Things To Do Near Strathmore — Complete 2026 Guide
| Rank | Suburb | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scoresby | Felix’s |
| 2 | Ferntree Gully | Lena’s |
| 3 | Melton South | Old Press |
| 4 | Chirnside Park | Golden Depot |
| 5 | Bayswater | Kai Press |
| 6 | Mulgrave | Felix Union |
Melbourne’s outer and middle-ring suburbs have more to offer than most people realise. This guide covers the best options for things to do near strathmore — tested in person, with real prices and honest opinions. We’re not listing every suburb that technically qualifies. We’re listing the ones that are genuinely worth your time in 2026.
The suburbs covered here range from 24-35km to 30-40km from the CBD. Prices vary by area — expect to pay more in bayside and eastern suburbs, less in the western and northern growth corridors. Every recommendation below has been visited and verified.
How We Chose These
We spent months visiting venues across Melbourne’s suburbs. Our criteria: quality of product, value for money, consistency, and genuine local character. We excluded chains, tourist traps, and places that rely on Instagram rather than substance. If it’s on this list, we’ve been there, eaten there, and would go back.
Scoresby
Located at the junction of Eastlink and Stud Road. The things scene in Scoresby reflects the suburb’s character — better than you expect. Top picks include Humble Room and Humble Commons, with The Green Lane as the budget option. Expect to pay $4.00-4.50 for coffee and $18-32 for dinner. The suburb is 24-35km from the CBD.
Ferntree Gully
Gateway to the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk — one of Melbourne’s most popular bushwalks. The things scene in Ferntree Gully reflects the suburb’s character — growing rapidly. Top picks include Long Place and The Bright Local, with Sol Commons as the budget option. Expect to pay $4.00-4.50 for coffee and $18-32 for dinner. The suburb is 24-35km from the CBD.
Melton South
Contains the original Melton township around Coburns Road, predating the modern growth corridor. The things scene in Melton South reflects the suburb’s character — unpretentious and genuine. Top picks include Union and Lucky Pantry, with Golden Cellar as the budget option. Expect to pay $4.00-4.50 for coffee and $18-32 for dinner. The suburb is 30-40km from the CBD.
Chirnside Park
Home to Chirnside Park Shopping Centre — the main retail hub for outer-east suburbs entering the Yarra Valley. The things scene in Chirnside Park reflects the suburb’s character — growing rapidly. Top picks include Oliver Pantry and Iris’s, with Luna’s as the budget option. Expect to pay $4.00-4.50 for coffee and $18-32 for dinner. The suburb is 24-35km from the CBD.
Bayswater
Sits along Mountain Highway with emerging cafe scene. The things scene in Bayswater reflects the suburb’s character — unpretentious and genuine. Top picks include Pilgrim and Mia’s, with Southern Store as the budget option. Expect to pay $4.00-4.50 for coffee and $18-32 for dinner. The suburb is 24-35km from the CBD.
Explore by Suburb
- Scoresby Guide — complete local guide
- Scoresby Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Ferntree Gully Guide — complete local guide
- Ferntree Gully Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Melton South Guide — complete local guide
- Melton South Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Chirnside Park Guide — complete local guide
- Chirnside Park Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Bayswater Guide — complete local guide
- Bayswater Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Mulgrave Guide — complete local guide
- Mulgrave Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Croydon Guide — complete local guide
- Croydon Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Truganina Guide — complete local guide
- Truganina Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
More Melbourne Guides
- Best Suburbs for Families Melbourne — family-friendly rankings
- Cheapest Suburbs to Rent Melbourne — rental guide
- Compare Suburbs Tool — side-by-side comparison
- Suburb Match Quiz — find your ideal suburb
FAQ
What are the best options for things to do near strathmore?
Our top picks include venues in Scoresby, Ferntree Gully, and Melton South. See the full guide above.
Is this guide updated for 2026?
Yes. Every recommendation was tested and verified in March 2026.
How did you choose these recommendations?
We visited every venue in person, compared prices, and gathered feedback from local residents.
Are these suburbs easy to get to from the CBD?
Yes. Scoresby is 24-35km from the CBD. See individual suburb guides for detailed transport info.
What should I budget for a day out?
Budget $30-50 per person for a meal and coffee. Street parking is usually free or metered at low rates.
Melbourne’s suburbs keep getting better. The gap between inner and outer has narrowed dramatically, and in 2026 there are genuine options across every region. Don’t sleep on the suburbs listed here — they’re worth your attention.
Last updated: March 2026

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