Train line to the south: The Sandringham Line

It runs east through some frightfully well-heeled suburbs, you know. Time Out found some great things to do along the way

First published on 2 May 2012. Updated on 26 Jun 2012.

Windsor: The Astor Theatre
1 Chapel St, Windsor	These days, the term “old Hollywood glamour” usually means some starlet is tramping around in a white frock with a redder-than-usual pout. But there’s no faking it for Melbourne’s most famous silver screen dame. The Astor’s been entertaining crowds since 1913 – and keeps them coming with an eclectic schedule of cult hits and quirky new releases. Arrive early for champagne or choc-tops in the glamorous Art Deco surrounds.
Elsternwick: Aviv Bakery
412 Glen Huntly Rd, Elsternwick	As you stroll out of Elsternwick Station, keep an eye on your fellow commuters. If one or more break into a jog, you’d be well advised to sprint – it’s most likely a race for the last lemon tart at Aviv. So packed they have a ticket machine, the Jewish bakery does huge trade in bagels, while their decadent William pear cake is perfect for an extra-special occasion.
Gardenvale: St Stephen's Op Shop
116 Martin St, Gardenvale	Op-shoppers the world over have noted the trend – the more well heeled the suburb, the bigger the recycled price hike. But not so in sleepy Gardenvale, where Brighton cast-offs are shoved onto the St Stephen’s packed shelves – and marked down magnificently. Stroll out of the station and right down Martin St for a rewarding treasure hunt.
Brighton Beach: Brighton Beach Bowls Club
2B South Rd, Brighton Beach	Sandringham’s only station to deliver you right on the sand (well, once you cross Beach Rd), Brighton Beach is the place to come for a spectacular view of the bay, and the city skyline behind it. It’s just a short jog to Brighton’s colourful and iconic bathing boxes – but if that’s too energetic, stroll across to green and roll some bowls with a view of the seaside.
Sandringham: Trevor Barker Beach Oval
Beach Rd, Sandringham	The closest Melbourne’s beloved sport can get to her less-beloved beaches, this footy mini-mecca means you can still head for sand and surf when the sun is just a hazy memory. Infamous for windy games, the beachside oval’s home to the Sandringham Zebras. Catch a Sunday arvo match for hot pies, a rowdy grandstand, or in the case of unseasonal sunshine, a bracing half-time dip.