Live Like a Local: The Ultimate Bayside Summer Guide

As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, there's no better place to embrace the warmth of summer than Highett. Whether you're a seasoned resident or new to the area, this vibrant Bayside suburb offers a perfect mix of laid-back charm and vibrant activities to make the most of the season.

With Highett Common as your starting point, you’re just a short stroll away from some of the area’s best eateries and sandy beaches. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of your summer day in Highett, from beachside relaxation to dining and unwinding in style.

The Most Important Meal of the Day

Start your day right at some of Bayside’s best eateries, all located within walking distance from your front door at Highett Common.

No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find something for every appetite along Highett Road. As a bustling hub of activity, you can choose from well-kept local secrets to world-class dining experiences.

One of our favourites and must-visits is Third Wheel Café, whose Moroccan salad combines locally sourced ingredients and presents the perfect pick-me-up to fuel your afternoon adventures in the sun.

Other notable mentions that we can’t leave out include The Flour House, which crafts artisanal bread in-house and Sons of Mischief whose fusion menu will transport you around the world.

Afternoons at Half Moon Bay

Set up on the sand and catch some summer rays at Half Moon Bay, just a ten-minute drive from Highett Common and is just one of many incredible beaches that form the wider Port Phillip Bay down to the Mornington Peninsula.

If you’re feeling active, there are also several recreational pursuits to tickle your fancy including, surfing, paddleboarding or beach volleyball on the sand. It’s the perfect chance to come together with friends and family to experience the best of a great Australian summer. And the best part? It’s all located mere minutes away from your new home at Highett Common.

Once lunchtime hits and you’ve worked up an appetite, we recommend taking a short stroll to Cerberus Beach House, known for serving the best fish and chips in Melbourne’s Bayside.

Located on the beachfront of Half Moon Bay and overlooking the area’s crystal-clear waters, you’ll have the choice of dining seaside in their restaurant for something more refined or taking your lunch to go, picnic style.

Dinner In the Heart of Highett

With over eighteen eateries less than 150 metres from Highett Common, you will find yourself spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring new places to dine.

A trip to the area wouldn’t be complete without a visit to The Hellenic House Project for a modern-day Greek-Australian feed. Recently opened by former MasterChef alum, George Calombaris, The Hellenic House Project offers casual dining options, including their famous souvlakis, to elevated set menus in their upstairs dining room.

Other honourable mentions when you’re hunting for a new cuisine include Chilpa by La Tortilleria, an authentic Mexican restaurant inspired by Mexican street food, and Abbiocco, the perfect Italian date night spot.

For more options, you can read our complete foodie guide to Highett here.

Time for a Night Cap

After a long day of sun, sand and scrumptious food, finish your night off with a drink at iconic local brewery, Bad Shephard. With craft beer on tap, and an outdoor courtyard to soak up the warm summer evenings, it’s the perfect time to catch up with the people you care about.

Located off Bay Road, Bad Shephard is just a three-minute walk from Highett Common – meaning you can leave the car at home and enjoy the night ahead.

If you’re feeling up to another round when you’re done at Bad Shephard, located on the corner of Highett Road and Graham Road, you’ll find Hawker Typhoon. Open til late from Tuesday to Sunday they have an extensive cocktail list for the perfect late-night beverage.

There has never been a better time to call Highett Common home. With no price cap on stamp duty concessions, you can take a step closer to enjoying this vibrant lifestyle for yourself.

Learn more about Highett Common’s Bayside location here and keep up to date with the latest news on the precinct by clicking here.