Kew does weekends at a pace that suits its character — unhurried, leafy, and centred on good food and the Yarra River trails rather than events and nightlife. Here is how locals actually spend a Kew weekend.
Saturday Morning
The Yarra Walk — Start early at Studley Park Road and walk the Yarra Boulevard loop through Yarra Bend Park before the day warms up. Allow 60-90 minutes. The canopy is dense, the river is quiet, and the flying fox colony at Bellbird is most active at dawn. Bring the dog — most sections are off-leash before 9am.
Brunch at Ora — Come off the trail hungry and head to Ora on Pakington Street. The corn fritters and shakshuka are the picks. Weekday walk-ins are easy; Saturday before 9am or after 11:30am avoids the peak. Budget $50-$65 for two with coffee.
Kew Junction errands — The practical part. Coles for the weekly shop, the Kew Library if you need to return books or grab something new, and the chemist for whatever you forgot during the week.
Saturday Afternoon
Studley Park Boathouse — Hire a rowboat ($35/hour) and paddle the Yarra. On a clear Saturday afternoon this is one of inner Melbourne’s most pleasant activities. The boathouse cafe serves lunch on the deck if you would rather eat than row.
High Street browsing — Walk the strip between Kew Junction and the Cotham Road intersection. The independent shops, the bottle shop for Saturday night wine, and a flat white from Kew Grind to keep you moving.
Saturday Night
Dinner at Centonove — Book ahead for the handmade pasta and Italian wine list at 109 High Street. Two courses with wine for two runs $140-$180. Alternatively, Hanoi Hannah at 186 High Street does contemporary Vietnamese with cocktails in a more energetic room ($100-$130 for two).
Drinks at the Postmaster — Walk down to the Postmaster Hotel for post-dinner drinks. The aperitivo bar for spritzes if the weather is warm, or the front bar for a nightcap pot. Most of Kew wraps up by 11pm, and that is fine.
Sunday
Slow start — Sunday in Kew starts at the pace the suburb was designed for. Coffee from Short Straw, the Sunday papers at the kitchen table, and no particular urgency about anything.
Afternoon walk — Denmark Street between Cotham Road and High Street for the best heritage architecture in the suburb. Follow it with Howard Dawson Reserve for a sit on the grass.
Sunday pub session — The Harp of Erin on Cotham Road does a genuine Sunday session. Quieter than Saturday, possibly live music in the back room, and the kind of unhurried afternoon that sets up the week properly.
FAQ
Is there enough to do in Kew for a whole weekend? Yes, if your idea of a good weekend involves outdoor walking, good food, and relaxation rather than events and nightlife. Kew is built for the low-key weekend, and it does it exceptionally well.
What if I want nightlife on Saturday? Take tram 48 to Richmond — you are there in 15 minutes with access to Swan Street and Bridge Road venues. Or head to Hawthorn’s Glenferrie Road strip for bars and late-night options.
Best rainy weekend plan in Kew? Kew Library in the morning, lunch at Hanoi Rose on High Street, and an afternoon at the Postmaster with a book and a pot.
More on Kew: Kew Suburb Guide · Things to Do in Kew · [Best Restaurants in Kew](/kew/best-restaurants/)
Explore More of Kew
- Kew History
- Kew Rent Guide
- Kew Kew For Retirees
- Kew Things To Do
- Kew Cost of Living
- Kew Young Professionals Guide
- Kew Nightlife Guide
- Kew Transport Guide
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed