Things to Do in Altona This Weekend — 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | The Golden Cellar |
| Zero-cost winner | Rosa Press |
| Kid-approved | Mabel House |
| Under the radar | Finn |
| Wet day saviour | Rex’s |
Altona doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The things to do this weekend scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. The Bright Standard and Leo are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Altona sits 13km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Beach suburb with Altona Pier and Louis Joel Arts Centre.
1. Lane — 355 Collins Parade, Altona VIC 3024
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The room holds 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The crispy chicken ($27) — solid Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Altona roaster — ask which one.
2. Lena Yard — 82 Thomas Avenue, Altona VIC 3024
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Collins Parade is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
3. Little Yard — 347 Collins Parade, Altona VIC 3024
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Capacity is around 46 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Elizabeth Avenue is usually fine.
4. Mabel’s — 190 Collins Parade, Altona VIC 3024
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 57 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
5. Oliver’s — 214 Thomas Avenue, Altona VIC 3024
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 51 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Collins Parade is usually fine.
Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($27) — solid
What Altona Actually Is
6. The Red Works — 42 Collins Parade, Altona VIC 3024
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
Capacity is around 60 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
7. Rosa’s — 263 Elizabeth Avenue, Altona VIC 3024
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 30 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Altona farmers market when it runs.
8. Mia’s — 364 Barkly Terrace, Altona VIC 3024
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Capacity is around 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Barkly Terrace is usually fine.
9. Mill — 32 Elizabeth Avenue, Altona VIC 3024
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Altona roaster — ask which one.
10. The Northern Yard — 202 Collins Parade, Altona VIC 3024
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Capacity is around 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
11. Social — 275 Elizabeth Avenue, Altona VIC 3024
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The space seats about 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Altona farmers market when it runs.
12. Finn Store — 42 Station Street, Altona VIC 3024
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Capacity is around 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The crispy chicken ($22) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
Explore More
- Altona North Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
- Altona Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Altona Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Williamstown North Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Altona stacks up
- All Altona Guides — everything we’ve written about Altona
FAQ
Yes. The things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Altona known for?
Beach suburb with Altona Pier and Louis Joel Arts Centre.
What is there to do in Altona on a Sunday?
The Golden Cellar is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Altona from Melbourne CBD?
Altona is 13km, 25min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Altona is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.
Last updated: March 2026
