Upper Ferntree Gully: Quarry Bakehouse, Finders Keepers Emporium, Brew’d Cafe
It is the town at the foothills of the Dandenongs home to the 1000 Steps and there’s no shortage of charming businesses to check out when you visit Upper Ferntree Gully.
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It is known to many Melburnians as the home of the popular 1000 Steps, but Upper Ferntree Gully also boasts many amazing local businesses.
As well as local theatre house The 1812 Theatre, the historic watering hole The Royal Hotel, spectacular park Quarry Reserve, and local hospital The Angliss, the Burwood Highway strip is also home to amazing bakeries, cafes and restaurants.
Check out our picks for some of the best.
Quarry Bakehouse
The bright and colourful Quarry Bakehouse has been a welcome addition to the Upper Gully strip since opening two years ago.
Co-owner Julian Thomas, who runs the business with Sarah Manson, previously owned a bakery in Belgrave for seven years, and said he loved being part of the Upper Ferntree Gully community.
“Opening up here was an absolute god sent for us,” he said.
“It’s such a good spot, we love it here.
“It’s such a bright sunny spot with a nice forest vista view across the road.
“And we’ve been so busy right from the start even with the lockdowns.
The bakery has become well known for its amazing ranges of delicious croissants, including almond and hazelnut varieties and even croissant cubes.
There are also popular sourdough loaves up for grabs, something Mr Thomas specialises in, after years of working as a pattiserie and bakery teacher at TAFE.
There’s also popular lunch and brunch specials, including burgers, toasties, brekkie burritos and meatball subs.
“Everything is made from scratch,” Mr Thomas said.
“All the sauces and breads are made here.
“The burgers are second to none – we pride ourselves on them.”
The homemade pies and sausage rolls are also a hit along with a range of mini-tarts in raspberry, blueberry and lemon curd varieties.
The Quarry Bakehouse also makes birthday cakes.
Finders Keepers Emporium
If you’re looking for a unique gift and want to support local small businesses look no further than The Finders Keepers Emporium.
The store is a collective of small businesses all under the one roof selling a range of homemade items, including clothing, jewellery and homewares.
“It’s basically a group of businesses, a market-style boutique store where small businesses are selling their products within my store,” owner Adele Last said.
“It’s a really great way for local small businesses and local talented artists to be seen and to sell their items without having to go to a market, or selling online or opening their own store, so it’s a really good way for people to get started.
“I feel like it’s a little bit of a small business incubator.”
Ms Last said there was a real community feel in the store which was reflected in Upper Ferntree Gully itself.
“We’ve been really well supported by the community and I think that’s my favourite part about Upper Ferntree Gully – it has a real community feel to it.”
She said customers could find unique and rare items at the emporium.
“That’s our wheelhouse – things you won’t find in big box stores,” she said.
“Things that are uniquely handmade and made with love and care by a small business.
“The customer is definitely going to see something unique, unusual and rare.”
Customers can explore everything from taxidermy, to German pottery and vintage cushions.
Brew’d Cafe
Brew'd Cafe has been a hit with locals since opening 11 years ago,
Customers can enjoy stepping back in history with a number of vintage photos of Ferntree Gully in past decades adorning the walls.
Owner Ruth Turner said they loved being part of the community, and served up breakfast and lunch every day, with lots of vegan, gluten free and vegetarian options, along with great coffee.
She said they were supported by lots of loyal local customers, some who popped in twice a day.
Lots of local kids, who have been dubbed the cafe kids, have also come into the cafe frequently since they were babies.
“It’s like a big family here,” Ms Turner said.
She said their Texas Benedict – featuring a hash brown, caramelised onion, poached egg, and barbecue hollandaise sauce on toasted muffin was a big favourite, along with a green goddess bowl featuring lots of vegies. The carrot cake is the perfect choice to enjoy with a coffee.
Holy Smoke Gourmet House
Meat lovers are in luck at this American-style smoked meat BBQ smokehouse, that is getting rave reviews from American expats.
Owner Will Pereira said their slow cooked brisket, which is cooked for 14-24 hours, was one of their most popular items along with their platters, which offer customers the chance to try all their smoked meats along with American-style corn bread, chilli beans and herbed potatoes.
The restaurant’s chicken parma has also been given the big tick of approval by customers.
The Royal Hotel
This Upper Ferntree Gully icon dates back to 1889 and has been the heart of the community for decades.
Locals still love having a meal in the bistro or a cold beer at the bar.
Indian Rogan Josh restaurant
The popular Indian Rogan Josh is one of the most popular Indian restaurants in the outer east.
The butter chicken, featuring boneless pieces of tandoori chicken cooked with tomato and spices, is one of many popular dishes.
Hahndorf’s Fine Chocolates
Sweet fans are in heaven at this Ferntree Gully chocolate shop. Customers can choose from a range of delightful chocolate treats and enjoy a coffee outside in the sun.
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