Blue Mountains, NSW

Retro shopping guide for Blue Mountains NSW

By Nicole West

October 12, 2020 | 5 minute read

What could be better than digging through the shelves to find retro treasures? Adding in a walk and bite to eat too!

We've heard the Blue Mountains is the place to go for retro shopping so if you're serious we suggest taking a bag to bring home your finds. And before you go, why not rummage around in your own cupboards to find something to give away, and make room for new recycled treasures.

Here’s where to go for vintage finds and great bargains in the Blue Mountains.  

* At the time of writing, activities and places mentioned in this guide are at varying stages of recovery from COVID-19. Please check government and business websites for specific details on opening times and any restrictions before you travel.

Blue Mountains quick facts

It’s just a 90-minute drive from Sydney to the Blue Mountains and it’s easy to navigate between towns once there. If you’re not driving, trains depart daily from Sydney’s Central Station. Once there, public buses and the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus stop at the major towns and attractions.  

Katoomba

Stop by for your iconic snap of the Three Sisters and board the Scenic Skyway for a bird’s eye view, before you hit the shops. Take a gentle stroll on the Prince Henry Cliff Walk and get your exercise for the week on the Ruined Castle Walking Track. You won’t go hungry while you’re op-shopping in Katoomba. Have an Asian feast among colourful oriental decor atMiss Lilian Tea House.

If you’re looking for your next rare treasure, head toKatoomba Vintage Emporium. Explore a unique collection of clocks, crockery, furniture and jewellery in the former heritage-listed Katoomba Post Office. Vinnie’s Katoomba always has something new and the Children’s Cancer Foundation Boutique Op Shop is a great place for quirky gifts.     

Explore two levels of shopping heaven at Macarthur’s Arcade. The store was first opened in the 1950s and you’ll see original tiling and wrought iron work in the building. Independent dealers sell everything from fine art to antiques and collectibles. The ground floor hosts Pickwick’s Fine Old Bookshop for rare reads.

Can’t get enough of antiques? Discover incredible pieces from around the globe at the Katoomba Antique Centre. For keen photographers, there’s also a Camera Museum with old school equipment and a collection of historic photos. Black Antiques is a haven for vintage comic books, unique furniture, record players, vases and retro lamps.

Leura Vintage
Leura Vintage

Leura

Pretty Leura blends natural wonders with history, dining and gallery-hopping. Warm-up for shopping with a walk along the Leura Cascades Track, which features panoramic lookouts and entry points to longer walking trails. To fuel up, pop into Leura Garage for local produce, wines and stone-baked pizzas.  

Leura Vintage is the spot to pick up that Hawaiian shirt or fabulous faux fur winter coat. Along with men’s and women’s fashion, you’ll find sunnies, homewares, hats, scarves, games and records. You’ll also pick up recycled and new goodies at the Red Cross store in Leura Mall.

Blackheath 

Govetts Leap is a highlight in Blackheath, so don’t miss out on soaking up the sweeping views of the Grose Valley and Bridal Veil Falls. Trek out on the Pulpit Rock Walk and pack a picnic basket full of fresh produce at Blackheath Growers Market. Then, swing by Bakehouse on Wentworth to satisfy your sweet tooth with organic treats.

Housed in an Art Deco building that used to be a cinema, Victory Theatre Antiques is a treasure trove of...everything. Around 50 dealers across two floors help you break your budget in a flash, with vintage clothes, paintings, books, dolls, fine china and so much more.  

Victory Theatre
Victory Theatre

Lithgow

Lithgow is a charming base for discovering the Capertee National Park and the Wollemi National Park. It’s also full of remnants from the country’s original steel industry, so you’ll discover ruins at Blast Furnace Park and State Mine Heritage Park. Fulfil your cheesy dreams at Jannei Goat Dairy, a family-run artisan goat cheese fromagerie.  

Browse among unique chairs, vintage hats and gloves, old-world suitcases, glassware and ornaments at Emu Springs Antiques and Old Wares. Located on Main Street, Vinnies Lithgow is a top spot to find clothes and you’ll find the perfect weekend read at A Readers Heaven, with a mix of preloved and new books.  

If you’re in the grips of a vintage addiction after all that, drive through towns such as Springwood, Blaxland and Glenbrook to rummage through even more community op shops. Here’s hoping you’ve got enough room in the boot to get it all home!  

We think you should know

The Weekender's travel guides are independently written by real travellers. We do not receive any money from, or have a sponsorship arrangement with, any of the entities listed in or referred to in this article.

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