Things to Do in Blackburn North This Weekend — 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | Iris House |
| Zero-cost winner | Humble Quarter |
| Kid-approved | Gus’s |
| Under the radar | Tall Place |
| Wet day saviour | The Old Local |
Blackburn North 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 Long Post and Sunny Room are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Blackburn North sits 24-35km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Residential suburb with Blackburn North Shopping Centre on Springfield Road.
1. Cleo Cellar — 127 Chapel Road, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Capacity is around 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
2. Pilgrim — 247 Bourke Road, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 65 — 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.
3. Ada Local — 302 Chapel Road, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: the whole crew
The space seats about 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The house-made relish ($21) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
4. Pilgrim — 242 Thomas Grove, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: solo diners
The space seats about 64 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bourke Road is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Blackburn North roaster — ask which one.
5. Ada’s — 88 High Terrace, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: the whole crew
The space seats about 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
What Blackburn North Actually Is
6. The Blue Cellar — 301 Thomas Grove, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: remote workers
The space seats about 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
7. Honest Corner — 348 Bourke Road, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: groups
The room holds 58 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
8. Lena’s — 134 Thomas Grove, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Capacity is around 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.
9. Pearl’s — 295 Bourke Road, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 45 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Come back for: The fish special ($12) — solid
10. Northern Table — 111 Thomas Grove, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: groups
The room holds 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The seasonal special ($11) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
Explore More
- Blackburn Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
- Blackburn North Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Blackburn North Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Ringwood Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Blackburn North stacks up
- All Blackburn North Guides — everything we’ve written about Blackburn North
FAQ
Yes. The things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Blackburn North known for?
Residential suburb with Blackburn North Shopping Centre on Springfield Road.
What is there to do in Blackburn North on a Sunday?
Iris House is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Blackburn North from Melbourne CBD?
Blackburn North is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
