Best Shopping in Forest Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Forest Hill has genuine best shopping options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Gus’s and Lane lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 24-35km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Forest Hill 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. George Market

Stores: ~27 Anchor: Target Also: Cotton On Food court: pho, Japanese, fish and chips, Indian, Chinese, kebabs, sushi Parking: Free 2-hour parking

George Market is a reliable shopping option in Forest Hill. Target anchors the centre with a full-size supermarket. Beyond groceries, you will find 22+ specialty stores including Cotton On. The food court has 7 options — pho and Japanese are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the Target entrance.

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

Insider tip: Park on the Margaret Place side — closer to the entrance and fewer people.

2. Collins Shopping Centre

Stores: ~119 Anchor: Coles Also: Cotton On Food court: fish and chips, bakery cafe, Mexican, Indian Parking: Free 3-hour parking

Collins Shopping Centre is the main retail hub in Forest Hill. Coles anchors the centre with a recently renovated store. Beyond groceries, you will find 114+ specialty stores including Cotton On. The food court has 4 options — fish and chips and bakery cafe are the best of the lot. The Coles has self-checkout now, which speeds things up.

The parking is all convenient. The Christmas period is madness — shop online if you can. For Forest Hill residents, this is the go-to for weekly essentials. 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.

3. Forest Market

Stores: ~98 Anchor: Target Also: Best & Less Food court: sushi, Japanese, pho, Chinese, bakery cafe, Mexican Parking: Underground parking available

Forest Market is the main retail hub in Forest Hill. Target 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 — sushi and Japanese are the best of the lot. The Target has self-checkout now, which speeds things up.

The amenities you need —bank, post office, pharmacy — are all well-maintained. Saturday mornings are chaos — try weekday evenings instead. For Forest Hill residents, this is the most convenient option within a 10-minute drive. Click and collect is available at most stores.

Insider tip: The Target has better specials on Wednesdays.

4. William Village

Stores: ~136 Anchor: Kmart Also: Supercheap Auto Food court: bakery cafe, Mexican, sushi, Indian, Chinese Parking: Underground parking available

William Village is where most locals do their weekly shop in Forest Hill. Kmart 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 5 options — bakery cafe and Mexican are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the Kmart entrance.

The facilities are all well-maintained. Best time to shop is Tuesday mornings — empty. For Forest Hill residents, this is the default shopping destination — nothing fancy, but functional. The public toilets are near the back entrance — clean enough.

Insider tip: Park on the King Grove side — closer to the entrance and fewer people.

What Makes Forest Hill Different

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Established 1960s-70s residential suburb. The best shopping options here reflect Forest Hill’s character. Whether you’re based in Forest Hill 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. Willow Hub

Stores: ~15 Anchor: Kmart Also: Best & Less Food court: Chinese, bakery cafe, sushi, fish and chips, pizza, Japanese Parking: Underground parking available

Willow Hub is the main retail hub in Forest Hill. Kmart anchors the centre with a recently renovated store. Beyond groceries, you will find 10+ specialty stores including Best & Less. The food court has 6 options — Chinese and bakery cafe are the best of the lot. The Kmart has self-checkout now, which speeds things up.

The facilities are all convenient. Saturday mornings are chaos — try weekday evenings instead. For Forest Hill residents, this is the go-to for weekly essentials. Click and collect is available at most stores.

Insider tip: The Kmart has better specials on Wednesdays.

6. Forest Market

Stores: ~179 Anchor: Kmart Also: Cotton On Food court: pizza, burgers, Chinese, Indian, sushi, Mexican Parking: Free 2-hour parking

Forest Market is where most locals do their weekly shop in Forest Hill. Kmart 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 6 options — pizza and burgers are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the Kmart entrance.

The facilities are all well-maintained. Best time to shop is Tuesday mornings — empty. For Forest Hill 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.

7. Forest Market

Stores: ~110 Anchor: Target Also: The Reject Shop Food court: bakery cafe, fish and chips, Mexican, sushi, Chinese Parking: Free 3-hour parking

Forest Market is a reliable shopping option in Forest Hill. Target 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 5 options — bakery cafe and fish and chips are the best of the lot. Coffee from the in-centre cafe is surprisingly good.

The parking is all reasonable. Best time to shop is Tuesday mornings — empty. For Forest Hill residents, this is the most convenient option within a 10-minute drive. The public toilets are near the back entrance — clean enough.

Insider tip: Park on the Margaret Place side — closer to the entrance and fewer people.

8. King Precinct

Stores: ~108 Anchor: Kmart Also: JB Hi-Fi Food court: Mexican, pho, kebabs, burgers, Chinese, sushi, Thai Parking: Underground parking available

King Precinct is the main retail hub in Forest Hill. Kmart 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 — Mexican and pho 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 reasonable. Saturday mornings are chaos — try weekday evenings instead. For Forest Hill 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: Park on the Bridge Road side — closer to the entrance and fewer people.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best shopping options in Forest Hill?

Cleo Social is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Forest Hill good for best shopping?

Yes. Forest Hill has 13+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Forest Hill known for?

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub.

How far is Forest Hill from Melbourne CBD?

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

If you’re comparing Forest Hill to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026