Things to do in templestowe
Templestowe locals’ handbook
With this neighbourhood guide to the suburb, find places to eat, drink, and things to do in Templestowe.
Though tranquil Templestowe doesn’t receive the same recognition as its more well-known neighbours Eltham and Doncaster, there are still many things to appreciate about this neighbourhood. A large number of expansive nature parks can be found in Templestowe, which is 16 kilometres north-east of Melbourne’s central business district, along with fantastic family-friendly cafés and eateries.
For what is Templestowe renowned?
With 123 hectares of parkland along the Yarra River, Westerfolds Park occupies a prominent location in Templestowe, right off busy Fitzsimons Lane. Petty’s Orchard, a 44-hectare open-air apple orchard, is another well-liked location to take in the fresh air along the Yarra River.
What makes the locals adore it?
The parks and playgrounds in Templestowe are particularly noteworthy, according to Morgana Eastman-Santi, manager of Power Plant Café. According to her, “people adore the green spaces like Westerfolds Park, and Wombat Bend is great for kids and has an excellent playground.”
How can I travel to Templestowe?
You only have access to bus services because there are no trains or trams, therefore the public transportation system is not the best. While the 905 service shuttles between the city and the Pines Shopping Center, stopping off in Templestowe, the 281 bus travels from Templestowe to Deakin University in Burwood via Box Hill. For those who prefer to walk, there are wonderful trails available, including as the 33-kilometer Main Yarra Trail, which begins in Westerfolds and ends in Southbank.
What is nearby?
Templestowe lies north of the lush, somewhat hippie, yet wealthy Eltham, which borders Lower Plenty to the west. South of Lower Templestowe is where you’ll find Doncaster.
If you just take one action,
In Westerfolds Park, bring a picnic or load up on bronuts from Down The Rabbit Hole to take advantage of the fresh air. This native forest is an excellent place to observe wildlife because it is home to kangaroos, echidnas, wombats, platypus, possums, and a vast variety of birdlife.
Templestowe’s top attractions
There is a good assortment of food at Down the Rabbit Hole (8/22 Newmans Road), but save room for their vibrant bronuts. If you want to brighten your day, buy up a pack of the many iced flavours. Nutella lovers must try the bronut that has marshmallows inside and is covered in the nutty spread.
Power Plant Café (2-6 Swilk Street) specialises in vegan food, as its name would imply. From the filling Power Plant Bowl with sautéed greens, pink kraut, hemp avocado, and smoky tempeh to the assortment of sweet sweets, this is a location where vegetarians and vegans can bring their friends without receiving any pushback.
Drink
Despite Templestowe’s relative lack of bars, you may still have a cold one or a glass of wine here.
It has been operating since 1868 and is now known as the Tempy. It is located at 23 Parker Street. Since then, it has undergone numerous facelifts, the most latest of which was finished earlier in 2021. This is a good place to get a beer and a large feed and is popular with families as well as seniors.
The Living Room (19 Anderson St.) is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and offers food and beverages, the latter of which features a sizable wine and cocktail menu. There is a wide range of drops available, some from the adjacent Yarra Valley and others from farther away.
Westerfolds Park in Templestowe, off Fitzsimons Lane, provides a getaway from the city without having to leave Melbourne. Every Saturday, there is a well-attended parkrun (on Sundays, there is a 2 km kids race), or you may rent a kayak or canoe and paddle down the Yarra. If you’re up for it, trek all the way to Southbank, or just kick back and relax while lounging under a tree. Gates are open six hours a day, six hours during daylight savings.
Another well-liked location for runners, cyclists, and walkers is Candlebark Park (Main Yarra Track), which has a 9km circle trail. Keep a look out for wombats or echidnas that are ambling around; you’re also likely to see kangaroos relaxing.
If riding horses appeals to you more, Valley Park Riding School (86 O’Briens Lane) offers both private and group instruction for students of all ages and skill levels. Every day of the week, lessons are held from 8 am to 8 pm.
Little ones can find plenty of outdoor entertainment at Wombat Bend Playspace (Finns Reserve, Templestowe Rd and Union St). In addition to the typical slides and sandpit, there is an amphitheatre, maze, climbing cube, native woodland walk, flying fox, and sundial to keep kids occupied.
Petty’s, a family-run apple orchard with Yarra Organics in charge, is one of Melbourne’s oldest commercial orchards. Around 280 apple historical cultivars are cared for by the Heritage Fruits Society, which is also active. Within this lovely farm, there are apple sales and tastings as well as an organic café and store.
Shopping
The South African Shop (Shops 7/ 8 at 112 James St.) sells biltong (dried and cured pork), boerewors (sausage), and buttermilk rusks. There, you’ll discover a variety of traditional South African goods that might be familiar to you or entirely unknown to you. In either case, give them a try!
Doncare Op Shop is a must-visit when you are in Templestowe Village (Rear, 126A James St). Despite its small size, it makes up for it with some fantastic buys and proceeds that benefit the neighbourhood.
If you are in the area and have some aches and pains that need seeing to, please call Rosanna Physio on (03) 9457 2336 or book online. Experienced Physios that have been treating the people of Templestowe for over 30 years.
