Things to Do in Ashburton This Weekend — 2026
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | The Northern Local | | Best with kids | Nell | | Hidden spot | Chapter | | Bad weather pick | Cleo |
We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Ashburton to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.50-5.00 for a flat white, $22-38 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. The Red Lane is the one everyone knows. Bright Social is the one they should know. Ashburton has high street ashburton has genuine village character.
1. Long Depot — 190 Lake Crescent, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The room holds 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The sourdough bread ($24) — solid
2. Common Lane — 44 High Street, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Lake Crescent is usually fine.
Try this: The mushroom pasta ($26) — solid
3. The Little Cellar — 79 Main Crescent, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: remote workers
Capacity is around 30 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
4. Felix’s — 163 Lake Crescent, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The room holds 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Main Crescent is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ashburton roaster — ask which one.
5. Mabel Place — 58 High Street, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Capacity is around 38 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Why Locals Stay in Ashburton
6. Archive — 15 Bourke Road, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: budget eaters
Capacity is around 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
7. Nina Post — 256 Margaret Avenue, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Margaret Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: They source produce from Ashburton farmers market when it runs.
8. Table — 137 Bourke Road, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Capacity is around 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Start with: The daily soup ($13) — solid
9. Little Lane — 180 Margaret Avenue, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: A local institution Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: dates
The space seats about 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on High Street is usually fine.
10. Green Place — 53 Main Crescent, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: A local institution Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The space seats about 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Get the: The charcuterie board ($13) — solid Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
Explore More
- Malvern East Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
- Ashburton Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Ashburton Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Ashwood Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Ashburton stacks up
- All Ashburton Guides — everything we’ve written about Ashburton
FAQ
Yes. The things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Ashburton known for?
High Street Ashburton has genuine village character.
What is there to do in Ashburton on a Sunday?
The Little Commons is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Ashburton from Melbourne CBD?
Ashburton is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
