Free Things to Do in Templestowe Lower Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Mia’s |
| Best free option | Ava’s |
| Best for families | Operator |
| Best local secret | Good Table |
| Best for rainy days | The Good Cellar |
Templestowe Lower 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. Green Commons and The Old Lane are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Templestowe Lower sits 14-22km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip.
1. Rosa’s — 110 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The sourdough bread ($19) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe Lower farmers market when it runs.
2. Vera — 363 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: families
The room holds 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on South Grove is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
3. The Lucky Yard — 248 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
Capacity is around 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Templestowe Lower roaster — ask which one.
4. Sol Works — 32 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: solo diners
The room holds 34 and fills on weekends. Street parking on James Parade is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
5. Stella’s — 242 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 41 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Park Avenue is usually fine.
Templestowe Lower — The Honest Version
6. Stella Local — 201 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The room holds 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on High Grove is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
7. Atlas’s — 21 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The room holds 35 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Park Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Templestowe Lower roaster — ask which one.
8. The Old Corner — 163 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The space seats about 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on South Grove is usually fine.
9. Iris — 362 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 41 and fills on weekends. Street parking on James Parade is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
10. Old Local — 110 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
11. Ash’s — 376 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
Explore More
- Templestowe Free Things To Do — same vibe, different suburb
- Templestowe Lower Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Templestowe Lower Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Balwyn Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Templestowe Lower stacks up
- All Templestowe Lower Guides — everything we’ve written about Templestowe Lower
FAQ
Yes. The free things to do scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Templestowe Lower known for?
Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip.
What can you do in Templestowe Lower for free?
Mia’s is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Templestowe Lower from Melbourne CBD?
Templestowe Lower is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Templestowe Lower 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
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
