Shopping vintage Victoria

Victoria’s rich gold rush history has left a trail of interesting treasures resulting in hundreds of antique shops with thousands of collectables capturing a moment in time. Complimenting the retail experience, opportunity shops (op shops) have also popped up all over the state for shoppers with an eye out for a bargain.

GoldfieldsThe gold rush era villages in Central Victoria are renowned for clusters of beautiful vintage and collectables stores, as well as off the high street op shops full of gems. Around the Bendigo Pottery kiln are 10 antiques, vintage and collectables stalls, with the newly opened Platform 5 at The Mill at Castlemaine hosting stalls of vintage and collectables. 9 Walker Street, Castlemaine, +61 419 521 942

The historic towns of Dunolly, Maldon, Eddington, Tarnagulla and Heathcote have some of the state’s most interesting antique and collectables stores – and the small town of Inglewood which comprises of only 800 residents – has no less than seven antique or op shops on its one main street. The shops include the beautiful museum-like Fusspots. 39 Brooke Street, Inglewood,+61 3 5438 3357

Located in Ballarat’s ‘retro hub’ on Main Road, That Little Vintage Shop stocks vintage and designer clothing sourced from across Australia and Europe. Catering to a wide range of tastes and sizes, That Little Vintage Shop is the ideal place to find special one of a kind pieces. 13 Main Road, Ballarat, +61 425 731 639

GrampiansSituated in the Wimmera area in the Grampians region, The Pickers Market sells everything from old farm relics to vintage appliances and antique automobiles. With over 30 dealer spaces and an extensive showcase of hundreds of knickknacks visitors will be sure to find many hidden treasures. 62 Longfield Street, Stawell, +61 3 5358 5075

GippslandThe Foundry is an artists’ collective in Gippsland’s Bairnsdale, three hours drive from Melbourne, selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewellery, zines and locally made homewares. Hidden away down a laneway beside the local supermarket, Foundry is run by three local artists who also use the retail store as a creative hub for artists and makers to come together and share ideas, finances, skills and inspiration. The vintage clothing has been carefully curated by folks who know what looks good. 75a Nicholson Street, Bairnsdale, +61 415 479 950

GeelongHoused in the old Federal Woollen Mills, once destined for the scrap heap, but now housing hundreds of vintage and second hand goods, The Geelong Vintage Market offers clothing, trinkets, furniture and smaller-scale items as well as large-scale and industrial pieces. 3 Mackey Street, North Geelong, +61 3 5277 1186

The Geelong Mill Markets  sells everything from vintage clothes and furniture, to memorabilia, art, glass, jewellery, books, antiques and collectables. Shoppers requiring caffeine will appreciate a respite at The Flavour Mill Café. Sister Mill Markets are located in Ballarat and Daylesford. Geelong: 114 Bellarine Highway, Newcomb, +61 3 5258 2390

The MurrayKatamatite Bazaar based in the rural township of Katamatite, near Cobram and 45 kilometres (28 miles) north east of Shepparton is a specialty store that is a jewel in The Murray region. Selling items such as antique wedding rings, coin dealings, antique china and glassware, Ketamatite Bazaar has plenty of personal treasures for visitors looking for a unique find. 14 Beek Street, Katamatite, +61 3 5865 1488

High CountryLocated between Beechworth and Rutherglen in the High Country, Chiltern is an historic village and a hidden gem for antique hunting, built upon the solid values of its mining heritage. It is distinguished by carefully preserved streetscapes with historic brick buildings and wooden verandahs.

Chiltique on Conness is a favourite amongst the locals and is comprised of collections of rare English, Chinese and Australian poetry and classic vintage furniture. 7 Conness Street, Chiltern, +61 3 5726 1585

Mornington PeninsulaOp shop hunter and gatherers will love the pretty coastal town of Rosebud for more than the surf, sand and sea – in fact the retail strip that faces the beach is home to no less than seven op shops, each offering a different angle on recycled, pre-loved goods. Point Nepean Road, Mornington Peninsula

For vintage goods and antiques, Tyabb Packing House Antiques has more than half a hectare of undercover space in an historic former apple and pear packing shed. It is one of Australia’s largest antique centres selling everything from art deco furniture to colourful retro wares and gorgeous vintage lace clothing. 14 Mornington-Tyabb Road, Tyabb, +61 3 5977 4414

ANTIQUE FAIRS

These regional antique fairs are where antique and vintage dealers go to find their treasures. Punters are advised to get in early.