Best Shopping in Blackburn Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best shopping option in Blackburn to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Kai Kitchen is the one everyone knows. Old Corner is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Blackburn Lake Sanctuary — 26 hectares of native bush in the heart of suburbia. Blackburn sits in the Outer East corridor, 24-35km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best shopping scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Blackburn since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Plenty Market

Stores: ~77 Anchor: Woolworths Also: Chemist Warehouse Food court: burgers, pho, bakery cafe, Chinese Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets

Plenty Market is a reliable shopping option in Blackburn. Woolworths anchors the centre with good stock and reasonable prices. Beyond groceries, you will find fashion, homewares, services, and a decent food court. The food court has 4 options — burgers and pho are the best of the lot. The Woolworths has self-checkout now, which speeds things up.

The facilities are all reasonable. Saturday mornings are chaos — try weekday evenings instead. For Blackburn residents, this is the go-to for weekly essentials. There is a Boost Juice and a Subway if you need a quick bite.

Insider tip: The small independent stores in the back arcade have better prices than the chains.

2. Blackburn Outlet

Stores: ~107 Anchor: Woolworths Also: Chemist Warehouse Food court: sushi, burgers, pizza, pho, Thai, bakery cafe, Japanese Parking: Free 2-hour parking

Blackburn Outlet is where most locals do their weekly shop in Blackburn. Woolworths anchors the centre with good stock and reasonable prices. Beyond groceries, you will find fashion, homewares, services, and a decent food court. The food court has 7 options — sushi and burgers are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the Woolworths entrance.

The facilities are all convenient. Best time to shop is Tuesday mornings — empty. For Blackburn residents, this is the go-to for weekly essentials. The public toilets are near the back entrance — clean enough.

Insider tip: The Woolworths has better specials on Wednesdays.

3. Blackburn Strip

Stores: ~16 Anchor: Target Also: Priceline Food court: burgers, Japanese, Chinese, sushi Parking: Underground parking available

Blackburn Strip is a reliable shopping option in Blackburn. Target anchors the centre with a full-size supermarket. Beyond groceries, you will find 11+ specialty stores including Priceline. The food court has 4 options — burgers and Japanese are the best of the lot. Coffee from the in-centre cafe is surprisingly good.

The facilities are all reasonable. The Christmas period is madness — shop online if you can. For Blackburn residents, this is the go-to for weekly essentials. The public toilets are near the back entrance — clean enough.

Insider tip: The Target has better specials on Wednesdays.

4. Charles Market

Stores: ~44 Anchor: IGA Also: Cotton On Food court: pizza, pho, Japanese, burgers, Mexican, fish and chips Parking: Free 3-hour parking

Charles Market is the main retail hub in Blackburn. IGA anchors the centre with a full-size supermarket. Beyond groceries, you will find fashion, homewares, services, and a decent food court. The food court has 6 options — pizza and pho are the best of the lot. Coffee from the in-centre cafe is surprisingly good.

The parking is all convenient. Best time to shop is Tuesday mornings — empty. For Blackburn residents, this is the go-to for weekly essentials. Click and collect is available at most stores.

Insider tip: The IGA has better specials on Wednesdays.

Why Blackburn Is Worth Knowing

Blackburn Lake Sanctuary — 26 hectares of native bush in the heart of suburbia. The best shopping options here reflect Blackburn’s character. Whether you’re based in Blackburn or visiting from nearby, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

5. Bridge Shopping Centre

Stores: ~124 Anchor: ALDI Also: Supercheap Auto Food court: Thai, kebabs, bakery cafe, burgers, Chinese Parking: Free 2-hour parking

Bridge Shopping Centre is where most locals do their weekly shop in Blackburn. ALDI anchors the centre with a recently renovated store. Beyond groceries, you will find 119+ specialty stores including Supercheap Auto. The food court has 5 options — Thai and kebabs are the best of the lot. The ALDI has self-checkout now, which speeds things up.

The amenities you need —bank, post office, pharmacy — are all reasonable. Best time to shop is Tuesday mornings — empty. For Blackburn residents, this is the most convenient option within a 10-minute drive. Click and collect is available at most stores.

Insider tip: The ALDI has better specials on Wednesdays.

6. Bell Market

Stores: ~28 Anchor: TK Maxx Also: Best & Less Food court: Japanese, fish and chips, sushi, Mexican, bakery cafe, Indian Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets

Bell Market is where most locals do their weekly shop in Blackburn. TK Maxx anchors the centre with a recently renovated store. Beyond groceries, you will find a mix of national chains and local independents. The food court has 6 options — Japanese and fish and chips are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the TK Maxx entrance.

The facilities are all convenient. Best time to shop is Tuesday mornings — empty. For Blackburn residents, this is the most convenient option within a 10-minute drive. Click and collect is available at most stores.

Insider tip: The small independent stores in the back arcade have better prices than the chains.

7. Queen Strip

Stores: ~157 Anchor: TK Maxx Also: Chemist Warehouse Food court: Mexican, Indian, fish and chips, kebabs, bakery cafe, burgers Parking: Free 2-hour parking

Queen Strip is where most locals do their weekly shop in Blackburn. TK Maxx anchors the centre with good stock and reasonable prices. Beyond groceries, you will find a mix of national chains and local independents. The food court has 6 options — Mexican and Indian are the best of the lot. The TK Maxx has self-checkout now, which speeds things up.

The facilities are all reasonable. Best time to shop is Tuesday mornings — empty. For Blackburn residents, this is the default shopping destination — nothing fancy, but functional. Click and collect is available at most stores.

Insider tip: There is a free ATM near the food court entrance.

8. Blackburn Shopping Centre

Stores: ~79 Anchor: TK Maxx Also: JB Hi-Fi Food court: Indian, Thai, sushi, Mexican, pho Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets

Blackburn Shopping Centre is the main retail hub in Blackburn. TK Maxx anchors the centre with a recently renovated store. Beyond groceries, you will find fashion, homewares, services, and a decent food court. The food court has 5 options — Indian and Thai are the best of the lot. Coffee from the in-centre cafe is surprisingly good.

The facilities are all reasonable. Saturday mornings are chaos — try weekday evenings instead. For Blackburn residents, this is the go-to for weekly essentials. There is a Boost Juice and a Subway if you need a quick bite.

Insider tip: The TK Maxx has better specials on Wednesdays.

Explore More

• Nunawading Best Shopping — same vibe, different suburb
• Blackburn Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Blackburn Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Blackburn Complete Guide — everything about Blackburn
• Compare Suburbs — see how Blackburn stacks up
• All Blackburn Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best shopping options in Blackburn?

Rex’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Blackburn good for best shopping?

Yes. Blackburn has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Blackburn known for?

Blackburn Lake Sanctuary — 26 hectares of native bush in the heart of suburbia.

How far is Blackburn from Melbourne CBD?

Blackburn is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Blackburn: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026