Ok, I'll be honest. Most of the time I find antique stores to be pretty boring and uninteresting…read more There, I said it. The reason I was coaxed into this particular antique store was because it was cold and rainy outside and I was waiting to get picked up - in the cold. The fact that the shop had a roof was all the convincing I needed to head inside and check it out. I was planning on finding some musty old chair and sitting in it until my ride arrived but I ended up having a fantastic time in here. There were collections of simpsons collectibles, coloured glass in all shapes and sizes and enough old jewellery to cover the hands of hundreds of women. It was fantastic. Everything was on show in shiny display cases and they seemed to go on forever. The only sign that this shop was anything like the antique shops of my nightmares was a cockroach scuttling around inside one locked glass cabinet - that was a bit gross actually. My favourite items in the store were definitely the collection of old cameras complete with custom made cases. They were so funky and retro and at only $30 they were an absolute bargain. The service here was pretty relaxed. The staff member said hello to me when I first walked in and left me to wander after that. It was a really relaxing half an hour and I was pretty bummed when my lift did turn up. Definitely check them out, there's a heap of treasures in there.

great old style antique/ collectible's shop lots of great…read morestuff there i liked the vintage fishing tackle show case and the old kitchen ware display also some of the rustic items are interesting most items are reasonbly priced overall a good place to spend some time after lunch, in one of the many good places to eat close by

The Oracle of Sassafras is a mystical shop of all things magical and fleeting. It is filled with…read morethe pleasant aromas of candles and incense and the rooms are dim and almost musty. In any other shop this would likely be reason to leave however in The Oracle it only betters the mood. Expect to find gemstones, charms and decorative scarves amongst all manner of bizarre statues and gorgeous accessories. The staff conduct tarot readings in a small room in the back - by appointment only- as well as occasional story telling. There are books on magic and psalm reading and interesting little trinkets fill every surface, bench space and shelf in the store. With a dark shop front and little square glass panes it reminds me of the buildings in Gringotts Lane in Harry Potter and it is hard not to feel as though you haven't just stepped into another realm when you step inside. It is open seven days per week: Monday-Friday 11.30am -4.30pm and Saturday-Sunday 10-30am-5pm. Conveniently located in the heart of Sassafras Main Street it is easy to find.

I went here many years ago, when I was living in the area for a tarot reading with one of the…read morebeautiful French women who work there. It was the best reading I've ever had and she really helped me through some things along with predicting that I would move overseas in the next couple of years. As it were, I moved to NYC and have been happy here since. These guys are spot on and do everything from a really gentle, positive place. They're irreplaceable and one of the best things about the Dandenong Ranges

La Petit Armoire & Quirky Best Bits would perhaps be the classiest of clothing boutiques in the…read morehills. It has two rooms filled elegantly with the latest fashions, designer clothing and cute accessories. The prices cater for everyone - from people like me who think they are rich if they have $20 in their wallet, up to people who can afford the $269 bright orange beach bag that I fell in love with, (and left behind...hint hint). Despite the orange bag being out of my budget I found plenty of other delights to tempt myself with including gorgeous heart outline silver necklaces and a funky pair of red velvet pants that were a steal at just $20. The girl who served me was friendly and welcoming and it was nice to see someone in a fairly up market shop doing work - hanging up clothes, styling the mannequins and generally making sure everything looked good - rather than eyeing me off from behind the counter. It would be right to say I felt very comfortable browsing with no fear that if I touched something alarm bells would go off - quite a pleasant experience. There are two 'rooms' to the shop and in the back one there is a tall gold-framed mirror resting against the wall. I wanted to try something on just to be able to use it - yup, that's how impressive it was. It seems like the place used to be two separate shops - one called La Petite Armoire and the other Quirky Best Bits. I didn't get the feeling that I was leaving one shop and walking into another as I passed under the doorway that links the two, so the owners have done a good job of combining them. The winter trading hours are 10-5 Monday to Friday and 10-5.30 Saturday and Sunday.

Attention everyone, I have a community service announcement to make. Mountain Ash is one very cool…read moreshop. It is kind of like those websites that list things kids born in particular decades would remember. For example, kids born in the nineties should remember those little beanbag type toys called 'slammers'. They had funny expressions on their faces and would bleat little sayings when you slammed them. Anyway, this shop has an abundance of things that reminded me of my years in the nineties. There were those groovy semi-circle popper things that I used to set up on the ground and then wait anxiously for it to pop and scare me. It was very tempting to get a few set up around the shop but I managed to restrain myself. As well as all these groovy, childhood-memory-inducing items there were also some really nice accessories. I bought a pair of fluoro pink sunglasses that for only $14.95 even came with a carry bag. I also found a gorgeous blue leather wallet but at $289 I quickly put it down. The customer service in here was amazing and I had a great conversation with the shop owner Nina. She was lovely and for the half hour or so that I was in the shop she ensured I felt comfortable at all times. It is a great place to pick out a unique present or gift. Kids will love it for what to them are a heap of unique toys and adults will love the visit because there are a heap of things from their younger days to enjoy.

The Silver Compacq is a great little vintage shop. The stock is all second hand with some things…read morelooking more worn than others. I was a big fan of their Vintage dresses - they had a fair number that were actually vintage and not just a bit old, (which is what some places sell). I tried on a few and they were definitely priced well - unfortunately the 1970's pink striped dress with blue pussy-bow tie was a teensy bit big on me. I guess I'll have to go back another time to try again, and I definitely won't be complaining. While I was in the shop a few different people came in and the staff member looking after the shop knew them all by name, which was quite impressive. When I first walked in she was smiling and asked me how I was. If I looked like I needed help she would call out and offer it, which was quite nice. The shop also stocked vintage shoes, bags, mens clothing, hats and jewellery. There was stock crammed everywhere but it all made sense and didn't look messy. I think I stayed for about an hour because I couldn't tear myself away without looking at everything. It is a really small shop but it really packs in a lot of excellent stuff! The shop is open from 10-30 to 5.30 on weekdays, 10-30 to 4.30 on Saturdays and 1-4 on Sundays. Make sure to visit.

Smits and Bits are hidden down a little alleyway on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road in Sassafras…read more There are plenty of signs to showcase its presence however so you shouldn't worry about missing it. It is true to its name with plenty of random bits and pieces to choose from. There are garden accessories from the smallest little gnomes to large concrete benches with prices that vary on a similar scale. Music lovers will enjoy their music sheds, which are filled to the brim with old records, CDs, cassettes and posters. There is another shed next to that filled with old books. As a big reading fan I raced over there but found nothing of interest. The prices are awesome for items in these sheds with most items only being around a couple of dollars. As well as the records, books and garden accessories they also have a huge historic dollhouse on display. Even if this is the only thing you come to see your visit will be well worth it. Belonging to Dame Zara Bates the Dollhouse is housed in a little wooden building. If you're afraid of spiders I wouldn't advise looking above head height as there are cobwebs galore near the ceiling...and it has a very low roof. There are also a variety of ceramic plates, clocks and little trinkets for sale in the main store. This is the kind of place where you have to look to see what you want rather than follow the sign leading you to it - so make sure you have an hour or so to visit this one. Smits and Bits are open from 11-4.30 Monday to Friday and 10-5 on weekends.

Tucked away behind the shopfronts in the main street of Sassafras lies Smits And Bits. Walk down…read morethe little alley and you'll find an antique store, record shop and if on a weekend, tourists cooking marshmallows on the huge open fire in the cauldron. As a keen record collector, the records are a bit hit and miss, however if you're like me and don't mind flicking through for a while, you're sure to grab something you'll enjoy. Most of the antiques are more gift oriented than actual antique pieces, and while you may find some of the same fare in the city, the prices here are surprisingly fair for such a touristy market. The common area in the outdoor courtyard has a large cauldron filled with an open fire in winter, and you can toast your self a marshmallow over the flames if the shopping isn't doing it for you.

The Real Thing Craft Centre Olinda was definitely not what I was expecting. Seeing the word 'craft'…read moreI immediately though 'oh yes, pipe cleaners, paint and scrapbooking supplies'... however this was definitely not what I found inside. Instead I walked into the first of five distinct areas, which was full of Christmas decorations and a nice big Christmas tree even though it was only September. That struck me as a little odd but I continued on. The next area had plates and garden decorations, which looked as though they might have been hand made though I couldn't be sure. There were a lot of delicate items and narrow walkways so I'd be careful bringing in prams or carrying big bags in here. The third section had a whole heap of touristy Australian objects like miniature koalas and even a few didgeridoos. My favourite items in this section were some brown mugs that had all manner of bizarre expressions on their 'faces'. At $18.50 I thought they were a little bit pricey but if they were hand made it seems to be quite a reasonable price. The next are had a heap of toy dolls and bears that sang songs when you pressed or pulled one of their body parts. These were being greatly enjoyed by a group of women who were laughing in delight at the range of songs the dolls were singing. The last area was home to large animal floor rugs, children's toys and more outdoor garden decorations. Despite it being nothing like what I thought it would be, the store itself was varied and interesting and I enjoyed exploring it.

Loved this place! We were in town on a tour (from a cruise). Stopped here and appreciated the…read morevariety of items, found some things that needed to travel with us and had a lovely conversation with the woman (owner?). Happy to have stopped there.

Divine Gifts on Olinda's Main Street is a pretty darn cool shop. It stocks lots of spiritual items…read moreand the music playing is quite mystical. It has a large selection of charms and stones including Amethyst, Moonstone, Amber, Carnelian, and Agate. Some of these come with a little metal loop attached so you can put them onto a necklace or chain. At only $15 they are an absolute steal. The store also had some hippie style clothing with loose pants and colourful tops and jackets. There were a few slogan t-shirts promoting peace and tranquility, which were simple looking but the message was clear. Kids will love to stop by this shop as there is an adult-sized couch set up with a little table complete with drawing pencils and paper. I noticed there were a few sections on the walls that had hand drawn pictures and I assume the owner hangs up the drawings that kids leave behind. Also on the walls were some awesome acrylic paintings and portraits. They were quite original and if you want one similar the owner has the artists card at the counter. Also on offer are Reiki healings in a small peaceful room at the back of the store. It costs $60 for half an hour and clients simply need to ring in advance to book. The shop is open on Mondays and Fridays from 10-4, Tuesdays to Thursdays from 11-4 and on the weekends 10-5.

Upon my travels in this area I was fortunate to discover a shop that charmed me with its warmth…read more When I first entered the owner immediately greeted me and had been very attentive. I was shown the most astounding gem stone and crystal collection, and various jewellery and clothing designed for us men. I found a ring and top I could not live without. I also love my organic products such as soaps and oils and found an abundance on offer that had also been scooped up in my purchases that day. All I can say is that if you visit Olinda you cant go past this divine gift.

Such a cute store! Wonderfully curated Aussie made goods that are nicely displayed. This store has…read morebooks, cards, arts, Knick-knacks, clothing, jewelry, and even beauty products. The perfect place for an after lunch browse and great if you're looking for an unique souvenir or gift. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. They also have an online store (website).

From the owner: Come visit our retail store in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges and be inspired and intrigued by…read moreour eclectic range of delectable locally handmade goods. A must see for that cool gift or product!!

One of the best gift shops in the hills, Mangana is like shopping in an old eccentric's house…read more These guys combine gifts and homewares with industrial and period style decorations for those with the coin to afford it. Lamps, frames, clocks and mirrors line the walls, and with so much on display you'd best watch your back to avoid breaking anything. Downstairs you'll find smaller trinkets, jewellery and even a wall full of Ugg Boots and leather hats. I stop in every time I'm in the area, even just for a browse. It's hugely popular with the weekend tourists, and more often than not, packed full of people enjoying the range.

I recently visited Mt Dandenong and accidentally stumbled into this store (okay I was curious…read morethanks to the mounds of people pilling in and out of the front doors). It was like being sucked into a time machine, and transported back into a dusty old attic that was filled to the rim of incredible individual antique items. There were compasses, telescopes, magnifiers, lamps, paintings, posters, books, sculptures, notepads, jewelry and pretty much anything you can think of. Most things were hand crafted and bronze or wooden, this is definitely a very unique and one of a kind type of place. I think I spent an hour in this shop, its not that it was a huge room (it was relatively large though), it's just that every inch of the store has something different and special that just has to be picked up and ogled at. It took a lot of effort to not buy the whole store; I ended up leaving with Dali's melting clock, which gets a lot of notice and compliments in my house.