It's so easy to go to Bunnings, drawn in by the cheap prices you don't realise until you get there…read morejust how hard it is to find anything or get some advice! It's not until you visit a proper hardware that you remember about things like good service and free advice. Newmarket True Value Hardware is about as old school as you can get. The guys behind the counter are hilarious, crack jokes at the drop of a hat, and are just as happy to spend 10 minutes in discussion about the right pack of nails as they are about expensive power tools. They have a wide range of tools and supplies and support community initiatives. Don't fight the crowds at Bunnings looking for an elusive red shirt to help you, go to Newmarket True Value and enjoy the full service experience.

Who knew Stratco had shops? I thought they only made sheds. We visited to grab done laser cut…read morepanels to create a privacy screen in our garden. They have quite a range and the price and quality was much better than Bunnings. On our visit we discovered they sell a little bit of everything... ceiling fans, ladders, light fittings, outdoor furniture etc. If you join the Stratco club (free) you get a credit against you next purchase. Our three panels of $100 each gave us a $15 credit. Worth visiting if you're after anything for the house.

Great team at Stratco Archerfield, always good service and has not only a huge range of product and…read morevariety in store - but what they can manufacture in their factory will blow your mind! I am always looked after every time I go in there

If you have a garden, a windowsill, or a home, go here. The shop is full of beautiful furniture,…read moretrinkets, and decorations, and the nursery is a green thumb's fantasy. My favourite finds were vintage birdcages, beautifully unique chairs, and some lovely lamps, while a friend coveted a silver set of candle holders. The nursery section was lush enough to inspire the least enthusiastic of gardeners to get their hands dirty. There is an excellent café inside the shop if you need a coffee break during your browsing.