Coffee | Bromptoneering or bust

Moorabbin – Beer and Burbs

Location	Stomping Ground 9 Cochranes Rd, Moorabbin VIC 3189 Public transport options the route goes past Ormond, McKinnon, Bentleigh, Patterson and Moorabbin Stations on the Frankston Line. Public transport is a good idea as the parking is a bit counter intuitive at the brewery. I’d recommend reading the FAQs if you plan to drive.
Route	20km (more if you go around the velodrome a few times) circular route, 106m elevation gain Moorabbin, Bentleigh East, Ormond, McKinnon, Bentleigh.
Coffee Stop	Murrumbeena Pantry 227 Murrumbeena Rd, Murrumbeena VIC 3163
Mary’s Rating	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🥑 (although I’d remove half an avocado for the counter intuitive parking at the brewery)
GPX/Strava	Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3471032172950387824 GPX: https://hmkdt.id.au/GPXroutes/Moorabbin – Beer and Burbs.gpx
Date ridden	24 March 2026 If you have ridden these route and have any updates that need to be made, then leave a comment on this post.

It is pretty hard to find a microbrewery that is open on a Monday or a Tuesday. However, the custom filtering by opening time on Google Maps was certainly our friend in this case. I added the complexity of wanting to ride in a part of Melbourne that I have never ridden in. This is getting harder – my heatmap is glowing a hotter version of red in Melbroune. These two criteria were satisfactorily filled by Stomping Ground in Moorabbin.

Stomping Ground is located in Morris Moor. A business and entertainment precinct located on the site of that was originally the Philip Morris factory, this collection of buildings once formed the industrial centre of Moorabbin. One of the largest employers in the area, the factory had around 800 employees at the height of production. Their commitment to a strong work ethic, the spirit of community, and a sense of possibility, like the original structure, remains at the heart of Morris Moor – contemporary and cool, emanating the industrious, hopeful feel of its past. Or so says the advertorial spiel. Stomping Ground moved in during the COVID years in 2021.

The route starts at Stomping Ground, which isn’t very convenient to the rail system. The route, however, passes a number of stations along the Frankston Line which would make for good starting points. Otherwise you can drive there – although beware parking maybe a little hard to get – it seems like most of the parks are reserved near Stomping Ground and nearby on road parks are limited to 2 hours. The first part of the ride is on a busy “minor” road – its o.k. but you need to be traffic aware. It’s not long until it gives way to some pleasant green spaces. If you’re lucky you’ll spot the local remote controlled boat club on the water!

Fortunately from Karkarook Park there is an underpass under the six lane Dingley Bypass. But nonetheless, you’ll be able to admire the suburban main road vibe and scene when you cross Warrigal Road and start heading into the residential suburbs that wrap around a golf course or two. If you choose your day right you’ll be able to visit the Bentleigh Farmers Market (4th Saturday of the Month).

We continued our exploration through suburbia towards a rest spot at the Murrumbeena Pantry. To get there you have to cross North Road which is fairly busy. The route has you crossing it where there is space in the median strip and a right hand turn lane. But if you prefer, you can head further down to the traffic light controller intersection Murrumbeena Road. Murrumbeena Road is a fairly busy but it does have a reasonable bike lane.

After reenergising with an ice-cream or a coffee, you can head towards Packer Park Velodrome for some practice for the Brompton World Championship. It was certainly fun to hoon around the velodrome the local kids seem to be enjoying themselves. Don’t worry my Brompton is faster!

After sprinting round the track we wiggled our way through the backstreets towards the bike route next to the Frankston Line. This is a combination of paths and quiet back streets. It feels mostly downhill – or maybe the wind was beneath our wings. Anyway we made some good time. We made a few diversions through the local parks and headed back to the car. We were rewarded with a good beer and sandwich lunchtime special. I had a reuben and Mary had a mushroom special!

The route is shown below.

Diamond Creek – Beer and Trees Loop

Posted on 29 Days Ago by kymdt

Location	Golden Hills Brewing 25 Station St, Diamond Creek VIC 3089 Closest public transport – Diamond Creek Railway Station
Route	18km circular route, 155m elevation gain Diamond Creek, Eltham, Research
Coffee Stop	Merika Unit 3/1425 Main Rd, Eltham VIC 3095
Mary’s Rating	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (original route with accidental stairs and some single track that disappears) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🥑 (revised route that this post is based on – removing stairs and disappearing tracks)
GPX/Strava	Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3469245554336660770 GPX: https://hmkdt.id.au/GPXroutes/Diamond Creek – Golden Hills.gpx
Date ridden	19 March 2026 If you have ridden these route and have any updates that need to be made, then leave a comment on this post.

This is the first Melbourne Urban Adventure for 2026! Fitting in with the traditional style for Adelaide Bromptoneering we looked for a microbrewery that we haven’t visited before! With a little bit of of Googling we came across Golden Hills Brewery in Diamond Creek. With a bit clever bit of additional Googling we found the Diamond Creek – Research Trail – Aqueduct Trail loop ride on Melbourne Cycle Loops. We downloaded the original 10.4km loop and added an additional 8km to get to and from the Brewery.

The route starts at Golden Hills Brewery which is conveniently opposite Diamond Creek Railway Station. A short ride on relatively quiet road gets us to the Diamond Creek Trail. A pleasant and popular trail along the creek with a range of recreational and community facilities.

We turned on to Research Trail, which is a bicycle path that runs alongside a fairly busy road. It is, however, a good way to get to one of the “local delicacies” Hungarian Chimney Cakes at Merika Cafe. If it’s, hot, they have cone variant of the cake which is filled with ice cream. But today wasn’t hot – we stuck with Aromatika – cinnamon and sugar! Freshly made so allow 10 to 15 minutes. YUM! After that yummy stop we continued along Research Trail towards the trail highlight of the day – the Aqueduct Trail.

AI tells me that ‘built between 1886 and 1891, the Maroondah Aqueduct was a 66-kilometer engineering feat designed to transport water via gravity from the Watts River (Healesville) to Preston Reservoir, servicing Melbourne’s growing population. It featured concrete-lined channels, 11 tunnels, and inverted siphons, largely being replaced by the Maroondah Dam later, with sections decommissioned in the 1980s.”

If you have a spare million dollars in your pocket and you want a windmill with a bonus house – I have found the property for you. But, we got there we tried to follow a path that is marked on a map – but is little more than a wishful dirt track that disappears into grass. After the windmill was a bit of climbing and a very steep descent – it should have triggered my brain last night – because it was such a gradient that it had to be stairs right!? Anyway fear not, I’ve removed those nasty bits from the route linked from this page. If you want the extra excitement leave me a comment and I’ll send you the special route.

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food we had and the excellent beer. Highly Recommended. The revised route is shown below.

Cycling Chiba – Part 2

Posted on November 15 by kymdt

Our ride in Chiba’s country side continued as we winded our away country paths between farms and adjacent to rivers. Our next stop was the Sakura Lavenderland.

While it wasn’t the season for lavender’s to flower – in the adjacent fields there certainly were some pretty flowers to be seen. Asako-san told us that:

In Japan the lavender fields of Furano in Hokkaido are famous. Therefore, at Sakura Lavenderland soil improvement was carried out to help lavender adapt to the hot and humid climate of Chiba Pretecture, and planting began in spring of 2003. Currently, the 13,600-square-meter farm cultivates tour varieties totaling 13,600 lavender plants.

Our next stop on a Chiba Cycling tour was the former Sakura City Shizu Elementary School (Aosuge Branch). It was designated a tangible cultural property in 2020. Asako-san told us that:

Aosuge Branch School is a single story wooden schoolhouse with a tile roof, built in 1955. (twas preserved even after ceasing to function as a branch school, retaining much of its original appearance.
This small wooden school building features a staff room beside the entrance, with just two classrooms arranged along a single corridor. Despite being a post World War II structure, it incorporates design elements from prewar wooden school building such as clapboard siding and wooden fittings.

We rounded out this part of the ride with a delightful afternoon tea spot at Cafe Hiyori.

Those of you who have followed this blog for while would know that Helen loves to visit a library or two. This visit was no different. Asako-san was prepared to show us the local Yachiyo City Public Library. Fortunately, there is a no photos policy in the library, you only get to see a small number of photos of the outside of the library. Asako-san told us that:

Yachiyo Public Library has over 350 seats. This includes private rooms and study rooms, providing a comfortable environment for studying. Located along the Shinkawa river, it was built as a lifelong learning hub, designed around the concept of “a place for learning, relaxation, gathering, and information.” Its bright space incorporates abundant natural light. Children’s books are placed near the entrance, with general and reference books arranged further inside, creating a layout suited to different age groups.

We would like to thank Asako-san and the kind people in Chiba Prefecture we met on this ride. It was truly an informative and magical experience.

Cycling Chiba – part one

Posted on November 12 by kymdt

Breakfast..

Posted on November 9 by helenhmk

We walked to breakfast at Chami, in Nara.

Footscray – The long way around to Southern Cross Station

Posted on September 11 by kymdt

Location	Footscray Station
Route	35km one-way route to Southern Cross Station Footscray, Maidstone, Maribyrnong, Essendon, Parkville, Brunswick East, Carlton North, Carlton and Melbourne.
Food Stop	Gordon Street Bakery 142 Gordon St, Footscray VIC 3011 Keeper Brewing 122 Weston St, Brunswick East VIC 3057 Madeleine du Proust 253 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
Make a day of it	Nearby recommendations Pipemakers Park Melbourne Zoo Take a deviation up the Upfield Line Brompton Junction Royal Exhibition Building Hill of Content Bookshop
Helen’s Rating	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🥑
GPX/Strava	https://www.strava.com/routes/3397720026295237112
Date ridden	6 September 2025 If you have ridden these route and have any updates that need to be made, then leave a comment on this post.

Helen and Diane were joining us for the this Saturday ride. Helen had flown in the night before. Diane was going to meet us at Footscray Station on Saturday morning and return home from Southern Cross Station on Saturday night. It’s only a 6km ride between the to. But that’s way too direct for an Adelaide Bromptoneering Ride. Instead, we opted for a 34km route.

We took the train to Footscray Station – our meeting point. Helen was in desperate need for a fresh pastry. Our first stop was designed to meet that desire. Gordon Street Bakery had two shop fronts with nearly all of its space dedicated as a kitchen. It had a limited but very high quality range of options. My chocolate and almond croissant was still warm. It was irresistible.

Shortly after Gordon Street Bakery we came across a memorial to the Korean War and some fine views of the city. I just hope that by the time you arrive the temporary fencing is removed.

We rejoined the Maribynong River Trail for a few kilometres. I had plotted a route on the side of the river that I hadn’t ridden before. Unfortunately, it was a very busy Saturday morning with a bonus rowing regatta and sausage sizzle. Fortunately for you, I have adjusted the route to the quieter side of the river taking advantage of the cycling bridge instead of the road bridge.

To get to where we needed to be, we had to leave the river trail and climb up out of the valley. This is done on Afton Street. I am pretty sure you’ll be hiking the bike. At its maximum the gradient is 16%! After that, there is a pleasant ride through the suburbs of Aberfeldie and Essendon.

We then joined the Moonee Ponds Trail. It certainly gives a different perspective of the Melbourne entry statements that most Adelaideans see when they drive into Melbourne. It was a lot of fun!

At the intersection of the Capital City Trail and the Moonee Ponds Trail we took the Capital City Trail towards Brompton Junction. Just before Brompton Junction we took a few Brunswick back streets to get to our lunch destination, Keeper Brewing. They had a flatbread special on Saturday. We took them up on their offer.

We travelled through the delightful cycling streets of Carlton North to our desert stop. I first discovered Madeleine du Proust on my 2024 pastry tour. I go back whenever I can.

We had some spare time. So, we didn’t take the direct route back via Little Collins Street. Instead we hiked our bikes through the Botanic Gardens. While the Strava route doesn’t show it, it is pretty easy to get there by following the continuation of Exhibition Street. We said farewell to Diane and her Brompton at Southern Cross Station. She took the V-Line back to Castlemaine where her car was waiting. A truly multi modal day.

The route taken is shown below.

Heidelberg – Beer and Art Loop

Posted on September 11 by kymdt

Location	3 Ravens Brewery 1 Theobald Street, 260 Dundas St, Thornbury VIC 3071
Route	23km circular route Thornbury, Ivanhoe East, Buleen, Heidelberg
Coffee Stop	Heide Kitchen 7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen VIC 3105
Make a day of it	Nearby recommendations Heide Museum of Modern Art Artiga Specialty Coffee Darebin Parklands Banksia Park Moondog World
Mary’s Rating	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🥑
GPX/Strava	https://www.strava.com/routes/3397720026295237112
Date ridden	5 September 2025 If you have ridden these route and have any updates that need to be made, then leave a comment on this post.

The weather was looking a bit better than the previous day’s ride. We started our ride at Thornbury, as that was the closest microbrewery to the Heide Museum of Modern Art. We were all keen to see the Man Ray and Max Dupain exhibition – a comprehensive exploration of these leading 20th century photographers.

This route connected parts of main Yarra Trail with the Darebin Trail to make a loop. We started out at 3 Ravens Brewery headed down the side road to connect in with the Darebin Trail. But we didn’t get very far until we had an urgent need for coffee. Fortunately the locals, Mary and Caroline, were all over this and took me to Artiga Specialty Coffee. We located ourselves outside near our bikes. This outside area was soon to be used for the local story time. An ideal location for story time. But we didn’t stay as we needed to get a wriggle on to see some art.

After traversing the Darebin Parklands we deviated from the Darebin Trail to make our way over to the main Yarra Trail. I can advise that there is a large and healthy population of kangaroos out that way.

We had an early lunch at the Heide Kitchen before visiting the Heide Museum of Art. There are not many crossings of the Yarra. To get to the Heide Museum of Art requires you to leave the main Yarra Trail and to cross the Yarra. This is done over the Banksia Street Bridge – a busy road bridge without separate cycling infrastructure. We chose to take the footpath across the bridge and the use trail that avoids some sharp bends (this is the route on the GPX). The area is also subject to some tunnelling road works. So, take it slow and carefully – the conditions are likely to change over time.

After our cultural reflection, we continued on the main Yarra Trail for a few kilometres. To get back to the start we headed into the suburbs of Heidelberg and Heidelberg Heights. As I planned this route I could not help myself from taking a deviation into the Warringal Cemetery. Upper Heidelberg Road, after the cemetery, is quite busy. So I have re-routed so you are closer to the nearby traffic lights.

After a few more suburban blocks, we found ourselves back on the Darebin Trail coasting towards a rewarding post ride beer at 3 Ravens Brewery. Melbourne’s oldest microbrewery!

The route taken is shown below.

Brighton – Beer and Beach Loop

Posted on September 4 by kymdt

Location	Bad Shepherd Brewing Co 386 Reserve Rd, Cheltenham VIC 3192
Route	20km circular route Cheltenham, Sandringham, Brighton, Hampton East, Highett.
Coffee Stop	Alister McAllister 9 South Rd, Brighton VIC 3186
Make a day of it	Nearby recommendations Merindah Park Brighton Beach Gardens Brighton Bathing Boxes Black Rock Jetty Museum of Play and Art
Mary’s Rating	⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ 🥑 But ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on a Sunny Day
GPX/Strava	https://www.strava.com/routes/3397889015851701890
Date ridden	4 September 2025 If you have ridden these route and have any updates that need to be made, then leave a comment on this post.

We went back towards the beach side suburbs for the the third Melbourne Beer Loop for 2025. We found a brewery called Bad Shepherd Brewing Co that fit the bill well in a ‘shed’ in a light industrial area opposite a cemetery! It was all sunny as we headed through the cemetery, Adelaide Bromptoneering style.

Heading down the road after the cemetery, I was on the look out for a little lane. It connected into a nice looking park – but unfortunately, but not too surprising for a near beach side area, the paths were too sandy to be fun. You’ll be pleased to know that I have removed it from the route. But, if you want to check it out head to Merindah Park/George Street Reserve.

We headed towards the sea front – so did the weather. Headwinds and horizontal stinging rain wasn’t so much fun – so while on a sunny day you’d enjoy a view scenic stops – we just buckled down to get to the warm rest stop.

The rest stop is like a Time Machine when our lives were simpler. Cassette tapes and records line the walls at Alister McAlister. But, fortunately for us it also had a small fan heater to warm my hands, espresso coffee and freshly made muffins. YUM!

We then headed down the road little further for the obligatory Brighton Beach Box photograph and then headed into the suburbs to checkout some pretty BIG houses.

Getting pretty hungry we cycled through a pretty impressive park and introduced ourselves to the local dogs and their walkers. Did an obligatory line up with a local bike in the park? There was also some impressive wattle.

You may not have know it, but there was a non-Brompton riding with us today. She was too embarrassed to line up her big wheel bike with our little ones. But Mary did snap a candid spot of me talking with her about the route we had just ridden at the microbrewery. Good beer was available – this is the place to go if you want some low and slow cooked meet. We took advantage of the excellent Beer and Burger offer!

The route taken is shown below.

Brunswick – Beer and Flatbread Loop

Posted on September 2 by kymdt

Location	Bridge Road Brewers Brunswick 137-141 Nicholson St Brunswick East 3507
Route	20km circular route Brunswick, Preston, Reservoir.
Coffee Stop	Traditional Melbourne Cafe option Gellibrand Cafe 16 Gellibrand Crescent, Reservoir or Middle East Cafe option Oreganos Middle Eats Cafe 25 Mcfadzen Avenue, Reservoir
Make a day of it	Nearby recommendations Brompton Junction 815 Nicholson Street, North Carlton Monforte Viennoiserie 585a Canning Street, North Carlton (Rated by my as the best croissant in Melbourne on 2024 pastry tour)
Mary’s Rating	⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐
GPX/Strava	https://www.strava.com/routes/3397512130679843512
Date ridden	2 September 2025 If you have ridden these route and have any updates that need to be made, then leave a comment on this post.

The second Melbourne Beer Loop for 2025 was inspired by the need for Helen and my bikes to be serviced. Mary and I dropped the bikes of to Brompton Junction in the morning. Our plan involved starting at a nearby brewery that was open for Tuesday lunch. Fortunately for us, Bridge Road Brewers fitted all the criteria – including having an all day kitchen.

We started at Bridge Road Brewers at little later at 11:36am. This was because our old bikes had a few things to work through with Brompton Junction before we could go. You’ll see that I have swapped my Lagoon Blue bike for a Hot Pink loaner from Brompton Junction. I was too eager to ride. As a result, I forgot the obligatory “in front of the brewery line up” photograph. So instead I’ve include an Australian landscape inspired roller door.

During one of my previous visits, I did a ride that involved a small part of the St Georges Bike Path. This bike path operates in the middle of a tram corridor that itself is in the middle of a major road. It is good piece of communing bike infrastructure with integrated bike traffic lights. So I wanted to see where it ended up. It was Ruthven Station that felt like the logical end. Although, if you follow the Cheddar Road path may be the logical end is Bunnings Thomastown. But I don’t think we need to be that philosophical.

I love a good local business that knows and serves the local community well. There is no doubt in my mind that Oreganos Middle Eats Cafe fits the bill. As the sign says, they bake daily for freshness and softness. I had a meat and cheese manoush as my entree with a piccolo. Great food and good coffee. If you are looking for a Melbourne Cafe Experience then the other option, Gellibrand Cafe, may fit the bill.

The route back was less a fast commuter run and more a typical Adelaide Bromptoneering Social Ride through delightful byways, park paths and the occasional back lane. Absolutely delightful. I’ve included a circuit around the Brunswick Velodrome in the route for fun. This might be a good opportunity to train from the Brompton World Championship. If that’s the case then don’t forget to bring your jacket.

Before you start the ride or after you finish – only 5 or so minutes away from the brewery is Brompton Junction and Monforte Viennoiserie. Check out this post for the reasons why Monforte is so good and find a Brompton route around Melbourne’s inner north patisseries.

The route taken is shown below.

South Melbourne – Beer, Containers and Coffee Loop

Posted on September 1 by kymdt

Location	Brewmanity Brewery and Rooftop 50 Tope Street South Melbourne
Route	20km circular route South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne
Coffee Stop	Tribu Coffee 217 Rouse Street Port Melbourne
Mary’s Rating	⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐🥑
GPX/Strava	https://www.strava.com/routes/3397209614349539412
Date Ridden	1 September 2025 If you have ridden these route and have any updates that need to be made, then leave a comment on this post.

Following the Melbourne Brompton Club ride from Port Fairy to Warrnambool, Mary and I did our first Adelaide Bromptoneering in Melbourne Social rides. This takes the tried and tested formula of Adelaide Bromptoneering – 20km loop, start and finish at a brewery, quiet out of the way roads and paths, good coffee stop and beer at the end.

This South Melbourne loop rides was no different. We started at Brewmanity at around 10:30am. We headed through South Melbourne towards Albert Park Lake – took in a bit of champagne gravel lakeside.

When you visit Melbourne for a bike ride most people would typically ride the foreshore path. But, for something a little different this route travels the quiet and quaint residential streets of Albert Park. It is truly delightful and only involves a small patch of bluestone cobbles. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any photos here – you will just have to follow the route for yourself. The route circumnavigates the the Gasworks Arts Park. Unfortunately for us there were constructions works. But, I am sure they will be finished in time for your ride.

The coffee stop was in Port Melbourne at Tribu Coffee. Adelaide Bromptoneers know that I am quite fond of Cafetal in Kent Town and their focus on Colombian coffee. Tribu spoke to me because it was founded by two Colombian coffee aficionados and experts. I had a delightful batch brew. I enjoyed it so much I bought the beans!

This route includes a special excursion to one of my favourite spots in Melbourne – Sandridge lookout (or more particularly the end of the access route). You can while away the time watching the straddle cranes dancing with containers and the ship to shore crane effortlessly lifting those containers on to the container ship. Just be mindful that the path is a little rough.

The route then takes you through some relatively modern residential development on a fully separated path and the back towards town next to the Port Melbourne line. For a fully touristic experience, it does take you in front of Crown Casino on Melbourne’s Southbank. Caution getting there and along Southbank is recommended – it is a high pedestrian traffic area.

Look at this reward though.

The route we took is below.

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