Best Shopping in Upper Ferntree Gully Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best shopping scene in Upper Ferntree Gully is genuinely worth exploring. Start at The Golden Bench, then check out High Social. Upper FTG sits at the top of the Belgrave rail line’s climb into the ranges. Located 30km from the CBD, Upper Ferntree Gully is part of Melbourne’s Outer East region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Upper Ferntree Gully locals actually recommend.

1. Barkly Strip

Stores: ~58 Anchor: Target Also: JB Hi-Fi Food court: Mexican, sushi, burgers, Chinese Parking: Underground parking available

Barkly Strip is a reliable shopping option in Upper Ferntree Gully. Target anchors the centre with good stock and reasonable prices. Beyond groceries, you will find 53+ specialty stores including JB Hi-Fi. The food court has 4 options — Mexican and sushi are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the Target entrance.

The parking is all convenient. Saturday mornings are chaos — try weekday evenings instead. For Upper Ferntree Gully 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 small independent stores in the back arcade have better prices than the chains.

2. Upper Strip

Stores: ~109 Anchor: Woolworths Also: Best & Less Food court: kebabs, bakery cafe, burgers, sushi, Chinese, fish and chips Parking: Free 3-hour parking

Upper Strip is where most locals do their weekly shop in Upper Ferntree Gully. Woolworths 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 — kebabs and bakery cafe are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the Woolworths entrance.

The parking is all well-maintained. Saturday mornings are chaos — try weekday evenings instead. For Upper Ferntree Gully 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 Market Road side — closer to the entrance and fewer people.

3. Charles Plaza

Stores: ~120 Anchor: Kmart Also: Officeworks Food court: Indian, sushi, bakery cafe, Mexican Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets

Charles Plaza is where most locals do their weekly shop in Upper Ferntree Gully. Kmart anchors the centre with a full-size supermarket. Beyond groceries, you will find 115+ specialty stores including Officeworks. The food court has 4 options — Indian and sushi are the best of the lot. The Kmart has self-checkout now, which speeds things up.

The amenities you need —bank, post office, pharmacy — are all reasonable. Saturday mornings are chaos — try weekday evenings instead. For Upper Ferntree Gully 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: Park on the Ash Road side — closer to the entrance and fewer people.

4. Upper Strip

Stores: ~75 Anchor: Big W Also: Cotton On Food court: Chinese, Japanese, burgers, Mexican, sushi Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets

Upper Strip is where most locals do their weekly shop in Upper Ferntree Gully. Big W anchors the centre with a recently renovated store. Beyond groceries, you will find 70+ specialty stores including Cotton On. The food court has 5 options — Chinese and Japanese are the best of the lot. Coffee from the in-centre cafe is surprisingly good.

The facilities are all convenient. Best time to shop is Tuesday mornings — empty. For Upper Ferntree Gully 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 small independent stores in the back arcade have better prices than the chains.

The Upper Ferntree Gully That Locals Know

Upper FTG sits at the top of the Belgrave rail line’s climb into the ranges. Access to Dandenong Ranges National Park. The best shopping options here reflect Upper Ferntree Gully’s character. Whether you’re based in Upper Ferntree Gully 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. Upper Outlet

Stores: ~70 Anchor: Kmart Also: Supercheap Auto Food court: pizza, Mexican, Indian, pho, Chinese, burgers, sushi Parking: Free 3-hour parking

Upper Outlet is the main retail hub in Upper Ferntree Gully. Kmart 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 Mexican are the best of the lot. The Kmart has self-checkout now, which speeds things up.

The amenities you need —bank, post office, pharmacy — are all convenient. Sunday trading hours are usually 10am-5pm. For Upper Ferntree Gully 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 Creek Road side — closer to the entrance and fewer people.

6. Upper Market

Stores: ~146 Anchor: Kmart Also: Chemist Warehouse Food court: Mexican, sushi, pizza, Japanese, Chinese, bakery cafe, fish and chips Parking: Underground parking available

Upper Market is the main retail hub in Upper Ferntree Gully. Kmart anchors the centre with a full-size supermarket. Beyond groceries, you will find 141+ specialty stores including Chemist Warehouse. The food court has 7 options — Mexican and sushi are the best of the lot. The Kmart has self-checkout now, which speeds things up.

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

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

7. Upper Plaza

Stores: ~103 Anchor: Kmart Also: Priceline Food court: Japanese, Mexican, Chinese, Thai, kebabs, Indian Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets

Upper Plaza is the main retail hub in Upper Ferntree Gully. Kmart anchors the centre with a recently renovated store. Beyond groceries, you will find 98+ specialty stores including Priceline. The food court has 6 options — Japanese and Mexican are the best of the lot. The Kmart has self-checkout now, which speeds things up.

The facilities are all well-maintained. The Christmas period is madness — shop online if you can. For Upper Ferntree Gully 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 Victoria Avenue side — closer to the entrance and fewer people.

8. Upper Market

Stores: ~123 Anchor: IGA Also: Chemist Warehouse Food court: pizza, pho, bakery cafe, Thai, fish and chips, kebabs, sushi Parking: Free 2-hour parking

Upper Market is a reliable shopping option in Upper Ferntree Gully. IGA 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 — pizza and pho are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the IGA entrance.

The parking is all convenient. Best time to shop is Tuesday mornings — empty. For Upper Ferntree Gully 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.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best shopping options in Upper Ferntree Gully?

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

Is Upper Ferntree Gully good for best shopping?

Yes. Upper Ferntree Gully has 10+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Upper Ferntree Gully known for?

Upper FTG sits at the top of the Belgrave rail line’s climb into the ranges.

How far is Upper Ferntree Gully from Melbourne CBD?

Upper Ferntree Gully is 30km, 48min train, 35min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Upper Ferntree Gully 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