The dandenong Ranges

The Dandenong Ranges, or ‘The Hills’ as they are affectionately known, is a wonderland of second hand, vintage and boutique stores, with rustic cafes warmed by open fires and all kinds of bespoke and interesting shops to peruse. You’ll find some of the tallest trees in the world here, with tree ferns trying to hardest to catch up to their taller siblings. And of course, then there’s the Op Shops…

We settled into the forest for one week while I held family photography sessions in and around the Dandenong’s, with the theme of embracing winter, rain, mist and all. As you will soon discover, this wild and beautiful place is truly breath-taking.

The Dandenong’s are a popular tourist destination, so you’ll have no problem taking to the road and finding your way around. They’re within easy reach of Melbourne and great for those summer scorchers when they’re a bit cooler and even better for those wintry days when the forest and surrounding mountains fill with mist. Trip and you’ll find a fireplace to cosy up beside and enjoy a hot cuppa.

Op Shop wise, I began at the Monbulk Community Care Op Shop, which once I got chatting to the lovely volunteers there, I was 100% smitten with. This Op Shop is truly community-based, with a food bank, financial support via no interest loans to people in need – and of course, free range eggs. There are 4 other wonderful Op Shops in Monbulk, with the MS Op Shop across the road equally as beautiful. I also really enjoyed chatting away to the ladies and could’ve easily whittled away an afternoon chatting away. Then, there’s also the Salvos, which has a lovely section for voluptuous ladies. Finally, the Monbulk Primary School Op Shop is also just lovely and definitely worth a peruse.

Then, a short 10 – 15 minute drive through the beautiful forest is Belgrave. This quirky town has a real artsy vibe and it boasts some top-end vintage stores, an especially beautiful boho store, a vintage emporium & of course, an Op Shop! It’s definitely worth a wander.

For a beautiful place to have a picnic and a roll in the leaves, I love Pirianda Gardens. They are slightly off the beaten track and so generally on the quieter side. Any time is a great time to go, but autumn is spectacular when a carpet of leaves covers the ground. Take a picnic with hot chocolate and lots of blankets if you go in winter. It’s truly a magical spot!

If you’re planning an overnighter, which you definitely should, the Olinda Mural House is unreal! It has 3 beautiful bedrooms, all with forest views and an amazing kids entertainment room! Our hosts, Suzanne & Ron, were outstanding, leaving cheese and some homemade delights for our arrival ensured music was playing. It was just a delight to walk into and turn the fire on after a long day in the forest.

Eats

Proserpina Bakehouse

Situated in Sassafras, this place is highly recommended. It’s a true rustic cafe with the most amazing freshly baked bread, pies and pizza, plus there’s a wonderful Steiner-inspired play area outside.

DIRECTIONS

Op Shops

Monbulk

(Sometimes some may be closed due to school holidays or weather issues)

Monbulk Community Care op shop
61-63 Main Rd, Monbulk VIC.
Closed Sundays. DIRECTIONS

Monbulk Primary School op
1 Main Rd, Monbulk VIC
DIRECTIONS

Salvos
1/51 Main Rd, Monbulk.
Closed Sundays
DIRECTIONS

MS op shop
88 Main Rd, Monbulk VIC.
Closed Sundays
DIRECTIONS

Belgrave

Fleetwood Collection Bohemian Vintage
1694 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave.
DIRECTIONS

Belgrave Op Shop
1672 Burwood Highway, Belgrave

Coffee & Clothes Belgrave

1448/1552 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Olinda

Belgrave Vintage Emporium

1662 Burwood Highway, Belgrave

Tecoma

Salvos
1535 Burwood Hwy, Tecoma VIC.
Closed Sundays
DIRECTIONS

PWP op shop
Located right behind the Salvos in the same building

Adventure

Pirianda Gardens

9 Hacketts Rd, Olinda VIC 3788

DIRECTIONS

Sleep

Olinda Mural House
HERE

She Hunts Hints

🌲You could look at Emerald op shops and another adventure at this link HERE

🌲Ferntree Gully has some wicked op shops and is very close, see this link HERE

🌲You may wish to check out Kilsyth op shops too, they are massive, see the link HERE

🌲There is the 1000 step walk which is really lovely, see info HERE

🌲Also worth visiting is Butlers Vintage Depot just outside Olinda, its a lovely curio vintage type store - BUT the main treasure is outside! They have a beautiful selection of garden treasure at really great prices. Check it!
Butlers Vintage Depot - DIRECTIONS