Free Things to Do in Nunawading Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Rosa |
| Best free option | Stella Union |
| Best for families | Southern Quarter |
| Best local secret | Ivy’s |
| Best for rainy days | Ivy |
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
The space seats about 33 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Market Terrace is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 65 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Market Terrace is usually fine.
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
The room holds 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The room holds 57 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Blake Terrace is usually fine.
Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Nunawading farmers market when it runs.
The Nunawading That Locals Know
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
Capacity is around 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Barkly Crescent is usually fine.
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
The room holds 65 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The room holds 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 53 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Come back for: The daily soup ($24) — solid 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
The room holds 36 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Market Terrace is usually fine.
Get the: The sourdough bread ($23) — solid 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
Yes. 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
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
