Wheelers Hill: Why locals have fond memories of the suburb
If you’ve walked around picturesque Jells Park or had brunch at The Hills Pantry or a pint while looking out over the Dandenongs, you’re probably from Wheelers Hill. But we better be certain.
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From walking through the picturesque parklands to having brunch at a local gem, living in Wheelers Hill is truly unique.
Home to tree-lined hilly streets and a small shopping centre, many people hold fond memories of the suburb.
The main roads run along the boundaries of old orchards and farms, with most of them being named after former landowners in the area.
Here’s how you know you’re from Wheelers Hill.
You’ve shopped at Wheelers Hill Shopping Centre
Many people will remember doing their weekly shop at Wheelers Hill Shopping Centre.
The centre, which includes Woolworths, a chemist, fruit shop, florist, take away shops and hairdressers, has been a favourite for shoppers in the area.
It’s also includes a popular brunch spot, The Hills Pantry, where locals enjoy a large selection of delicious food and coffee.
Last year, shoppers demanded an urgent upgrade to the centre, with people saying “it was like taking a step back into the 1990s”.
You used to go to the Wheelers every Thursday night
Affectionately known as the “Wheelers” to locals, the Wheelers Hill Hotel was packed on Thursday night with lines of punters all the way out to the carpark. The live band and delicious food were also a big draw card, with many people travelling from surrounding suburbs including Glen Waverley, Mulgrave, Dandenong North and Oakleigh for a fun night out.
You were a member of the now derelict Lifestyle Gym
It was once a favourite workout spot which had hundreds of members, but when it shut its doors four years ago it became an eyesore.
The former Lifestyle Fitness gym has been trashed with graffiti, smashed windows and walls, and floors covered in litter.
Over the years, concerned neighbours have called for it to be knocked down, saying the site has attracted vandals.
Multiple proposals including a 65-townhouse application have been put forward for the 855-869 Ferntree Gully Rd site.
You still take brisk walks at Jells Park
Jells Park is nestled in the Dandenong Creek Valley and attracts more than 900,000 visitors a year.
It has more than 9km of paths, trails and open spaces, with many families taking advantage of the picturesque grounds for a picnic during the warmer months.
Thousands of people also head down to the park every year with a picnic blanket to watch the much-loved carols by candlelight.
You remember when Sizzler became Sofia
It was a favourite all-you-can-eat buffet on Ferntree Gully Rd, which attracted families throughout the 90s.
Sizzler included a large food and dessert buffet, with locals flocking to the restaurant for a night out.
Soon after it closed in the late 90s, Italian restaurant Sofia opened, which included pizza, pasta and other hearty meals on the menu.
You were a student at a local school
Whether you were a student of Wheelers Hill Secondary College or Caulfield Grammar, you would always end up either at The Glen, Waverley Gardens or Brandon Park shopping centre after school to grab a bite and hang out with friends. Past students from both schools hold fond memories of teachers, school musicals, sport and formals.
You’ve visited the Monash Gallery of Art
Tucked away nearby Wheelers Hill Shopping Centre, this art gallery features work of local and renowned artists. It also features more than 2000 works illustrating the development and evolution of the photographic medium in Australia. The gallery holds about 20 events every year, artist’s talks, guided educational tours, concerts and special events.
