Free Things to Do in Templestowe Melbourne 2026

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Templestowe to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.50-5.50 for a flat white, $28-45 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. Sol’s is the one everyone knows. The Good Works is the one they should know. Templestowe has borders the yarra river with excellent parkland.

1. Hazel’s — 285 Bell Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Hazel’s has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($24) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($23) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: Parking is free on Sydney Street after 6pm.

2. New Press — 245 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

New Press has been operating in Templestowe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($19) 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 space seats about 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Elm Road is usually fine.

Try this: The fish special ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Templestowe roaster — ask which one.

3. Marco Store — 305 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Marco Store has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($18) 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 space seats about 40 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The seasonal special ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe farmers market when it runs.

4. Theo’s — 100 Bell Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: A local institution Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Theo’s has been operating in Templestowe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($8) 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 58 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 mushroom pasta ($11) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe farmers market when it runs.

5. Lucky Pantry — 6 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $17-32 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Lucky Pantry has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($19) 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 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($21) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: Parking is free on Bell Street after 6pm.

Templestowe — The Honest Version

Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland. Tikalara Park and Westerfolds Park. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Templestowe’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For Templestowe locals and anyone in the area, 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. Oliver Local — 127 Bell Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: groups

Oliver Local has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($11) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bell Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Willow Street after 6pm.

7. Leo Pantry — 288 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: solo diners

Leo Pantry has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($26) 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 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($28) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: Parking is free on Willow Street after 6pm.

8. Place — 288 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Place has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($10) 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 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on West Lane is usually fine.

Start with: The seasonal special ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe farmers market when it runs.

9. Mabel’s — 148 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Mabel’s has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($22) 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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($22) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: Parking is free on Elm Street after 6pm.

10. Rex’s — 182 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: the whole crew

Rex’s has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 40 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bell Road is usually fine.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($26) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: Parking is free on Sydney Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Templestowe worth visiting?

Yes. Templestowe 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 Templestowe known for?

Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland.

What can you do in Templestowe for free?

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

How far is Templestowe from Melbourne CBD?

Templestowe is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Templestowe 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