Coronavirus Whittlesea: Epping, Kinglake West in best and worst areas
With Melburnians now having to stick within 5km off their homes for shopping and exercise, certain popular spots might be out of reach for some people living in Whittlesea. Find out if your suburb is the best or worst to live in during lock down.
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Melburnians are no longer allowed to travel more than 5km from home for shopping or exercise under the State Government’s tough Stage 4 lockdown rules.
But many people in Whittlesea live in rural areas, and have fewer options than those living in the suburbs.
Here’s some of Whittlesea’s best and worst suburbs to live in during coronavirus restrictions.
BEST
EPPING
People living in Epping are close to surrounding suburbs Lalor, Thomastown and Mill Park. The Northern Hospital is based in the suburb, along with Pacific Epping Shopping Centre on High St. Discount supermarket Costco is on Deveny Rd and will stay open during the Stage 4 lockdown, opening an hour earlier and closing an hour earlier in line up with the 8pm curfew.
Costco country manager Patrick Noone said there had been an influx of people in its warehousestocking up on supplies.
There is also an off-lead dog park in Lyndarum Wetland, Manor House Drive where residents can take their dogs for a run.
MILL PARK
Mill Park is home to several shopping centres including Westfield Plenty Valley on McDonalds Rd, which has several takeaway food options and supermarkets, including Aldi and Woolworths. Mill Park is also home to The Stables Shopping Centre on Childs Rd. There is an off-lead dog park in Delacombe Reserve, Delacombe Drive.
THOMASTOWN
People living in Thomastown can access the High St shops including a chemist, IGA, butcher, greengrocer and newsagent, which are allowed to continue trading under the Stage 4 lockdown rules. There are also several cafes and takeaway food restaurants.
LALOR
Lalor Shopping Centre on Station St and May Rd is home to about 100 businesses and services, including bakeries and chemists. Lalor is also home to the Whittlesea Public Gardens on Barry Rd, with an off-leash dog area at the southern end of the park, and Lalor Recreation Reserve on Sydney Crescent.
WORST
KINGLAKE WEST
The nearest supermarkets for people living in Kinglake West are about 10km away in Whittlesea or Kinglake. But Premier Daniel Andrews said there would be some commonsense exceptions to the rule. “If your closest supermarket is further than 5km, you can still shop there,” he said. The Flying Tarts Bakery and Cafe remains open in Kinglake West for takeaway. Locals looking to enjoy a walk nearby can also enjoy the Kinglake National Park.
BEVERIDGE
People living in Beveridge will also need to travel further to reach their nearest supermarket in Wallan, which is about 7km away. If you’re looking for somewhere close to get your daily one hour of exercise, Beveridge Recreation Reserve is in Lithgow St.
WOODSTOCK
People living in the small rural area of Woodstock will have to travel about 9km to their nearest supermarket in Mernda Village. People living in Donnybrook, Eden Park and Humevale also face a longer trip to pick up supplies.
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