Best Shopping in Cheltenham Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Cheltenham has genuine best shopping options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. River Local and The Golden Standard lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 18km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Bayside region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. IKEA anchors it as a retail destination. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Cheltenham resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Cheltenham Plaza

Stores: ~24 Anchor: TK Maxx Also: Supercheap Auto Food court: Thai, Chinese, pho, pizza, sushi, Japanese Parking: Free 3-hour parking

Cheltenham Plaza is a reliable shopping option in Cheltenham. TK Maxx 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 6 options — Thai and Chinese 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 Cheltenham residents, this is the default shopping destination — nothing fancy, but functional. There is a Boost Juice and a Subway if you need a quick bite.

Insider tip: Park on the Bourke Terrace side — closer to the entrance and fewer people.

2. William Precinct

Stores: ~108 Anchor: Target Also: Cotton On Food court: pizza, pho, Mexican, burgers Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets

William Precinct is where most locals do their weekly shop in Cheltenham. Target 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 4 options — pizza and pho are the best of the lot. Coffee from the in-centre cafe is surprisingly good.

The parking is all well-maintained. Sunday trading hours are usually 10am-5pm. For Cheltenham residents, this is the most convenient option within a 10-minute drive. 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.

3. Cheltenham Village

Stores: ~47 Anchor: ALDI Also: Priceline Food court: pizza, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, fish and chips, sushi Parking: Underground parking available

Cheltenham Village is a reliable shopping option in Cheltenham. ALDI anchors the centre with a full-size supermarket. Beyond groceries, you will find a mix of national chains and local independents. The food court has 7 options — pizza and Japanese 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 well-maintained. Sunday trading hours are usually 10am-5pm. For Cheltenham residents, this is the default shopping destination — nothing fancy, but functional. The public toilets are near the back entrance — clean enough.

Insider tip: The ALDI has better specials on Wednesdays.

4. Cheltenham Plaza

Stores: ~49 Anchor: Woolworths Also: Best & Less Food court: pizza, pho, burgers, bakery cafe Parking: Underground parking available

Cheltenham Plaza is where most locals do their weekly shop in Cheltenham. Woolworths anchors the centre with a recently renovated store. Beyond groceries, you will find 44+ specialty stores including Best & Less. The food court has 4 options — pizza and pho are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the Woolworths entrance.

The facilities are all well-maintained. Sunday trading hours are usually 10am-5pm. For Cheltenham residents, this is the default shopping destination — nothing fancy, but functional. There is a Boost Juice and a Subway if you need a quick bite.

Insider tip: The Woolworths has better specials on Wednesdays.

The Reality of Cheltenham

IKEA anchors it as a retail destination. Southland shopping centre nearby. Bayside beach access close. The best shopping options here reflect Cheltenham’s character. For Cheltenham locals and anyone in the area, 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. Cheltenham Arcade

Stores: ~39 Anchor: IGA Also: JB Hi-Fi Food court: sushi, kebabs, Japanese, pizza, Chinese, Indian Parking: Underground parking available

Cheltenham Arcade is a reliable shopping option in Cheltenham. IGA anchors the centre with a full-size supermarket. Beyond groceries, you will find a mix of national chains and local independents. The food court has 6 options — sushi and kebabs are the best of the lot. Coffee from the in-centre cafe is surprisingly good.

The parking is all convenient. Saturday mornings are chaos — try weekday evenings instead. For Cheltenham residents, this is the most convenient option within a 10-minute drive. The public toilets are near the back entrance — clean enough.

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

6. Cheltenham Hub

Stores: ~157 Anchor: Coles Also: Best & Less Food court: pizza, bakery cafe, sushi, Thai Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets

Cheltenham Hub is a reliable shopping option in Cheltenham. Coles anchors the centre with a recently renovated store. Beyond groceries, you will find 152+ specialty stores including Best & Less. The food court has 4 options — pizza and bakery cafe are the best of the lot. The Coles has self-checkout now, which speeds things up.

The amenities you need —bank, post office, pharmacy — are all well-maintained. Sunday trading hours are usually 10am-5pm. For Cheltenham residents, this is the default shopping destination — nothing fancy, but functional. There is a Boost Juice and a Subway if you need a quick bite.

Insider tip: The Coles has better specials on Wednesdays.

7. High Shopping Centre

Stores: ~159 Anchor: ALDI Also: The Reject Shop Food court: Japanese, pho, pizza, Chinese Parking: Free 2-hour parking

High Shopping Centre is the main retail hub in Cheltenham. ALDI 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 — Japanese and pho are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the ALDI entrance.

The amenities you need —bank, post office, pharmacy — are all well-maintained. Sunday trading hours are usually 10am-5pm. For Cheltenham 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.

8. Cheltenham Village

Stores: ~42 Anchor: TK Maxx Also: The Reject Shop Food court: Japanese, Thai, bakery cafe, Indian, fish and chips, Chinese Parking: Free 3-hour parking

Cheltenham Village is where most locals do their weekly shop in Cheltenham. TK Maxx anchors the centre with a full-size supermarket. Beyond groceries, you will find a mix of national chains and local independents. The food court has 6 options — Japanese and Thai are the best of the lot. Coffee from the in-centre cafe is surprisingly good.

The amenities you need —bank, post office, pharmacy — are all convenient. Best time to shop is Tuesday mornings — empty. For Cheltenham residents, this is the most convenient option within a 10-minute drive. The public toilets are near the back entrance — clean enough.

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

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best shopping options in Cheltenham?

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

Is Cheltenham good for best shopping?

Yes. Cheltenham has 12+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Cheltenham known for?

IKEA anchors it as a retail destination.

How far is Cheltenham from Melbourne CBD?

Cheltenham is 18km, 32min train, 25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Cheltenham is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026