Reliable wifi, access to power outlets, an ambience that’s both lively yet conducive to focus, ergonomic seating and the freedom to nurse a cup of coffee without feeling pressure to leave are just some of the requirements freelancers look for when seeking a suitable working space.
Finding a spot that meets all these criteria can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. So, consider this a PSA: we’ve sourced out the best cafes, libraries and co-working spaces in Melbourne/Naarm for digital nomads and freelancers alike.
The Commons
54 Wellington Street, Collingwood
Leading creative co-working space, The Commons combines the comfort of home with all the tech and social energy your home office might lack. It offers all the amenities a freelancer could need, including meeting rooms, open desk spaces, as well as podcast and photography studios. For moments of creative block, ping pong tables, movie theatres, and yoga sessions will be sure to get you back in the zone. Plus, you can even bring your four-legged friend with you. From freelance flyers to sole traders, there are membership options for all—scope them out here.
Earthly Pleasures Cafe
1627 Burwood Highway, Belgrave
Despite the distance from Melbourne’s metropolitan area, the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges is a destination well worth the trip if you plan on dedicating a day to work. Housed in a 1930s restored stone building enveloped by verdant foliage, Earthly Pleasures Cafe provides an idyllic backdrop for outdoor work sessions. In case of inclement weather, retreat into the warmth of the charming cafe, where exposed brick and rich wooden accents create a cosy atmosphere complemented by housemade fare.
State Library Of Victoria
328 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
Since its establishment in 1856, the State Library of Victoria has been a magnet for students and researchers from nearby universities. It satisfies all the aforementioned prerequisites, plus the allure of working within the grandeur of a classical, six-storey domed room, making it an ideal spot for freelancers amongst students.
Mr Tulk
328 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
Attached to the Lonsdale Street side of the State Library, Mr Tulk is aptly named after Augustus Tulk, the State Library’s first librarian. The cafe feels like an extension of the library, featuring high ceilings, arched windows and a long table with central lamps.
With ample space, free wifi, a menu full of brain food and a convenient location, Mr Tulk amasses uni students and freelancers alike.
Penny Farthing Espresso
206 High Street, Northcote
Tucked in a quiet nook in Northcote, Penny Farthing Espresso is a vintage-themed cafe featuring big wooden tables and a signature Penny Farthing bicycle. The cafe attracts musicians and writers, creating the perfect setting for like-minded creatives. Enjoy quality single-origin coffee from Industry Beans, either at the spacious wooden tables or in the courtyard.
Hikari Life
317 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
Hikari Life may be renowned for its matcha lattes and specialty coffee from Japan, but it’s one of the lesser-known spots for studying. Beyond the long queues and up a short staircase, you’ll discover a space that resembles a communal dining room. A couple of tips: ask the team for the wifi password, and note that the table has around a dozen seats, so visiting after the morning rush is recommended.
Auction Rooms
103-107 Errol Street, North Melbourne
Residing within a weathered blue building on Errol Street, Auction Rooms is an industrial-chic cafe that checks all the freelancer boxes. Its large windows let in plenty of light, and the open space ensures background chatter won’t disturb you. With power outlets dotted throughout, spacious tables, top-notch coffee and a gourmet menu, you’ll have everything you need.
Rustica
402 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
If you’re not looking for a substantial meal, though they do serve them, Rustica in Fitzroy is ideal for an after-lunch work session. With a plethora of pastries, from Portuguese tarts to premium sourdough and house-made gourmet pies, options for an afternoon pick me up are abound. Large glass-panel windows flood the space with light, and the minimalist design ensures a distraction-free environment that activates work mode.
Code Black
15-17 Weston Street, Brunswick
Located within a large warehouse off Brunswick’s Sydney Road, Code Black is characterised by its monochromatic interior. You’ll often find plenty of people working on their laptops either on the square tables, island bench (warning, the stools don’t have back support) or on tables that spill onto the street. Its sleek interior fosters concentration, along with a single-origin coffee of course.
AU79
27-29 Nicholson Street, Abbotsford
On the other hand, if you thrive amidst greenery, AU79 in Abbotsford could be your ideal working space. This greenhouse-like cafe provides comfortable round booth seating, centred around spacious tables, allowing you to spread out your work and order as much brain food as you need without fear of plates slipping off. With over 200 seats, purportedly the largest cafe in Melbourne, you’ll always find a seat.
Baroonga Nganjin North Fitzroy Library
182-186 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North
Baroonga Nganjin, which translates to ‘gather everyone’ in the Woiwurrung language, offers a variety of flexible working areas including reading and study spaces. The library’s stand-out feature is its pioneering rooftop garden among its study spaces. There’s nothing like soaking up some vitamin D and fresh air to boost productivity.
Hobba
428 Malvern Road, Prahran
For those on the southside, Hobba strikes the right balance between the comfort of home and the productivity of the office. Despite being in a converted warehouse, its exposed brick and timber decor creates an inviting atmosphere along with its menu of Australian breakfast fare. Head in during weekdays to secure booth seating for minimal distractions and ample back support.
Looking to take things up a notch? Check out our full review of The Commons' latest space in Collingwood here.
Image credit: The Commons | supplied