Free Things to Do in Toorak Melbourne 2026
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Ash Room | | Best with kids | Leo’s | | Hidden spot | Golden Press | | Bad weather pick | Cleo Bench |
Toorak 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. The Common Commons and Kitchen are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Toorak sits 5km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Melbourne’s wealthiest suburb.
1. Hazel’s — 112 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067
What it is: A local institution Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 48 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The seasonal special ($24) — solid
2. Pilgrim — 265 Elm Parade, Toorak VIC 3067
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
3. Nico’s — 30 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The room holds 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
4. Archive — 279 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: remote workers
The space seats about 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Johnston Crescent is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
5. Marco — 268 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: groups
Capacity is around 41 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Johnston Crescent is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
What Nobody Tells You About Toorak
6. Table — 6 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The space seats about 63 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
7. River — 318 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: remote workers
The space seats about 56 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
8. Depot — 53 Margaret Street, Toorak VIC 3067
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: the whole crew
The space seats about 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
9. Ivy — 7 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067
What it is: A local institution Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: families
Capacity is around 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Toorak roaster — ask which one.
10. The Northern Works — 347 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: dates
Capacity is around 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Johnston Crescent is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Toorak roaster — ask which one.
11. Iris’s — 181 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: groups
Capacity is around 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Toorak farmers market when it runs.
Explore More
- South Yarra Free Things To Do — same vibe, different suburb
- Toorak Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Toorak Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Armadale Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Toorak stacks up
- All Toorak Guides — everything we’ve written about Toorak
FAQ
Yes. The free things to do scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Toorak known for?
Melbourne’s wealthiest suburb.
What can you do in Toorak for free?
Press is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Toorak from Melbourne CBD?
Toorak is 5km, 10min tram, 10min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Look — Toorak 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
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
