In this edition of Neighbourhood Jam, we head south to get some local experts to drop knowledge on what's good in the Black Rock 'hood.

Black Rock locals, Scott and Jackie Harvey loveee living in Bayside, and were excited to move into the neighbourhood back in 2017. 

Having grown up in Bayside, Jackie always knew she wanted to live in the area, and the pair love calling Black Rock home.

When Scott and Jackie aren’t jetsetting across the world for work in their sales and marketing positions, they love coming back to good ol’ Bayside for some beach vibes and family time with loved ones, including their guide-dog-in-training, Murphy. 

How long have you lived in the Black Rock area? 

I have lived in Black Rock for about 2 years now, but my wife grew up in the area and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else!

Why do you love it? Why did you choose to live in the area? 

We love Black Rock for many reasons. Firstly, because of the beach. In warm weather, we take advantage of the bike and walking trails every night after work. The beach at the end of Central Avenue is close by, quiet and the perfect spot to take a dip on warm evenings. We also love the vegetation that attracts all kinds of native birds that you can hear chirping from the trees.

With both of us currently career-focused, Sandringham station is conveniently only a quick trip away on the bus. And everything else we need is within easy reach—cafes, groceries, a post office, parks, great schools and more. It’s an ideal place to raise a family. 

Describe your typical weekend routine in the Black Rock area.

Our typical weekend routine would be a walk along the beach trail in the morning, with a stop for a fresh juice or some lunch on the way home, before relaxing in the afternoon at home in our courtyard garden. For a drink or meal in the early evening, we love heading to either True South Brewery or Clover for some delicious Thai. 

Best of Black Rock:

Coffee: Cafeteria

Breakfast spot: Cafeteria (very good for lunch too—highly recommend the calamari salad!)

Date night: True South or Clover Thai

Local (pub/bar): True South for the Summer Ale 

Big night: Not a lot, which we like

Late night food: Ditto 

Grocery store: Woolworths Metro 

Boutique: My wife likes ECO D and Bellaspaces—she always stops to look through the windows

Recreational activity: Walking/biking along the beach and taking our Labrador to Donald Macdonald Reserve for a run when the footy or cricket isn’t on   

Must see/do: The Bay Trail for stunning beach scenery, and heritage-listed Black Rock House for an adventure back to the 19^th century.