Things to Do in Ringwood This Weekend — 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | The Good Depot |
| Best free option | Oliver Post |
| Best for families | Cleo Bench |
| Best local secret | Nell Kitchen |
| Best for rainy days | Old Place |
Ringwood doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The things to do this weekend scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Hugo’s and Cleo are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Ringwood sits 24km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Major transport interchange connecting Belgrave and Lilydale lines.
1. Mabel — 147 High Parade, Ringwood VIC 3172
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 64 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The crispy chicken ($16) — solid Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ringwood roaster — ask which one.
2. Mia’s — 285 Railway Terrace, Ringwood VIC 3172
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The room holds 60 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The sourdough bread ($24) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
3. Mia Kitchen — 15 River Avenue, Ringwood VIC 3172
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: dates
Capacity is around 64 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Creek Crescent is usually fine.
Go for: The daily soup ($20) — solid
4. Kai Cellar — 342 Creek Crescent, Ringwood VIC 3172
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-32 per person Best for: budget eaters
The room holds 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
5. Marco’s — 97 Creek Crescent, Ringwood VIC 3172
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: dates
The space seats about 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Ringwood farmers market when it runs.
Ringwood — The Honest Version
6. Stella Room — 152 Creek Crescent, Ringwood VIC 3172
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: budget eaters
The space seats about 63 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.
7. River’s — 201 Railway Terrace, Ringwood VIC 3172
What it is: A local institution Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The space seats about 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($14) — solid
8. The Southern Cellar — 344 Creek Crescent, Ringwood VIC 3172
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on River Avenue is usually fine.
Start with: The mushroom pasta ($19) — solid
9. Ivy Mill — 37 Victoria Terrace, Ringwood VIC 3172
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 62 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
10. Finn’s — 348 Railway Terrace, Ringwood VIC 3172
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The room holds 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Victoria Terrace is usually fine.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
11. Old Pantry — 328 Victoria Terrace, Ringwood VIC 3172
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The room holds 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on High Parade is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ringwood roaster — ask which one.
12. Nell Social — 170 Victoria Terrace, Ringwood VIC 3172
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Capacity is around 30 — 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.
Explore More
- Croydon Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
- Ringwood Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Ringwood Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Mooroolbark Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Ringwood stacks up
- All Ringwood Guides — everything we’ve written about Ringwood
FAQ
Yes. The things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Ringwood known for?
Major transport interchange connecting Belgrave and Lilydale lines.
What is there to do in Ringwood on a Sunday?
The Good Depot is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Ringwood from Melbourne CBD?
Ringwood is 24km, 36min train, 30min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Ringwood isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.
Last updated: March 2026
