Best Beer Gardens in Upper Ferntree Gully Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | Vera Commons |
| Zero-cost winner | Nell Bench |
| Kid-approved | Felix’s |
| Under the radar | Leo’s |
| Wet day saviour | High Pantry |
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
The room holds 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Creek Road is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The fish special ($15) — solid 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
The room holds 56 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The space seats about 46 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Creek Road is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Market Road is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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 room holds 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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 room holds 60 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Creek Road is usually fine.
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
