Best Beer Gardens in Ferntree Gully Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best beer gardens option in Ferntree Gully to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Gus Kitchen is the one everyone knows. Remy Standard is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Gateway to the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk — one of Melbourne’s most popular bushwalks. Ferntree Gully sits in the Outer East corridor, 24-35km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best beer gardens scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Ferntree Gully since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Max Yard — 295 Queen Street, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: families

Max Yard has been operating in Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($10) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 30 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The fish special ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on George Street after 6pm.

2. Ada’s — 178 Willow Road, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Ada’s has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($20) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. Kai’s — 34 Queen Street, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Kai’s has been operating in Ferntree Gully for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($24) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 48 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Willow Road is usually fine.

Go for: The seasonal special ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Ferntree Gully farmers market when it runs.

4. Ava’s — 374 Blake Drive, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Ava’s has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Queen Street is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Ferntree Gully — The Honest Version

Gateway to the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk — one of Melbourne’s most popular bushwalks. The best beer gardens options here reflect Ferntree Gully’s character. For Ferntree Gully locals and anyone in the area, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

5. Nico’s — 254 Willow Road, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Nico’s has been operating in Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($27) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($28) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Queen Street after 6pm.

6. The Honest Lane — 29 Blake Drive, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (beer gardens) The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Honest Lane has been operating in Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($12) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 32 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Humble Table — 195 Blake Drive, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Humble Table has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($21) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 37 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Luna Corner — 380 Willow Road, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Luna Corner has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($16) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 42 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The seasonal special ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

• Boronia Best Beer Gardens — same vibe, different suburb
• Ferntree Gully Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Ferntree Gully Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Ferntree Gully Complete Guide — everything about Ferntree Gully
• Compare Suburbs — see how Ferntree Gully stacks up
• All Ferntree Gully Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best beer gardens options in Ferntree Gully?

Marco Yard is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Ferntree Gully good for best beer gardens?

Yes. Ferntree Gully has 8+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Ferntree Gully known for?

Gateway to the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk — one of Melbourne’s most popular bushwalks.

How far is Ferntree Gully from Melbourne CBD?

Ferntree Gully is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Ferntree Gully to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026