Free Things to Do in Vermont South Melbourne 2026
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Theo Social | | Best with kids | Rosa Room | | Hidden spot | The Honest Kitchen | | Bad weather pick | Green Quarter |
Vermont South 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 Bright Quarter and The New Post are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Vermont South sits 24-35km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. The Glen shopping centre nearby.
1. Old Local — 328 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
2. Gus Place — 298 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: A local institution Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
3. Rosa House — 270 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: budget eaters
Capacity is around 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The house-made relish ($18) — solid Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
4. Lucky Press — 380 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: solo diners
The space seats about 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Anderson Drive is usually fine.
Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont South farmers market when it runs.
5. White Quarter — 333 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.
What Nobody Tells You About Vermont South
6. Cleo’s — 99 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
7. Pilgrim — 184 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 50 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
8. Iris Standard — 108 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
9. The Common Corner — 174 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: solo diners
The room holds 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
10. Cleo Room — 367 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: A local institution Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The room holds 60 and fills on weekends. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
11. New Press — 201 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The room holds 30 and fills on weekends. Street parking on River Street is usually fine.
Explore More
- Vermont Free Things To Do — same vibe, different suburb
- Vermont South Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Vermont South Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Forest Hill Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Vermont South stacks up
- All Vermont South Guides — everything we’ve written about Vermont South
FAQ
Yes. The free things to do scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Vermont South known for?
The Glen shopping centre nearby.
What can you do in Vermont South for free?
Kitchen is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Vermont South from Melbourne CBD?
Vermont South is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
