Train line to the east: The Lilydale Line

Laburnum: Blacks Walk Reserve

Pakenham St, Blackburn

This bushland Narnia features open areas for picnicking and an easy walking track that runs poetically parallel to a creek for a spell. A tranquil meander through this bird-filled backcountry will have you waxing lyrical in no time.

Mont Albert: The Railfan Shop

4 Churchill St, Mont Albert

This trainspotter’s treasure house is a befitting recent addition to an area that already looks like it belongs in a model train set. Railway enthusiasts can stock up on rail related magazines, books, DVDs, models and train driver’s hats.

Surrey Hills: The Organic Union

137 Union Rd, Surrey Hills

The free-trade coffee alone is worth travelling for. Keep up the natural tack with fresh fruit juice or join the locals in stocking up on organic produce including pasta and wine. They also do a decent range of gluten free goods.

Canterbury: A Pocket of Lollies

119 Maling Rd, Canterbury

This old-fashioned lolly shop is jam-packed with shiny, tasty, drool-inducing sugary treats featuring locally made fudge, liquorice and old-school lollies, to imported confectionary.

Auburn: The Seventh Art

573 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn

The life-size Terminator T-800 Endoskeleton replica immediately indicates that this is the realm of a true cinephile. Film buffs will pop their corn at the phenomenal range of DVDs and collectables.