Free Things to Do in Nunawading Melbourne 2026

Nunawading doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The free things to do scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Kai Press and The Green Store are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Nunawading sits 24-35km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station.

1. Nico — 265 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: remote workers

Nico has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($19) 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 33 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Little Depot — 181 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Little Depot has been operating in Nunawading for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Market Terrace is usually fine.

Try this: The house-made relish ($13) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Long Post — 152 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Long Post has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

Capacity is around 65 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Market Terrace is usually fine.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. Theo’s — 115 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Theo’s has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($20) 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 room holds 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($19) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: They source produce from Nunawading farmers market when it runs.

5. Hazel — 251 Market Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Hazel has been operating in Nunawading for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($24) 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 room holds 57 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Blake Terrace is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Nunawading farmers market when it runs.

The Nunawading That Locals Know

Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station. Eastern suburbs retail corridor. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Nunawading’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. Whether you’re based in Nunawading or visiting from nearby, 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. Humble Room — 346 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Humble Room has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($21) 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.

Capacity is around 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Barkly Crescent is usually fine.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Society — 152 Market Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Society has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($22) 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 room holds 65 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Nico Commons — 272 Blake Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Nico Commons has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($19) 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 room holds 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Stella — 78 Barkly Crescent, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: dates

Stella has been operating in Nunawading for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($21) 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.

Capacity is around 53 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The daily soup ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Half Room — 255 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Half Room has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($20) 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 room holds 36 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Market Terrace is usually fine.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Nunawading worth visiting?

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

What is Nunawading known for?

Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station.

What can you do in Nunawading for free?

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

How far is Nunawading from Melbourne CBD?

Nunawading is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Nunawading 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