Fairfield in the Northern Suburbs of Melbourne - 100 Metre Walk

Late last week I took my little point and shoot pocket Canon to Station Street, Fairfield. Its what we call a strip shopping centre. Since the advent of big shopping malls, strip shopping went on the decline.
The small traders of haberdashery, hardware and electrical stores couldn't compete any longer so these commercial precinct streets started reinventing themselves. Most now service the locals with specialty shops and restaurants servicing the many cuisines from around the world.



I won't be long, promise and I'll bring you back a treat.

 On this occasion I felt the need for coffee and a light snack and so I headed for Station st. No shortage of Cafes here but there is a favorite of mine where a few years ago we would have a morning coffee before training at the indoor velodrome nearby. Degani cafe/bakery is a place to relax, read the paper and enjoy that kick start to the day.

Many of the old types of business have made way for the many restaurants and cafes offering a diversity of cuisines. There seems to be a mainly Italian influence mixed with Tibetan, Indian and Greek.

Care for a Gelato as you stroll down Station Street on a warm afternoon?

Or possibly a light lunch while looking at the world go by.

Although many a business has disappeared over the years, those offering something special have thrived. This small supermarket has served the local trade for 50 years through diversity.

I grew up in the district during the 60s when it was a working class district but today its become quite trendy with real estate prices matching the bayside area where we live today. With a population of over 5000, this small northern suburb is only 6 kms from CBD of Melbourne.



What do you suppose this building could have been in the past glory days of the early 1900s. Maybe a film house or reception rooms?



Every suburb has its churches and this on sits smack dab in the middle of the shopping strip on my 100 metre walk.

Many of the homes date from the very late 1800s or early 1900s to post WWII. There are many very modern homes being build on the small blocks as the yuppies move into Fairfield.

Local cafes and bars promote the local entertainment.

Fairfield is not without its graffiti but somehow you need to go looking for it and you find little surprises like this young girl playing cards and when you look closely you see real cards as part of this street art hidden in the laneway.

And this tree that must have some symbolic value that is way beyond my comprehension - however it does look very nice!!

Did I say that Fairfield graffiti was subtle?



As I left my Station Street walk, the little black dog was still waiting patiently for his owner to come back from shopping.



For a further view of Station Street, I found this interesting website offering views of various Melbourne streets.

http://www.stationstreet.com.au/

As you know - I like to add a little music to my 100 metre walks. Do you know how difficult it is to find a musical link to "Station Street" or "Fairfield"?

I did however find a you-tube clip of a group called the "Fairfield Four" with the most beautiful gospel voices.

ENJOY