Smits & Bits

Tucked away behind the shopfronts in the main street of Sassafras lies Smits And Bits. Walk down the little alley and you’ll find an antique store, record shop and if on a weekend, tourists cooking marshmallows on the huge open fire in the cauldron.
As a keen record collector, the records are a bit hit and miss, however if you’re like me and don’t mind flicking through for a while, you’re sure to grab something you’ll enjoy.
Most of the antiques are more gift oriented than actual antique pieces, and while you may find some of the same fare in the city, the prices here are surprisingly fair for such a touristy market.
The common area in the outdoor courtyard has a large cauldron filled with an open fire in winter, and you can toast your self a marshmallow over the flames if the shopping isn’t doing it for you.

Smits and Bits are hidden down a little alleyway on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road in Sassafras. There are plenty of signs to showcase its presence however so you shouldn’t worry about missing it.
It is true to its name with plenty of random bits and pieces to choose from. There are garden accessories from the smallest little gnomes to large concrete benches with prices that vary on a similar scale.
Music lovers will enjoy their music sheds, which are filled to the brim with old records, CDs, cassettes and posters. There is another shed next to that filled with old books. As a big reading fan I raced over there but found nothing of interest. The prices are awesome for items in these sheds with most items only being around a couple of dollars.
As well as the records, books and garden accessories they also have a huge historic dollhouse on display. Even if this is the only thing you come to see your visit will be well worth it. Belonging to Dame Zara Bates the Dollhouse is housed in a little wooden building. If you’re afraid of spiders I wouldn’t advise looking above head height as there are cobwebs galore near the ceiling… and it has a very low roof.
There are also a variety of ceramic plates, clocks and little trinkets for sale in the main store. This is the kind of place where you have to look to see what you want rather than follow the sign leading you to it — so make sure you have an hour or so to visit this one. Smits and Bits are open from 11 – 4.30 Monday to Friday and 10 – 5 on weekends.