Free Things to Do in Templestowe Melbourne 2026
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Mabel’s | | Best with kids | Gus Place | | Hidden spot | Ava | | Bad weather pick | Anchor |
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
The space seats about 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Elm Road is usually fine.
Try this: The fish special ($20) — solid 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
The space seats about 40 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Go for: The seasonal special ($20) — solid 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
The room holds 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The room holds 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Templestowe — The Honest Version
6. Oliver Local — 127 Bell Road, Templestowe VIC 3132
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: groups
The room holds 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Bell Road is usually fine.
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
The room holds 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on West Lane is usually fine.
Start with: The seasonal special ($13) — solid 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
The room holds 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 40 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bell Road is usually fine.
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
Yes. 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
