Upwey, a birdsong- and tree-filled suburb in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, is relatively tourist-free. But that in itself forms part of its appeal. Being divided by Burwood Highway, its main features are ever-so-slightly tucked out of sight. Still, there are some accessible gems to be found in this community spirited town.

How do I know? I spent much of the ’70s and all of the ’80s living in Upwey. It’s where my parents built their first house, I roamed around on a large bush block, and went to preschool and primary school. It’s also where I often rattled down a long, winding driveway in a neighbour’s homemade billycart.

Despite moving to other parts of the state and the country over the years, still having a family member there, not to mention the distinctive eucalyptus scented air, always feels like coming home.

Overall, the main street’s traditional village feel hasn’t changed too much, but many of the businesses have. For a compact main drag, it was often known for having two or three of the same types of businesses, such as three milk bars, three hairdressers and two butchers. The tradition seems to have continued with two bakeries, two fish and chip shops and now two pizza joints.

Here are some of Upwey’s simple pleasures to enjoy:

Tin Pan Alley Foodsmiths

While there’s a tasty cultural mix of Vietnamese, Chinese (although the décor has hardly changed at Pearl Garden, it’s still good food), Indian and Thai, and terrific coffee at the likes of Have Ya Bean, Tin Pan Alley Foodsmiths is the eatery that’s got the locals all abuzz.

With an emphasis on keeping things fresh and local, they specialise in gourmet woodfired pizzas, including vegan and gluten-free, plus do a mean chicken parma and have a range of generous pasta dishes. They also offer a sweet, bite-sized selection of in-house baked desserts (again, some gluten-free options) and locally made brews, herbal teas, turmeric lattes and coffee.

Its well-designed indoor-outdoor space, decked out with warm timbers and brickwork, exudes casual cool. Tin Pan Alley has certainly raised the bar, and you can’t tell it’s a former butcher’s shop.

The Main Corner (TMC)

Conviviality, local produce and Asian fusion (a blend of Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese) tantalise the palate and then some at this stylishly relaxed eatery that opened in late 2016. The Main Corner’s Head chef Tony (affectionately known as Goongsy), who mastered his culinary skills at the Flower Drum, loves creating innovative fare. Chocolate spring rolls, anyone?

Speaking of gastronomy, “Upweyians” are keen to see The Fat Goat, a craft beer, gin and tapas bar, open in the not too distant future.

Food Truck Friday

From 5.30pm to 8.30pm on most Friday evenings, Upwey is blessed to have a couple of hip food trucks: the colourfully presented Iv’s Burritos (the only Mexican food truck in Melbourne, apparently) and Digging for Fire BBQ Kitchen, renowned for its wide-ranging, flavoursome fire-kissed dishes.

The food trucks park at the front of New Upwey Motors (next door to the Pinnacle Health Club) at 84 Main Street, where locals happily mingle while they wait.

Upwey Health and Beauty Care & Abitza

When it comes to wellbeing and healing modalities, Upwey has an assortment. From alternative therapies to hair removal and yoga, there’s always something to rejuvenate yourself with.

At the top end of Main Street, Upwey Health and Beauty Care, a longstanding favourite among locals, offers everything from acupuncture and ear candling to organic facials and a full range of beauty treatments.

At the other end of the main strip, Abitza (which is currently reinventing itself since flood damage earlier this year) has moved next door to continue providing a welcoming and healing space for all things related to spiritual wellbeing. Think intuitive readings, meditation and enlightening personal development workshops.

And if you want to take your meditation to another level, Open Heart Meditations are held on Monday evenings at Blue Hills.

Silhouette Grooming & Pet Supplies

Given Upwey is a haven for dog lovers, even the pooches can get some pampering at Silhouette Grooming & Pet Supplies, next to the post office. Although they cater for all sorts of canines from around the hills, plus trim rabbit and cat nails, Chihuahuas are a specialty.

White Owl Wellbeing & Mandala Magic

Not too far away, and technically in Upwey South, White Owl Wellbeing offers the likes of reiki, kinesiology, angel card readings and remedial massage.

Burrinja Cultural Centre

Occupying the site of the former Shire of Sherbrooke council offices on the corner of Matson Drive and Glenfern Road, Burrinja is an all-encompassing arts and cultural centre that seems to keep expanding. Throughout the year it presents all-manner of intriguing exhibitions and events, from rare Indigenous art to theatre.

The more recent addition of The Skylark Room sees a café by day, while evenings transform into a completely different vibe with some intimate acoustic performances.

Overall, Burrinja is family-friendly, including a playground and lawn for the kids.

The Dandenong Ranges Open Studios runs on the weekend of April 29 and April 30, 2017. And the group exhibition ‘Duality’ runs at Burrinja Cultural Centre from April 1 until May 14, 2017.

Glenfern Valley Bushlands

Covering about 40 hectares of sloping land, Glenfern Valley Bushlands is a volunteer rehabilitated reserve (under Crown land management) that can be walked in a loop or as you choose, given there are some interlinking tracks. It’s a dog-friendly locale ideal for low-key recreation, particularly short walks (that said, gradients range from gentle to steep) and birdwatching.

A handful of picnic tables plus a number of designated seats are well positioned for taking in the natural surrounds.

Access is from Glenfern Road and there are two small car parks.

Baby kookaburra, Upwey.

Birdsland Reserve

Not far from Glenfern Valley Bushlands, and accessible by vehicle from Mt Morton Road in Belgrave South, is Birdsland. This pleasant bushland, open grassland and wetland reserve — with lakes, a creek, mostly flat walking trails, picnic tables and barbecue facilities — backs on to one half of Lysterfield Park.

Birdsland is a terrific spot to kick off some extensive walking/day hiking as well as do some mountain bike riding. Aside from the abundant birdlife (interestingly, it’s not named after the birds but the Bird family who used to own it), you’ll invariably spot any number of native wildlife, including the likes of echidnas, platypus, roos and wallabies.

Ducks on lake at Birdsland Reserve.

Take the Scenic Route & Watch the Sunset

Whether you’re coming to or going from Upwey, take the scenic route via Glenfern Road. Here you can wind down the window and breathe in the expansive views over the grazing land of Glenfern Valley (technically where Lysterfield and Upwey merge) on one side, while the bush-lined hills beckon on the other.

Even better is driving near sunset when the sun sinks behind the surrounding hills and Port Phillip Bay glistens in the distance.

Sunset over Glenfern Valley, Upwey.

Upwey Billy Cart Race

On the last Sunday in February, Upwey’s Main Street is closed off and lined with straw bales to transform into a billycart raceway. Now in its eleventh year, pro and amateur billycarters whiz down the makeshift raceway in their inventive contraptions. From classic to vibrant and zany, it could almost be Upwey’s answer to Moomba’s Birdman Rally — minus nosediving into water.

The next Upwey Billy Cart Race is on Sunday, February 26, 2017.

Grassroots Market

Held three times a year in Upwey, the Grassroots Market is a terrific opportunity to meet the maker of individual handmade wares, plus savour fresh made fare and enjoy acoustic tunes. Here you’ll find everything from relaxing, naturally made and scented candles to bluesy sounding cigar-box guitars.

It’s also pooch-friendly, providing they are well-behaved and on a leash.

Next market is from 9.30am to 2.30pm on March 11, 2016.

Five Facts about Upwey

View from Roma Park, Upwey.

1. Upwey was first known as Mast Gully due to the mountain ash trees that were cut down from the hillsides to provide masts for sailing ships in the mid-1800s.

2. If the name Upwey sounds familiar, that’s because there already was (and still is) an Upwey in south Dorset, England. Our Aussie version was renamed after the English village in the late 1800s.

And yes, Upwey is spelt UPWEY, not Upway.

3. Despite what many think today, Upwey South (obviously to the south of Upwey) isn’t its official name nor an official suburb. To the locals, though, it’s second nature.

4. Upwey Primary School (my former primary school) first opened in 1934. These days, it’s still going strong. It’s great to see that it’s ardent about sustainability.

5. In 1923, the Belmont lookout tower was built. This sturdy and significant timber tower, which is 8.4 metres high, had several purposes. Its sublime views (appropriately giving the site the name of Beauty Point) enticed passers-by as well as prospective land buyers. It was also thought to be used to spot bushfires. Although it no longer has public access, it’s the oldest-known lookout tower in Victoria, and is the last of its kind in the Dandenong Ranges.