Revealed: Melbourne, Geelong’s vintage stores where you can grab a bargain
Melbourne’s CBD is renowned to have some of the best vintage shops, but the hefty price tags can put people off. Find out where to snag a bargain
South East
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Ever been to a vintage store, fallen in love with an item only to find out it’ll cost you your first born?
Same, but we’ve hunted far and wide and put together a list of stores that won’t ask for your soul in exchange.
Whether you’re on the hunt for some preloved mum jeans, or wanting a unique addition to your home — these are the best vintage shops outside of the city.
Southeast Melbourne
Eliza Doolittle's Designer Store, Frankston
We’re not bias, but this is our pick of the bunch.
Eliza Doolittle’s Designer Store is the place to go if you’re looking for high-end brands for reasonable prices.
When you walk into this shop off station St you’re welcomed with stacks of clothes, shoes, bags and even sunnies.
About 52km from the CBD, we promise this place is worth travelling to — you can pick up Levi’s jeans for as little as $25, or a pre-worn cosy suede coat for about 30 per cent off city prices.
2.0 Vintage Market, Scoresby
On the former Caribbean Market site is the 2.0 Vintage Market.
As the name suggests, the Stud Rd market is home to different stalls and pop-up stores and is open seven days a week.
You can get your hands on antiques, toys, books, clothes, collectables and handmade items.
They also have a calendar of events with themed days — some past events include a preloved pop-up clothing day, a plant and garden day and a music and vinyl fair.
Check out their calendar for upcoming events and don’t miss out on your chance for a bargain.
Market Fair, Ferntree Gully
Homemade goods, vintage sweaters, stacks of books and retro homewares all in one place.
Market Fair is home to more than 220 makers, vintage collectors and local brands and it’s safe to say this place is worth travelling to.
It’s open everyday from 10am to 5pm, check out their regularly updated website and you can decide for yourself.
The Vintage Shed, Tyabb
If you’re after retro home decor, this is the place for you.
The Vintage Shed in the Mornington Peninsula offers retro lamps, funky brass barrels, wicker chairs, mid-century homeware and timeless storage options.
With more than 60 stores under one roof, you’re bound to find a piece or two from this vintage department store.
They’re open on Monday and Thursdays and you can find them on your next trip down south at 93 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Tyabb.
Waverley Antique Bazaar, Glen Waverley
You’ll need to set aside a couple of hours to rummage through this one, and you might need to bring a trailer.
With more than 240 stalls housed at the Waverley Antique Bazaar there’s something for everyone.
There’s an emphasis on home decor at this place, but some stalls offer chic vintage attire that will make you feel like you’ve just taken the metro back to Paris, 1940.
It’s open seven days a week, so there's always time to snag a deal at this gem.
Villa Maria Op Shop, Wantirna and Ferntree Gully
It’s enough to visit these stores just to be greeted by the wonderful and kind staff, it’s a bonus if you find something to take home.
With a massive range of things to choose from — bric a brac, clothes, accessories and even furniture — these shops are a must-do when hunting for a preloved bargain.
Obtainium Antiques and Vintage Wares, Mornington Peninsula
Obtainium Antiques and Vintage Wares is known for it range of memorabilia, furniture and collectable items and with new stock coming in daily there’s always something to uncover.
Whether that be a fine-china dining set, antique or refurbished furniture or a retro advertising sign, this place has you covered.
It’s open everyday from 10am.
Quirky Collective, Mornington Peninsula
Quirky Collective is all about giving old stuff a new life at the lowest price.
You can pick up a something as little as a dictionary from 1944, or a side table inlaid with mother of pearls, to larger rustic and industrial pieces.
Their Instagram is updated daily with their latest deals and if you can’t make it into the store, they accept over-the-phone payments and help with arranging couriers, delivery or postage.
Glamorous Gals and Mad Men, Glen Waverley
This store has grown from a person’s love of vintage wearables with an emphasis on American, French, English and Australian styles from the 30s and 60s.
The occasional outfit from the 70s to 90s era will pop-up, like a recently sold Charlie’s Angel jumpsuit.
Prices are always reasonable at Glamorous Gals and Mad Men and they’re open seven days a week from 10am.
North Melbourne
The Aquarium Vintage, Preston
Looking for a stylish retro outfit to turn heads in? This is the place for you.
Suede skirts, checkered pants and cute hats are all on offer at The Aquarium Vintage.
Check out their Instagram for some style tips and to keep updated with their goods.
Southwest Melbourne
Geelong Vintage Market, Geelong
With more than 60 stalls and a cafe on-site, the Geelong Vintage Market is the place to pick up a vintage piece or two.
Rare books, seashell ornaments, enamel buckets, retro chairs and tables, 50s kitchenware, vinyl records, plenty of clothing and upcycled lampes are just some of the things on offer.
This market has a slightly higher price tag than other local stores, but it’s usually still cheap in comparison to its’ city counterparts.
The Amazing ‘Mill Market’, Geelong
The Amazing Mill Market has three sites in Geelong, Ballarat and Daylesford so they’re well-versed in all things affordable and unique.
You can choose from collectables, fashion, home decor, antiques, vintage and industrial.
Operators pride themselves in allowing hobbyists, collectors, artists and community groups a space for them to sell their products without crazy overhead costs — so customers can be assured the treasures they find will help these stallholders continue their passion.
The Mill Markets are open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm and there’s food and coffee options at each venue.
Salvos, South Geelong
This Salvos requires a fair chunk of your time to sort through all the goodies on offer.
Rummage through their assortment of cheap furniture, lamps, crockery, book and dirt cheap records.
Rumour has it it’s best to return here a few times in order to boost your chance of finding that special something for you to take home.
Pakington St, Geelong West
If you want to give yourself the best odds of securing something preloved then this street has you covered.
You can choose from a variety of op shops including Vinnies, Salvos, MS Community Shop, Fight Cancer Foundation and the renowned vintage boutique Hunter Gatherer.
Be sure to have your walking shoes on because one shop is never enough on this strip.
