Things to Do in The Basin This Weekend — 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Finn |
| Free highlight | Northern Local |
| Family-friendly | Little Yard |
| Locals only | The Honest Yard |
| Indoor option | Hugo |
The Basin 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. The Half Place and Red Store are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. The Basin sits 32km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Small Dandenong Ranges suburb.
1. Oliver’s — 345 Creek Terrace, The Basin VIC 3139
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: groups
Capacity is around 54 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The daily soup ($22) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
2. The Lucky Yard — 150 Swan Crescent, The Basin VIC 3139
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The space seats about 64 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Creek Terrace is usually fine.
Try this: The lamb shoulder ($14) — solid
3. The Little Union — 247 Swan Crescent, The Basin VIC 3139
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The space seats about 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
4. Ash Local — 40 Swan Crescent, The Basin VIC 3139
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The space seats about 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
5. Iris Bench — 298 Queen Avenue, The Basin VIC 3139
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local The Basin roaster — ask which one.
Why Locals Stay in The Basin
6. Remy Post — 64 Queen Avenue, The Basin VIC 3139
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-23 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The space seats about 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Creek Terrace is usually fine.
7. Remy’s — 231 Margaret Road, The Basin VIC 3139
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: groups
The room holds 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($17) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
8. Good Corner — 143 Margaret Road, The Basin VIC 3139
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: families
Capacity is around 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
9. Leo’s — 320 Creek Terrace, The Basin VIC 3139
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: families
The room holds 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Margaret Road is usually fine.
10. Sol Cellar — 205 Lygon Place, The Basin VIC 3139
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The space seats about 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
11. Ava Standard — 114 Queen Avenue, The Basin VIC 3139
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The space seats about 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
Explore More
- Warranwood Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
- The Basin Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- The Basin Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Upwey Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how The Basin stacks up
- All The Basin Guides — everything we’ve written about The Basin
FAQ
Yes. The things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is The Basin known for?
Small Dandenong Ranges suburb.
What is there to do in The Basin on a Sunday?
Finn is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is The Basin from Melbourne CBD?
The Basin is 32km, no direct train, 38min drive from Melbourne CBD.
The Basin is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.
Last updated: March 2026
