The 10 best op shops and thrift stores in Sydney

Truly a hidden gem, the PM Store is the best charity shop you’ve never heard of. The store sits at the very end of Dulwich Hill, on the borders of Ashfield and Hurlstone Park. On a strip with mostly vacant shop fronts and a McDonald's, you’d be forgiven for driving past without noticing PM. However, once inside you’ll be met by trinkets galore; ornaments, textiles, furnishings and retro men’s and womenswear alike.

Our top scores have included a Caroma stool for $8 and two kitsch beach towels for $10. While you’re in the suburb, head to nearby cafe Outfield for an alfresco coffee, or mosey over to Dulwich Hill’s main drag where you’ll be greeted by a row of the cutest cafes, and a quaint Vinnies that didn’t quite make the list, but is still worth a peek.

The Wayside Chapel is a Sydney institution, providing services and support to Sydney’s homeless population for more than 50 years. On average, the charity provides more than 320 meals and 45 changes of clothes to those in need (among other services). So, when you shop at the Wayside Op Shop you know you’re helping them create a better experience for those in need. Exceptionally priced, Wayside has a $5 rack for shoppers on a budget. We’ve picked up a Uniqlo merino wool knit from this rack, while other items on offer include denim jackets and pre-loved tees. 

A trip to UTURN Punchbowl is unlike any other op shopping experience. You’re welcomed by rows of racks as far as the eye can see – laden with denim, vintage sportswear and high-street finds. Aside from the racks of second-hand, first-rate clothing, you’ll also find miscellaneous homewares, rugs, and ‘pay per kilo’ bins. 

The ideal op-shop stop for gender-neutral and menswear styles, UTURN has a huge variety of options for all folk. We have managed to find Uniqlo flared jeans for $10, a chic pink vase for $6, and a beaded bag for $5. Their ‘pay per kilo’ bins are the perfect option for thrifty op shoppers who have an eye for potential, love to revamp, repair and get creative with their looks. 

It’s generally thought that op shops in affluent suburbs will provide the best designer goods, and Vinnies Mosman is no exception. One of Sydney’s most well-heeled suburbs, it’s not surprising that the donations regularly include luxury finds, or quality fabrics. In our expeditions, we’ve stumbled across fur coats (both real and faux), 100 per cent wool jumpers, a Y’s by Yohji Yamamoto dress, and brand new Elk Sandals for a ridiculous $15. Other items on offer include coloured glassware, accessories and men’s workwear. 

However, what sets Vinnies Mosman aside from the rest, is the hub of op shops that surround it. Along the strip from Mosman to Neutral Bay, you’ll find three Lifelines (Mosman, Cremorne and Neutral Bay) as well as a Red Cross and a second Vinnies, so grab a coffee from Roastville, a baked good from Berkelo and make a day of it.

Whether you’re looking for kitchenware, vintage sewing patterns or an Oroton dress that still has its tags attached, Vinnies Brookvale has you covered. Located behind Warringah Mall, the cavernous store has something for everyone. A roomy, split-level space, you can easily spend an afternoon here perusing their pre-loved goods. A firm favourite among the budget-savvy, Vinnies Brookvale has the ideal mix of vintage, high-street and luxury. With donations from the folks of the Northern Beaches, you can expect to find a healthy dose of surf-shop goods, sundresses and denim. 

Our top finds have included current season Zara pants and skirt for less than 20 bucks, a solid timber mirror for $30 and (last, but not least) a butter yellow Oroton dress for $60. Winning. 

Confirming that size isn’t everything, St Luke’s Church Op Shop is small (but mighty). Located just before the bustle of Enmore Road, St Luke’s is open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday, and is a quiet reprieve from the hectic main drag. 

Full of glorious knick-knacks, we’ve come across some pretty special treasures here. Our top scores have included novelty ‘Aussie Dunny’ themed coasters for $6, a Jigsaw Tartan mini skirt for $8, a 90s-esque Vicky Vale velvet cami for $10 and a space-age ice bucket. While you’re here, meander down Newtown for a whole lot of delights. 

Vinnies Newtown is back and better than ever after receiving a much-needed facelift in late 2022. Perfectly curated, exceptionally clean and with a great array of men’s and womenswear alike, you’re unlikely to leave here empty-handed. The ideal spot for a Mardi Gras outfit, fun Christmas sweater or Halloween look, Vinnies Newtown has an epic window display for every occasion, and more options to pique your costume curiosity once you step foot inside.

Our most recent visit provided an Acne-inspired drawstring poplin mini skirt for $25, while for all the shoppers on a slightly bigger budget, we spied Marithé & François Girbaud boots for $200. For reference, these beauties generally retail around the $1,000 mark. Bargain.

When you’re done perusing the Markets at Glebe, and have grabbed a coffee from the Wedge, mosey on over to Vinnies Glebe. Small in size, but big in star factor, this store has exceptional visual merchandising, and is packed with quality gems from vintage Ralph Lauren and Chanel Denim, to nostalgic Alannah Hill pieces. With price points to suit all budgets, this Vinnies has stylish workwear options, chic ‘going-out’ pieces and quality knitwear. Our top finds have been a thick cotton vintage tee for 8 bucks, and a wool Ralph Lauren maxi skirt for just $50. 

If you’re in need of a wedding guest outfit or formal frock, you can regularly find designer dresses, brand new with tags here – but all for a fraction of the cost. 

Walking into Newtown’s Red Cross Op Shop feels more like entering a lovingly curated apartment than a second-hand clothing store. While they may have killer, colour-coded window displays full of trendy mannequins adorned in fabulous frocks, they also have a cabinet display of crockery, a cosy book corner and charming hanging chandeliers that all together, make you feel like you’re wrapped up in your Nan’s home. 

Our ultimate finds here have included a genuine silk, boned corset top for $25 and a pair of pink acetate Fendi pants from 2000, new with tags for $150. Not exactly a bargain, but a pretty special find nonetheless. While there are certainly some pricier pieces here, you can also find more accessible items, like their rack of trusty denim going for $10-$20. 

A true Mecca for thrifty Sydneysiders, Salvos Minchinbury is a one-stop shop for all your home décor, furniture, clothing and accessory needs. The huge, warehouse-style store has dedicated the majority of their floor space to pre-loved furniture. You name it, they have it: couches, dining settings, bed frames, dressers, desks and even a family-size refrigerator are up for grabs. Plus, the clothing section is not to be overshadowed. Fashionistas can peruse vintage from all decades, however, for all Y2K fans, there were a whole lot of 2000s-esque factory seconds (including navy corsets and tie-dyed hotpants) up for grabs on our visit. 

Whether your décor design style is funky or formal, Salvos Minchinbury has you covered – and all for a fraction of the original cost. What are you waiting for?