Best Beer Gardens in Templestowe Lower Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | The Bright Union |
| Zero-cost winner | Leo |
| Kid-approved | The Golden House |
| Under the radar | Ruby |
| Wet day saviour | Corner |
We’ve tested every best beer gardens option in Templestowe Lower to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Bright Depot is the one everyone knows. The Green Union is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip. Templestowe Lower sits in the Middle East corridor, 14-22km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best beer gardens scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Templestowe Lower since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.
1. The Tall Bench — 363 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (beer gardens) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The space seats about 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Smith Street is usually fine.
2. Rex’s — 121 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 35 — 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.
3. Marco’s — 169 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The lamb shoulder ($22) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
4. Gus’s — 38 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The room holds 41 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
5. The New Yard — 82 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 32 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($16) — solid
The Templestowe Lower That Locals Know
Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip. Close to Tikalara Park trails. The best beer gardens options here reflect Templestowe Lower’s character. Whether you’re based in Templestowe Lower or visiting from nearby, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.
6. The Golden Standard — 330 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The room holds 42 and fills on weekends. Street parking on South Grove is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
7. Luna Yard — 193 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 44 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($15) — solid Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
8. Bench — 293 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: solo diners
The space seats about 43 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe Lower farmers market when it runs.
9. Theo Post — 6 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The room holds 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Templestowe Lower roaster — ask which one.
10. Mia Local — 175 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The room holds 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Smith Street is usually fine.
Get the: The house-made relish ($11) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
11. Northern Quarter — 267 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Capacity is around 37 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Explore More
- Templestowe Best Beer Gardens — same vibe, different suburb
- Templestowe Lower Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Templestowe Lower Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Templestowe Lower Complete Guide — everything about Templestowe Lower
- Compare Suburbs — see how Templestowe Lower stacks up
- All Templestowe Lower Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best beer gardens options in Templestowe Lower?
The Bright Union is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Templestowe Lower good for best beer gardens?
Yes. Templestowe Lower has 11+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.
What is Templestowe Lower known for?
Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip.
How far is Templestowe Lower from Melbourne CBD?
Templestowe Lower is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Look — Templestowe Lower won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.
Last updated: March 2026
