Best Beer Gardens in Upper Ferntree Gully Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Upper Ferntree Gully has genuine best beer gardens options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Southern Store and Good Works lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 30km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Upper FTG sits at the top of the Belgrave rail line’s climb into the ranges. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Upper Ferntree Gully resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Leo’s — 273 Victoria Avenue, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (beer gardens) The one that surprised us Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Leo’s has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($18) 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 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Creek Road is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($23) — the best version in Upper Ferntree Gully Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Kai Works — 89 Creek Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Kai Works has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The fish special ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Zara’s — 7 Bridge Drive, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Zara’s has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($15) 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 56 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($17) — the best version in Upper Ferntree Gully Insider tip: Parking is free on Creek Street after 6pm.

4. Nina — 305 Market Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: dates

Nina has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($15) 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 46 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Blue Commons — 30 Creek Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: the whole crew

Blue Commons has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($20) 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.

Capacity is around 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($23) — the best version in Upper Ferntree Gully Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

6. Cleo — 151 Ash Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Cleo has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($23) — the best version in Upper Ferntree Gully Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

What Upper Ferntree Gully Actually Is

Upper FTG sits at the top of the Belgrave rail line’s climb into the ranges. Access to Dandenong Ranges National Park. The best beer gardens options here reflect Upper Ferntree Gully’s character. For Upper Ferntree Gully locals and anyone in the area, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

7. Otto Depot — 160 Creek Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (beer gardens) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Otto Depot has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Creek Road is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Upper Ferntree Gully farmers market when it runs.

8. Ava’s — 351 Victoria Avenue, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: families

Ava’s has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($21) 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 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Market Road is usually fine.

Start with: The house-made relish ($18) — the best version in Upper Ferntree Gully Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Ava Place — 326 Ash Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Ava Place has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($17) 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 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. The Blue Kitchen — 194 Market Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Blue Kitchen has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The daily soup ($25) — the best version in Upper Ferntree Gully Insider tip: They source produce from Upper Ferntree Gully farmers market when it runs.

11. Mia Pantry — 196 Bridge Drive, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Mia Pantry has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($21) 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 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The daily soup ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

12. The Tall Store — 142 Market Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Tall Store has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

The room holds 60 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Creek Road is usually fine.

Try this: The fish special ($23) — the best version in Upper Ferntree Gully Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

• Tecoma Best Beer Gardens — same vibe, different suburb
• Upper Ferntree Gully Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Upper Ferntree Gully Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Upper Ferntree Gully Complete Guide — everything about Upper Ferntree Gully
• Compare Suburbs — see how Upper Ferntree Gully stacks up
• All Upper Ferntree Gully Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best beer gardens options in Upper Ferntree Gully?

Vera Commons is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Upper Ferntree Gully good for best beer gardens?

Yes. Upper Ferntree Gully has 12+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Upper Ferntree Gully known for?

Upper FTG sits at the top of the Belgrave rail line’s climb into the ranges.

How far is Upper Ferntree Gully from Melbourne CBD?

Upper Ferntree Gully is 30km, 48min train, 35min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Upper Ferntree Gully 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