Things to Do in The Basin This Weekend — 2026

The Basin 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. The Half Place and Red Store are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. The Basin sits 32km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Small Dandenong Ranges suburb.

1. Oliver’s — 345 Creek Terrace, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: groups

Oliver’s has been operating in The Basin for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($23) 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.

Capacity is around 54 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The daily soup ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. The Lucky Yard — 150 Swan Crescent, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Lucky Yard has been operating in The Basin for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($13) 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 space seats about 64 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Creek Terrace is usually fine.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. The Little Union — 247 Swan Crescent, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Little Union has been operating in The Basin for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($16) 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 space seats about 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($20) — the best version in The Basin Insider tip: Parking is free on Margaret Street after 6pm.

4. Ash Local — 40 Swan Crescent, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Ash Local has been operating in The Basin for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($19) 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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($25) — the best version in The Basin Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Iris Bench — 298 Queen Avenue, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Iris Bench has been operating in The Basin for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local The Basin roaster — ask which one.

Why Locals Stay in The Basin

Small Dandenong Ranges suburb. The Basin Triangle shops. Direct access to 1000 Steps and Kokoda Track Memorial Walk. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines The Basin’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For The Basin 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. Remy Post — 64 Queen Avenue, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-23 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Remy Post has been operating in The Basin for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($11) 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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Creek Terrace is usually fine.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — the best version in The Basin Insider tip: Parking is free on Creek Street after 6pm.

7. Remy’s — 231 Margaret Road, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: groups

Remy’s has been operating in The Basin for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($13) 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. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Good Corner — 143 Margaret Road, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: families

Good Corner has been operating in The Basin for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($27) 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.

Capacity is around 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($28) — the best version in The Basin Insider tip: Parking is free on Queen Street after 6pm.

9. Leo’s — 320 Creek Terrace, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: families

Leo’s has been operating in The Basin for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Margaret Road is usually fine.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Margaret Street after 6pm.

10. Sol Cellar — 205 Lygon Place, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Sol Cellar has been operating in The Basin for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($25) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($28) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

11. Ava Standard — 114 Queen Avenue, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Ava Standard has been operating in The Basin for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($9) 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 space seats about 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

• Warranwood Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
• The Basin Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• The Basin Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Upwey Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how The Basin stacks up
• All The Basin Guides — everything we’ve written about The Basin

FAQ

Is The Basin worth visiting?

Yes. The Basin has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is The Basin known for?

Small Dandenong Ranges suburb.

What is there to do in The Basin on a Sunday?

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

How far is The Basin from Melbourne CBD?

The Basin is 32km, no direct train, 38min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The Basin is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026