Things to Do in Upwey This Weekend — 2026
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Yard | | Best with kids | Otto Post | | Hidden spot | Vera Local | | Bad weather pick | Otto’s |
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
The space seats about 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Queen Avenue is usually fine.
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
The room holds 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 45 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Why Upwey Is Worth Knowing
6. Ivy — 179 Cecil Parade, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Cecil Parade is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 37 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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 space seats about 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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 room holds 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Queen Avenue is usually fine.
Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($10) — solid
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
The room holds 50 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 55 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Yes. 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.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
