The country’s fire department says more than $ 1 million worth of damage has been caused to shops in Mount Compass, on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, south of Adelaide.
A bakery, a butcher shop and an empty shop were destroyed when the fire ravaged the Victor Harbor Road shopping complex around 3:30 p.m.
Other businesses were damaged, along with a house.
More than 40 firefighters have battled the blaze.
Some are expected to remain at the scene during the day to extinguish the hot spots.
The cause is still being investigated.
Victor Harbor Road has reopened after closing earlier.