Where to remote work in Melbourne

As one of Australia’s busiest cities, Melbourne has many pockets that offer freelancers, travellers and businesspeople alike the opportunity to work and dine on the go. Co-working spaces made a comeback as the city re-emerged out of lockdown, and with the sheer number of cafes on offer that provide great remote working environments, Melbourne’s selection of hot desks and shared benches offers something for everyone, served with incredible coffee to boot. Add to that mix a few well-designed public libraries, and you’ll never be far from a useful spot for getting some work done. Reward yourself with a visit to one of Melbourne’s best bars when you’re finished.

CBD

Higher Ground

Best for: Inner city business meetings, a perfect meeting space for bustling folks
Location: 650 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000
Price: Free entry

Housed in a heritage-listed former power station, Higher Ground comprises six connected levels that wrap around the outside of the original brick building. This means you can pick a variety of areas to work with your team, or solo, while enjoying a classic brunch menu of smashed avocado, waffles, and eggs Benedict. Located in Melbourne’s CBD, close to Spencer Street Station on the Upper West Side, Higher Ground is a popular destination, so make sure to get there by late morning to stake your spot. Snag the wifi code from staff and settle in.

State Library Victoria

Best For: One of the most beautiful workspaces in the state of Victoria
Location: 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000
Price: Free access to collections to Victorian residents, Cultural Memberships from 119 AUD

Established in 1854, the State Library of Victoria is Australia’s oldest public library, a historic 19th century multi-level building that is a marvel in itself, as well as being a great place to hide away and work in. The LaTrobe Reading Room is the centrepiece, with a domed octagonal ceiling, and long tables and desks to work from. Grab lunch at Mr. Tulk Cafe, which sits alongside the library, offering a great selection of easy breakfast and lunch options such as salads, risottos and more.

JustCo

Best For: Hot desks in multiple places throughout Melbourne
Location: Level 7, 276 Flinders St, Melbourne 3000
Price: Hot desk day passes from 50 AUD per day

Nestled in the heart of Melbourne’s food and wine district and directly opposite Flinders Street Station, JustCo 276 Flinders Street is a vibrant and popular co-working location. Hot desks are the name of the game with JustCo – at just 50 AUD a day, you can set yourself up in the middle of the city, close to city trams and Flinders Street train station, and popular restaurants including Movida and Mabu Mabu. There are private office spaces available to book for up to 19 people; larger offices for over 20 people; and full meeting spaces that can accommodate up to 120 people.

Inner North

Prior Thornbury

Best for: Spacious and neutral colour palettes, and a great menu to boot
Location: 637 High Street, Thornbury
Price: Free, eggs on toast from 14 AUD

Prior is essential if you find yourself in the inner north needing a place to get your emails sent off while grabbing some food. Set up inside the spacious indoor cafe on one of the multiple tables, or outside in the al fresco dining area, perfect to sun yourself in as you work in the summer. The menu is divine, from their popular Moroccan chickpea bowl and their sourdough crumpets, to their Barramundi dish served with hummus and burnt spring onion sauce. Located on the 86 tram line, Prior is perfectly placed for an easy commute into the northern suburbs and/or Melbourne city.

Faraday’s Cage

Best For: Fitzroy’s best pastries
Location: 325 – 329 Gore Street, Fitzroy 3065
Price: Free entry, Ricotta hotcakes from 26 AUD

Faraday’s Cage is a Fitzroy favourite. Tucked away off of Johnston Street, the cafe specialises in its baked goods – the smell of fresh breads and pastries wafts through in a way that’s impossible not to make you hungry when you step inside. Faraday’s Cage is perfect for smaller work meetings, or if you need a space to work and not be disturbed by others. The overall image of the cafe is one that relies on maintaining good energy, and that is matched by the decor inside: exposed brick adds to the rustic, natural feel, with local flowers and plants placed throughout.

The Commons

Best For: OG shared working space vibes in a trendy Melbourne inner city suburb setting
Location: 54 Wellington Street, Collingwood 3066
Price: On Demand passes from 80 AUD

In the heart of Collingwood, surrounded by choice bars and restaurants, The Commons is one of Melbourne’s most well known co-working spaces. Offering day passes for individuals and groups as well as more permanent options for business and production companies, The Commons is a popular destination for businesses and creatives alike. The Wellington Street location has a great cafe incorporated, with large tables, benches, armchairs and couches positioned throughout, making the vibe professional yet cosy. Welcome features include photography and podcast studios, an outdoor terrace with BBQ facilities, a wellness programme, and a movie theatre that can host screenings.

Code Black Coffee

Best For: Learning how to roast beans in the heart of Brunswick
Location: 15 – 17 Weston St, Brunswick 3056
Price: Free entry, Avocado toast from 25 AUD

This warehouse cafe in Brunswick doubles as Code Black Coffee’s flagship store and roasting HQ. One of Melbourne’s best known coffee brands, the smell of Code Black’s roasted beans and brews is enough to get you started for the day. With an interior that matches the cool industrial aesthetic of Brunswick, Code Black has tables spread throughout. A rotating single origin coffee is roasted in house, with packaged beans available to purchase if you want to take more home. If you’re into the art of coffee roasting, participate in a cupping session.

Allpress Melbourne

Best For: First-class coffee in Collingwood
Location: 80 Rupert Street, Collingwood 3066
Price: Free entry, coffee beans from 16 AUD a bag

Allpress Melbourne is a must when it comes to cafes in Melbourne’s inner north. Its Collingwood cafe and roastery is in the middle of one of Melbourne’s trendiest suburbs, but never feels overrun. A simple menu of sandwiches and salads make up some of the menu’s highlights, and the Allpress coffee selection is top tier. The space is a former textiles factory and warehouse; within you’ll find lush plants, steel and timber windows and doors, with large windows that allow for ample natural light.

Fitzroy Public Library

Best For: Getting lost in one of Melbourne’s oldest suburban libraries
Location: 128 Moor Street, Fitroy
Price: Free entry

The Fitzroy Public Library was established in 1877 beneath Fitzroy Town Hall and remains a favourite today. It has many quiet areas to work in and its location makes it one of the best common workspaces situated in the north. Multiple booths, cushy ottomans and flip tables make for added accessibility, while there are a number of shelving bays that can be moved to create more private reading nooks and corners. For those who require children’s areas, the Fitzroy Public Library is equipped with these to keep your children or little ones entertained as you peruse the aisles or work.

Southside

Oscar Cooper Prahran

Best For: Unbeatable Wagyu Burgers and laid-back vibes
Location: 160 Greville St, Prahran 3181
Price: Free entry, wagyu beef burgers from 19.50 AUD

Oscar Cooper in Prahran is a fashionable go-to on the southside of Melbourne that offers a laid back and relaxed atmosphere for you to grab a bite to eat and get your work done. Ample outdoor seating makes this a great summer work spot while inside, bench seating and tables are available to stake out. Its all-day breakfast menu is full of the classics such as Belgian Waffles and housemade granola, with delicious wagyu beef and chicken burgers being a must for lunch. Oscar Cooper is a nifty little cafe that is easy to lose hours in once you grab a burger and kick into a productive gear.