Things to Do in Ferntree Gully This Weekend — 2026

Ferntree Gully locals have known for years what the rest of Melbourne is just figuring out. The things to do this weekend options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Nina Cellar, then work your way to Yard. Gateway to the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk — one of Melbourne’s most popular bushwalks. This is Ferntree Gully in 2026.

1. White Local — 302 Queen Street, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: remote workers

White Local has been operating in Ferntree Gully for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($20) 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 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The fish special ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. The Tall Local — 64 George Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Tall Local has been operating in Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($14) 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 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ferntree Gully roaster — ask which one.

3. River Depot — 217 Queen Street, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: A local institution Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

River Depot has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($27) 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 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Chapter — 183 George Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: budget eaters

Chapter has been operating in Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($13) 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 33 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ferntree Gully roaster — ask which one.

5. Good Table — 321 Willow Road, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: dates

Good Table has been operating in Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($24) 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 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Ferntree Gully — The Honest Version

Gateway to the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk — one of Melbourne’s most popular bushwalks. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Ferntree Gully’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Ferntree Gully, you’ll find that this history shapes everything from the food culture to the community events. The locals who’ve been here longest will tell you the suburb has changed dramatically, but the bones are still good.

6. Sunny Room — 128 James Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: groups

Sunny Room has been operating in Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($23) 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.

Capacity is around 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($21) — the best version in Ferntree Gully Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Local — 207 George Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: dates

Local has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($12) 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 65 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Queen Street is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Hugo’s — 248 Blake Drive, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Hugo’s has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($14) 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 room holds 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The seasonal special ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Ferntree Gully farmers market when it runs.

9. Ava Depot — 101 George Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: groups

Ava Depot has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The fish special ($18) — the best version in Ferntree Gully Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Nico’s — 277 Blake Drive, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: families

Nico’s has been operating in Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($14) 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 40 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Street is usually fine.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

11. The Humble Store — 237 Willow Road, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Humble Store has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($14) 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 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Street is usually fine.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

12. Humble Post — 179 Queen Street, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: remote workers

Humble Post has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($13) 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 53 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Ferntree Gully worth visiting?

Yes. Ferntree Gully has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Ferntree Gully known for?

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

What is there to do in Ferntree Gully on a Sunday?

The Common Table is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Ferntree Gully from Melbourne CBD?

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

Ferntree Gully isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026