Free Things to Do in Forest Hill Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | The Half Pantry |
| Free highlight | The Green Post |
| Family-friendly | Depot |
| Locals only | Sol Mill |
| Indoor option | Long Post |
Forest Hill doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The free things to do scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Ash Cellar and Hazel’s are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Forest Hill sits 24-35km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub.
1. Tall Room — 174 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 55 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Murray Drive is usually fine.
2. Sol — 226 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The room holds 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Murray Drive is usually fine.
Try this: The crispy chicken ($18) — solid Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
3. Max — 66 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The room holds 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Bridge Road is usually fine.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
4. Finn’s — 361 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 33 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.
5. Ava — 117 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: solo diners
The space seats about 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Bridge Road is usually fine.
Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($19) — solid
The Forest Hill That Locals Know
6. Otto — 57 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The room holds 46 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bridge Road is usually fine.
Ask for: The sourdough bread ($25) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
7. Max — 30 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: dates
The space seats about 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Margaret Place is usually fine.
Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($21) — solid
8. Nell’s — 96 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: A local institution Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The space seats about 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
9. Marco — 41 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The room holds 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
10. Sol’s — 297 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 40 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
11. Theo — 73 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: families
The room holds 45 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
12. Good Mill — 167 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 37 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Explore More
- Vermont South Free Things To Do — same vibe, different suburb
- Forest Hill Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Forest Hill Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Burwood East Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Forest Hill stacks up
- All Forest Hill Guides — everything we’ve written about Forest Hill
FAQ
Yes. The free things to do scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Forest Hill known for?
Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub.
What can you do in Forest Hill for free?
The Half Pantry is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Forest Hill from Melbourne CBD?
Forest Hill is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Forest Hill 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
