Getting to Know Upwey

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, chargrilled burgers, and terrific coffee at the likes of Abitza and Have Ya Bean, Tin Pan Alley Foodsmiths is the new eatery in Upwey 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 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 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.

Food Truck Friday

Speaking of good food, 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food Truck Friday, Upwey. Image by Kristin Lee.

Upwey Health and Beauty Care & Abitza — Café, Healing and Gifts

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 serves more than just good coffee and wholesome fare. It’s also an inviting space for intuitive readings, meditation, personal development workshops and offers a small range of giftware. There’s also a serene mural painted courtyard out the back.

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, while next door Mandala Magic (a former milk bar turned colourful and welcoming mandala art studio) helps you get in touch with your creative side. The art studio is also utilised as an intimate meditation and workshop space, with Open Heart Meditations held on Wednesday evenings.

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 music performances and theatre. There’s an onsite café, which has indoor and alfresco options to indulge in coffee and cake. Overall, Burrinja is family-friendly, including a playground and lawn for the kids.

The Dandenong Ranges Open Studios Exhibition: Micro/Macro runs from March 18 until April 24, 2016.

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. Image by Kristin Lee.

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.  

 

 

 

 

 

Birdsland Reserve, Belgrave South. Image by Kristin Lee.

Take the Scenic Route & Watch the Sunset

Whether you’re coming to or going from Upwey, take the scenic route via Glenfern Road, with 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Afterglow on Glenfern Road, Upwey. Image by Kristin Lee.

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 tenth 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 28, 2016.

Grassroots Market

Held three times a year in Upwey (with another held at Kings Park in Upper Ferntree Gully), 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 2pm to 7pm on March 19, 2016.

What’s your favourite discovery in Upwey?

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Kristin Lee

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