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

Jolee Boutique stock clothes for women who like a little flair in their closet…read more In fact, the 2 ladies I know with the quirkiest wardrobes (one being my mum) both shop here regularly. Now, I'm not saying they sell gear that would be at home on Lady Gaga, but the stuff isn't your run of the mill "Mother Wear". You wont find beige. If you think your own mum could do with a wardrobe update, cleverly hint at Jolee and who knows, maybe she'll get it.

A smaller shopping centre than eastland but it is still good. It has k mart, target, Coles, Safeway…read moreand a lot of the big stores aswell and good small stores. The food court actually had some really good food. With a fantastic fruit and veg shop there aswell.

Croydon Clearance Centre has got to be the place to go for cheap costumes! You know, pirates,…read moremaids, peter pan, Marilyn Monroe... get my drift? Normally these can be found for around $40 pretty much anywhere, but in this shop there are all $20 and under! You can tell I am seriously impressed by this. The rest of the shop had all the standard $2 shop type objects. There were fake flowers, bracelets and necklaces for only $4 as well as a large variety of home objects such as tupperware containers and sponges. The store is quite large and is completely packed full of objects at really low prices. There were a few tacky objects but in this kind of shop its expected. The staff were hard at work when I went in but the lady at the counter was quite helpful and friendly.

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 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.

Once a charity run op-shop, Ragmans has turned into a privately run recycled clothing store that…read morestocks a great range of men's and ladies clothing. I always leave here with something, and at once stage there were so many great leather jackets that fit me that I kept returning to buy them all, just because they fit, and were quite cheap. You could easily pick up a good leather jacket for $30 at one stage; one that would easily set you backs $200 in the city. Of late however, the prices have lifted a little, reflecting the trend for recycled and second hand clothing. A huge range of shoes lines the back wall, and my little lady often winds up trying on heaps of good ladies clothes and leaves with a swag of dresses for a steal.

I like to go here sometimes but after yesterday, I don't think I'll be making the special trip I…read morenormally do. Picked up a few items to have a look at and wanted to see what brands they were. Brands from Kmart, big w and more were being sold for double in some instances to what they are brand new in store at the retailers. Don't get me wrong you can pick up some really different items but beware. Also they sell fakes and still try to charge ridiculous amounts.