Best Live Music in Highett Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Standard | | Best with kids | Bright Mill | | Hidden spot | Commons | | Bad weather pick | Ivy |
The best live music scene in Highett is better than most people realise. Start at Hugo’s, then check out The Good Mill. Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Located 15km from the CBD, Highett is part of Melbourne’s Bayside region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Highett locals actually recommend.
1. Hazel’s — 191 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (live music) The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
Capacity is around 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
2. The White Local — 214 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
Capacity is around 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.
3. Atlas House — 215 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (live music) Worth the detour Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: dates
Capacity is around 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
4. Golden Store — 31 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The room holds 43 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($21) — solid Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.
5. Old Room — 49 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (live music) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
6. Ada Room — 237 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($18) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
Highett — The Honest Version
Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Highett Road strip has cafes and shops. Close to Southland. The best live music options here reflect Highett’s character. Whether you’re based in Highett or visiting from nearby, 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.
7. Old Place — 301 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: groups
The room holds 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
8. Bench — 50 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (live music) A local institution Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Start with: The sourdough bread ($24) — solid Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.
9. The Humble Commons — 244 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (live music) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($23) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
10. Old Place — 282 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (live music) A local institution Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Capacity is around 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
11. Finn Mill — 98 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (live music) A local institution Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Capacity is around 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
12. The Humble Bench — 87 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (live music) A solid local spot Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The space seats about 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
Explore More
- Hampton Best Live Music — same vibe, different suburb
- Highett Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Highett Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Highett Complete Guide — everything about Highett
- Compare Suburbs — see how Highett stacks up
- All Highett Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best live music options in Highett?
Leo is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Highett good for best live music?
Yes. Highett has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.
What is Highett known for?
Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve.
How far is Highett from Melbourne CBD?
Highett is 15km, 27min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Highett 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
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
