C’mon and Get Local: C&G’s Best of Black Rock
You don’t always need to travel far away to experience great things. In fact, some of the best discoveries can be made in your own backyard – your local neighbourhood! The first in a new series, today on the Chisholm and Gamon blog we bring you a local’s guide to the best of Black Rock.
It may be small, but Black Rock has much to offer its residents – the lucky few who are loathe to move elsewhere once they’re experienced the unique attributes of the suburb they call home. Popular with families, the area is well serviced by a number of primary schools which are continually listed amongst Melbourne’s top performing institutions. Black Rock Primary School is the largest, with over 500 students and an aim to develop “the whole child”, including academic, physical, social, emotional and creative growth. Catholic St Josephs Primary School is smaller, with 190 students enrolled and a strong emphasis placed on excellence in key subject areas including Maths, English and Personal Development. There are also plenty of great high schools nearby, including the co-educational three-campus Sandringham College.
It’s certainly not all work and no play in Black Rock, with plenty of gorgeous natural landmarks and the beach only five minutes away. Half Moon Bay is a local favorite, popular for swimming, fishing and boating. As well as having the oldest Surf Life Saving Club in the state, the bay is also home to the remains of HMV Cerberus, which was grounded in 1926. Don’t leave Black Rock without visiting The Cerberus Beach House café for delicious seafood with a view to match.
The Black Rock Foreshore Playground is a playspace kids (and adults!) will love, thanks to its unique pirate theme. Young pirates can explore a large ship complete with steering wheel and telescope, dolphin see-saw, swings, huge net pyramid and other interesting features designed to encourage imaginative play.
If you work up an appetite after all that playing, there are plenty of great cafes and restaurants to visit for food and drink. Try Cafeteria for brunch or coffee, True South for a delicious Argentinian dinner and if the weather is hot, you can’t pass up some creamy homemade gelato from Davey Mac’s.