The stats
It opened in 1969 and houses 400 stores after doubling in size after its 2008 refurb.
Surprisingly good places to eat
‘The Drum’ puts your average food court to shame. Outlets include Grill’d, Schnitz, Spud Bar and Sumo Salad, and free wi-fi is a bonus. Max Brenner and the Groove Train are upstairs, alongside Café Greco, which has sweeping views of the city.
Surprisingly interesting things to do
Louis Louise Champagne Bar, shaped like a coiled snake, is in the thick of the action on ground level. Endota Day Spa has a ‘dabble bar’ in the centre, or head up Doncaster Tower for the full experience.
Surprisingly good shops
Volume Sound is a high-end headphone store that stocks labels like Sennheiser, Urbanears and Skullcandy (including NBA-branded cans). A two-level Zara branch opened in October, and there’s an Apple store.
When evening comes
On level two there’s a Village Cinema, including Gold Class screens and a VMax auditorium, plus eateries open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. TGI Friday’s is soon to reopen downstairs.
In the area
Drive ten minutes to the Heide Museum of Modern Art in Bulleen. As well as a world-class collection of contemporary art, it’s home to Shannon Bennett’s Café Vue.