Mt Dandenong Shopping Centre - what shops do they have there? And what else is there in this friendly local shopping village?

If you are planning a day trip to the Dandenong Ranges, or are thinking of moving to the Dandenongs to live permanently, here is a bit of information about the local shopping centre.

 In the hills of the Dandenong Ranges, things are done a little differently to down on the flats. From lifestyle to accommodation, everything is just not quite the same. It cold be that this is something to do with the climate. Or the topography. Or the people and community.

 Although its certainly different from the rest of Melbourne, which is why Mt Dandenong is such a popular day trip and week end destination, the people must shop. So I will now share with you some of my favourite shops and cafes.

 Let's start with the basics. If you a going to live in the suburb of Mt Dandenong o nearby, you will be glad to know that there is a small supermarket in Mt Dandenong shopping centre. It's an IGA, and very well stocked. The Mt Dandenong IGA closes at 8.00pm most nights and 7.00pm on Sunday.

 Next door to the IGA is a bottle shop. Again, well stocked, with a range of wine, beers and spirits to suit most palates. Hours are similar to the supermarket next door. Completing the trio is the pizza shop. Mt Dandy Pizza and Pasta. Our family has bought many pizzas and pastas from Mt Dandy - Brian there makes a top notch pizza, with loads of toppings and a delicious base. Definitely gets my recommendation if you are looking for a pizza shop or want to buy a good pizza in the Dandenongs. Yum yum yum.

 If food shops restaurants and cafes in Mt Dandenong shops are what you are looking for, let's start with restaurants. There is a Chinese restaurant, Fairy Mountain, as well as an Indian restaurant on Mt Dandenong called Absolute Indian.  If English style food is more your style, the is the Mt Dandenong Hotel, which is pretty much tour standard pub, the steve which has live music, as well as a really fun and funky bar off to one side, but my favourite is the Pig and Whistle. This is an olde English style pub/hotel, with open fireplace in the main dining area, a bar that is popular with the younger crowd, as well as alfresco area out the front. They even have a playground for the kids for family friendly restaurant dining in the Dandenong Ranges.You need to book for this one, be advised.

 Now for the basics and every day needs of shopping and living in the Dandenongs. For the kids, there is a fun little park, with obstacle course and climbing wall. There is a picture below. The local fresh fruit supplier in Mt Dandenong is Pellegrino's Fresh Fruits. Open most days including Saturday and Sunday. All kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables. They supply the restaurant trade and the public too so there is a good variety and always fresh.

 Speaking of fresh, the best kept secret in Mt Dandenong is our favourite coffee and cafe, the Deli Platter is very popular with locals, visitors to Mount Dandenong Shops, and tourists alike. Fresh delicatessen fare as well as a good range of healthy sandwiches, coffee and cake. Great conversation and a friendly team keep this place buzzing.

 But it doesn't stop there. Other shops in Mount Dandenong include a local post office, hair dressers, as well as fashion ships and clothing stores catering to local and passing trade. All this without getting on to Mount Dandenong proper, home of Sky High, which is covered in a separate post.