Things to Do in Upwey This Weekend — 2026

Upwey 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. Theo Press and The Bright Works are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Upwey sits 35km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community.

1. Green Standard — 205 Cecil Parade, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Green Standard has been operating in Upwey for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($9) 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 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Queen Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($12) — the best version in Upwey Insider tip: Parking is free on Church Street after 6pm.

2. Oliver — 105 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Oliver has been operating in Upwey 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Half Yard — 350 Cecil Parade, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Half Yard has been operating in Upwey for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($24) 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 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The daily soup ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Pantry — 13 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Pantry has been operating in Upwey 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.

Capacity is around 45 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 daily soup ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Queen Street after 6pm.

5. Kitchen — 61 William Crescent, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Kitchen has been operating in Upwey for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 room holds 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($18) — the best version in Upwey Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Why Upwey Is Worth Knowing

Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community. Upwey Village has independent shops and cafes. Belgrave rail line. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Upwey’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Upwey, 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. Ivy — 179 Cecil Parade, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: solo diners

Ivy has been operating in Upwey for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($14) 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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Cecil Parade is usually fine.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($16) — the best version in Upwey Insider tip: They source produce from Upwey farmers market when it runs.

7. Depot — 82 Cecil Parade, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Depot has been operating in Upwey for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($12) 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 37 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. The Tall Local — 341 William Crescent, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Tall Local has been operating in Upwey for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($15) 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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($17) — the best version in Upwey Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. The Golden Local — 170 Main Lane, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Golden Local has been operating in Upwey for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($11) 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 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Queen Avenue is usually fine.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($10) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Atlas Store — 264 Queen Avenue, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: A local institution Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: the whole crew

Atlas Store has been operating in Upwey for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 50 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The daily soup ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. The Northern Lane — 16 Queen Avenue, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Northern Lane has been operating in Upwey for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($21) 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 55 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Upwey worth visiting?

Yes. Upwey 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 Upwey known for?

Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community.

What is there to do in Upwey on a Sunday?

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

How far is Upwey from Melbourne CBD?

Upwey is 35km, 55min train, 40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Upwey: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026