Geppetto’s Workshop is a toy and puppet shop in Sassafras, filled with wooden toys, storybook characters and objects made for imaginative play. The current store is at 371 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, among the village shops. Browsing its puppets and traditional toys makes an enjoyable indoor stop, whether you are choosing a present, shopping with children or looking for something more unusual than a standard souvenir.
Puppets, marionettes and storytelling
Puppets are the shop’s distinctive attraction. Its range covers finger and hand puppets, glove puppets, marionettes and styles used for stage or shadow performances. Looking at the different ways they move is part of the interest: a simple finger puppet suits quick storytelling, while a string-operated character takes more coordination and patience.
If buying for a child, consider how the puppet will actually be used. A character that can be handled independently may be more rewarding than a complicated model chosen only for its appearance. Ask staff about operating it and suitable ages, and supervise children around display pieces. For teachers or families building a story collection, choose characters that work together rather than buying several unrelated favourites.
Traditional toys and gifts
Beyond puppets, the selection includes wooden toys, games, puzzles, dolls, craft activities, music boxes and nesting dolls. Charlie Bears also feature in the range. The mix gives adults plenty to browse while children look for something to play with, and makes the shop useful for presents across different ages.
Allow around half an hour for a casual look, or longer if comparing gifts. For a travel purchase, think about the item’s size, moving parts and how it will be packed for the journey home. A puzzle or compact puppet may be easier to carry than a large display piece. Ask about a particular brand or character before travelling specifically to buy it, because the products on the shelves change.
Visiting the Sassafras store
The shop opens Monday-Friday from 11am to 4pm and Saturday-Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Public holidays are normally included, except Christmas Day. Confirm current hours if planning an early, late or holiday visit. Call (03) 9755 3300 for opening arrangements or a product enquiry, or email support@geppettosworkshop.com.au.
There is no admission charge: this is a retail shop, with purchases priced individually. Combine it with a walk around Sassafras and a cafe stop, leaving room in the itinerary for browsing rather than treating it as a timed attraction. Use the Sassafras address for navigation and allow time to find village parking on a busy weekend.
Geppetto's Workshop FAQs
Where is the current shop?
The operator identifies its store at 371 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras. Use that location for navigation rather than an older reference to an Olinda branch, and allow time for village parking before browsing.
What are the opening hours?
Usual hours are Monday-Friday, 11am-4pm, and Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. The shop is closed on Christmas Day. Call (03) 9755 3300 to confirm holiday arrangements or current hours before an early or late visit.
What types of puppets are sold?
The range includes finger, hand and glove puppets, marionettes and stage or shadow styles. Ask how a particular model works and what age it suits, so the purchase matches the intended storytelling rather than appearance alone.
Is it a worthwhile stop for adults?
Collectible bears, nesting dolls, music boxes and elaborate puppets give adult gift buyers plenty to browse. Check a particular item's availability before travelling specifically for it, since the shop's changing range is broader than any single display.
Does browsing require a ticket?
No admission charge applies; this is a retail shop with purchases priced individually. Leave enough time for a relaxed look and ask before handling delicate display pieces or demonstrating a puppet.
How should I choose a toy to take home?
Consider age suitability, moving parts and packing space, particularly if carrying it on a longer trip. A compact puppet or puzzle may be more practical than a large display object, and staff can help explain use and care before you decide.
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