.

More thirsty than hungry? Say less. Ease into the evening with Italy 1 Camberwell’s Aperitivo Hour from 4pm-6pm daily, or book a Bottomless Sippers session at the newly refurbished Palace Hotel on weekends from 1pm-3pm. Hydration during summer is very important.

Make a family day of it

Even with school back, weekends are still prime family time. Start your Sunday with a wander through Camberwell Junction’s much-loved Rotary Camberwell Sunday Markets, where vintage records, pre-loved clothing, and unexpected treasures await. Fair warning: you will leave with more than planned.

When the heat kicks in, duck into The Rivoli, Camberwell Junction’s iconic cinema, for a family-friendly flick. Catch Zootopia 2 or sing along to Song Sung Blue, a musical biopic starring Kate Hudson and our very own Hugh Jackman.

Refuel at Kokoro Sushi, where the kids will be endlessly entertained by a tiny Shinkansen (that’s Japanese for bullet train) delivering special orders straight to your table. If you’re still around for dinner, gather everyone for an authentic Chinese banquet at Mongkok Tea House, winner of Best Fine Dining at the 2025 Camberwell Culinary Awards. Cantonese classics meet modern Eastern flair, leaving nobody hungry.

Find your next great read

Summer reading hits differently. Pick up a romance, thriller or anything in between from Cook & Young. For the sustainability-minded (or treasure hunters), Sainsburys Books is perfect for rare or discontinued finds, while Salvos Stores regularly hosts second-hand book sales that reward patience and curiosity.

Reset and nourish

After a season of indulgence, Camberwell Junction makes it easy to feel good again. Coltivare works closely with local farmers to offer fresh, seasonal produce that never travels far to reach your plate. For pantry staples without the packaging, The Source Bulk Foods lets you bring your own containers and shop by weight.

Short on time but want everything fresh in one hit? Camberwell Fresh Food Market is your go-to for quality produce without supermarket markup, and supporting local businesses just always tastes better. Just across the road, Camberwell Wholefoods offers everything organic, from fresh produce to healthy snacks and small-batch toiletries.

While the days are still long and the sun is still warm, make the most of everything Camberwell Junction has to offer. With its mix of food, fun, family and hidden gems, it’s the perfect place to wrap up summer, while making a few last memories before autumn rolls in.