Things to Do in Hawthorn East This Weekend — 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Old Lane |
| Best free option | The Golden Social |
| Best for families | The Golden Commons |
| Best local secret | Hazel |
| Best for rainy days | Collective |
Hawthorn East 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. Gus Works and Bench are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Hawthorn East sits 14-22km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Residential suburb with access to Camberwell Junction and Auburn Road shops.
1. Luna Commons — 215 Thomas Place, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Ash Crescent is usually fine.
Order this: The crispy chicken ($22) — solid
2. The Good Place — 360 Margaret Street, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
3. Lucky Press — 79 Ash Crescent, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Thomas Place is usually fine.
4. Local — 239 Thomas Place, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The space seats about 65 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Hawthorn East farmers market when it runs.
5. The Humble Cellar — 360 Thomas Place, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: budget eaters
The space seats about 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($11) — solid
Why Hawthorn East Is Worth Knowing
6. Common Store — 364 Ash Crescent, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The space seats about 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
7. Max’s — 27 Ash Crescent, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 50 — 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.
8. Southern Union — 207 South Place, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Capacity is around 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
9. The Humble Room — 147 Margaret Street, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Elizabeth Drive is usually fine.
Come back for: The sourdough bread ($22) — solid Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
10. The Bright Standard — 314 Thomas Place, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The space seats about 55 and fills on weekends. Street parking on South Place is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
11. Tall Press — 288 South Place, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The space seats about 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The house-made relish ($24) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
Explore More
- Kew East Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
- Hawthorn East Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Hawthorn East Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Canterbury Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Hawthorn East stacks up
- All Hawthorn East Guides — everything we’ve written about Hawthorn East
FAQ
Yes. The things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Hawthorn East known for?
Residential suburb with access to Camberwell Junction and Auburn Road shops.
What is there to do in Hawthorn East on a Sunday?
Old Lane is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Hawthorn East from Melbourne CBD?
Hawthorn East is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.
If you’re comparing Hawthorn East 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
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
