Things to Do in Newport This Weekend — 2026

Newport locals have known for years what the rest of Melbourne is just figuring out. The things to do this weekend options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at The Green Bench, then work your way to Leo. Mason Street strip has cafes and shops. This is Newport in 2026.

1. Mia’s — 339 Edward Drive, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: A local institution Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Mia’s has been operating in Newport for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($24) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Bay Street after 6pm.

2. River’s — 30 Edward Drive, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: solo diners

River’s has been operating in Newport for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($26) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The daily soup ($28) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Gus’s — 348 Station Parade, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: remote workers

Gus’s has been operating in Newport for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($12) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Station Parade is usually fine.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Honest House — 214 Smith Lane, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: families

Honest House has been operating in Newport for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($10) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 32 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. Hazel — 264 Edward Drive, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: dates

Hazel has been operating in Newport for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the best version in Newport Insider tip: Parking is free on Bay Street after 6pm.

The Reality of Newport

Mason Street strip has cafes and shops. Newport Lakes — a former quarry now home to wildlife. Close to Williamstown. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Newport’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Newport, you’ll find that this history shapes everything from the food culture to the community events. The locals who’ve been here longest will tell you the suburb has changed dramatically, but the bones are still good.

6. High Pantry — 326 Smith Lane, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

High Pantry has been operating in Newport for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($13) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($15) — the best version in Newport Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Newport roaster — ask which one.

7. The Little House — 201 Edward Drive, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Little House has been operating in Newport for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($20) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Newport roaster — ask which one.

8. Southern Works — 258 Bay Grove, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Southern Works has been operating in Newport for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($14) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The daily soup ($18) — the best version in Newport Insider tip: Parking is free on Smith Street after 6pm.

9. Sunny Depot — 119 Smith Lane, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Sunny Depot has been operating in Newport for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($19) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 39 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The fish special ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Ruby’s — 299 Edward Drive, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Ruby’s has been operating in Newport for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($21) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 44 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($25) — the best version in Newport Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

• Yarraville Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
• Newport Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Newport Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Altona Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Newport stacks up
• All Newport Guides — everything we’ve written about Newport

FAQ

Is Newport worth visiting?

Yes. Newport has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Newport known for?

Mason Street strip has cafes and shops.

What is there to do in Newport on a Sunday?

Finn’s is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Newport from Melbourne CBD?

Newport is 9km, 15min train, 14min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Newport: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026