Free Things to Do in Highett Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Old House |
| Free highlight | Finn Corner |
| Family-friendly | Stella’s |
| Locals only | White Yard |
| Indoor option | Mia |
We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Highett to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.50-5.50 for a flat white, $28-45 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. Nico’s is the one everyone knows. Nell Commons is the one they should know. Highett has transformed by level crossing removal and sir william fry reserve.
1. Blue Table — 86 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Capacity is around 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
2. Otto’s — 305 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: groups
Capacity is around 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The mushroom pasta ($13) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.
3. Ash Room — 301 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The space seats about 44 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
4. Marco Social — 82 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: A local institution Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: budget eaters
The room holds 42 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.
5. Red Kitchen — 375 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 63 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.
What Makes Highett Different
6. The Humble Local — 49 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The space seats about 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
7. Hazel’s — 155 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The space seats about 52 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
8. The Southern House — 3 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: budget eaters
The room holds 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
9. Lena Post — 260 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: A local institution Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 48 — 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. Zara Corner — 310 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
11. Half Yard — 313 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The space seats about 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Queen Grove is usually fine.
Explore More
- Hampton Free Things To Do — same vibe, different suburb
- Highett Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Highett Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Brighton Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Highett stacks up
- All Highett Guides — everything we’ve written about Highett
FAQ
Yes. The free things to do scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Highett known for?
Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve.
What can you do in Highett for free?
Old House is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
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.
