The Best Melbourne Opshops to Visit: 10 to discover
Melbourne has a reputation as a vintage destination, and after spending some time exploring it I was happy to discover a number of shops to visit. I focused my treasure hunting around Fitzroy, Collingwood, and the edge of the CBD, With a coffee in hand and comfortable shoes on, I set out to see what Melbourne opshops and secondhand stores had to offer.
I’ve popped the shops on a map so you can plan your route before you arrive.
Melbourne Opshops & Secondhand Stores
Here’s the list of Melbourne opshops I visited
Shops
- Lost and Found Market
- Sacred Heart Mission Op Shop
- Vinnies
- Salvos Stores
- Fitzroy Uniting Op Shop
- St Marks RECYCLED
- Red Cross
- Used Pty Ltd
- Retrostar Vintage Clothing
- Salvos Store
Lost and Found Highlights
Sacred Heart Mission Opshop Highlights
Best For…
- Mid-Century and Retro: Lost and Found Market This was my favourite stop of the entire trip. If you love MCM furniture, atomic-era kitchenware, and genuine retro fashion, this massive shop is an absolute must-visit. This is a collective where different stallholders display their best vintage finds.
- Quirky Visual Layouts: Sacred Heart Mission Op Shop A very close second on my list was the Sacred Heart Mission shop on Brunswick Street. The second you walk through the door, you realise this is not your average charity shop, they have a full-sized vintage van permanently parked right in the middle of the shop floor!
- Vintage Fashion and Apparel: Retrostar Vintage Clothing Tucked away in the iconic Nicholas Building in the CBD, this place is an institution for anyone hunting for authentic retro clothing. Packed to the rafters with vintage denim, band tees, and statement pieces from the 1960s through to the 90s. Perfect if you are looking for quality curated wardrobe staples with real character.
- Industrial and Restoration: Used Pty Ltd Located on Johnston Street, this spot focuses on industrial relics, early Australian timber furniture, and restoration pieces. It’s quite a specialist store and on the pricier end, so worth being aware of that before you go if budget is a consideration.
Where to Fuel Up
All that browsing works up an appetite. When I visited I’d recommend stopping for a flat white at the Bell Street Coffee Window to recharge while walking between the Fitzroy and Collingwood streets.
Tips for Melbourne Opshops
- Stick to Brunswick Street First: If you want the most rewarding, walkable route, focus your energy on Brunswick Street in Fitzroy. The density of great shops here, including Vinnies, Sacred Heart, Lost and Found Market with Fitzroy Uniting shop not far away. Then its a short walk to Smith
Street. - Fuel Your Hunt: Take regular breaks to keep your energy up.
- Know the Difference in Stores: Balance your day between the big curated vintage stores like Lost and Found, which are excellent for targeted MCM hunting, and the traditional charity shops like Fitzroy Uniting or St Marks RECYCLED where prices are lower but you need to do a bit more digging.
Video Highlights of Melbourne Opshops
will include travel (to come)
Final Word on the Best Melbourne Opshops to visit
When visiting a city I try to visit some of secondhand stores and Melbourne was no exception. So fortunate to have visited 10 Melbourne opshops. However as I only went with carry on luggage I wasn’t able to bring much back which was probably a good thing?
I had made the trip to Melbourne from New Zealand to see the Yayoi Kusama Exhibition. I did manage to see a few other places while in Melbourne, including a lot of street art which I’ll cover in the next blog, so make sure to look out for it.
Have you visited any of the Melbourne Opshops on my list? If so which ones? Any I missed that would be worth visiting next time I’m in Melbourne?