Sydney Airport’s abandoned items up for grabs

A trove of forgotten treasures lost at Sydney Airport are going under the hammer, and some of the items may surprise you.

Thousands of items abandoned at Sydney Airport over the past year are up for grabs – and it’s all for a good cause.

The annual Lost Property Auction has begun with more than 3000 listings of everything from cameras and bags to unusual items like a hedge trimmer and sun lounge.

The auction is returning after a two-year hiatus with the proceeds to benefit the Bayside Women’s Shelter in southeast Sydney.

Sydney Airport chief executive Geoff Culbert said more than 4000 items left behind at the airport in 2022 were returned to their owners but unclaimed items are going under the hammer.

“Not only is this auction a great chance for shoppers to grab a bargain but it’s also a wonderful way to support an organisation that’s making a meaningful difference in the community,” he said.

“There is a treasure trove of goods to pick from including laptops, cameras, bags, perfume, and it wouldn't be a post-pandemic auction without an air fryer.

Sydney Airport's annual Lost Property Auction is open for bidding. Picture: Sydney Airport/ honeydieu

“We even got some rather unique sales like a hedge trimmer, circular saw, and sun lounge, although we’re still scratching our heads wondering how that ended up at the airport.”

Since the initiative’s inception in 2007, more than $1.4 million had been raised for charity.

The auction, hosted online by Theodore Bruce, opened on Sunday and will close on February 12.

Jewellery, laptops, instruments and even a record player are among the items up for sale.

“With bids starting at just $5, shoppers will be able to find great deals on a host of fabulous items,” Theodore Bruce director James Badgery said.

View the catalogue for the online auction here.