Op Shop

Adventures

Discover a treasure
or a bargain on the
Op Shop trail
 Yarriambiack
We would like to thank everyone for
their tips and tricks for successful
op shopping, especially Bianca, Sue,
Hindmarsh Jane, Andrea and Erin.

Every effort has been made

GRAMPIANS to ensure that this guide is
CENTRAL WEST accurate, but it is advisable to
call ahead to confirm the hours
of opening. Many of these Op
West Northern
Wimmera Horsham Grampians Shops and Second Hand shops
have Facebook pages or websites
HORSHAM as well, so get online, check for
Central updates and find something
Goldfields amazing. If you have any updates
to add to this guide, addresses,
Pyrenees Hepburn opening hours or a new op shop
Ararat discovery in the region,
Ballarat
BALLARAT please contact us at
Moorabool info@gcwwrrg.vic.gov.au

Golden Plains
Remember, don’t forget to donate
as well as shop in our marvellous
Op Shops! Please make sure your
items are clean, working and not
broken. Respect your op shop and
give them quality things to sell on.

2 | Op Shop Adventures
Introduction
We love op shops! We all love the thrill of finding
that special piece at a bargain price and op shops
make shopping fun. Almost every town across
our region has an op shop. These op shops not
only provide bargains for shoppers but also raise
funds for many local and national charities.
Op shops also provide an important outlet
for clothing, furniture, books, toys and other
household items that are no longer needed.
In short, it is a great way to divert lots of useful
resources and materials from landfill.
A History of Op Shops
It is almost 140 years since the humble opportunity
shop, usually referred to as an ‘op shop’ first
came into existence in Australia. Originally started
in 1880 by the Salvation Army, these recycling
depots were set up to assist men who needed
assistance when they were released from prison.
While collecting, sorting and baling waste paper
was the first material to be dealt with by the
Salvos, it wasn’t long before sales of clothing
and textiles, donated by those who no longer
required them, were sold to those less fortunate.
Over time many other household items were also
included in their offerings.
Today, some op shops provide significant funds
for the charities that operate them. While they
have often started out small with the best
intentions to help people in need or make the
world a better place – they have wound up
turning a significant profit through embracing
social enterprise.
In Australia, there are now many registered
charities that operate op shops, including groups
such as Mission Australia, St Vincent de Paul,
Epilepsy Australia, Vision Australia, Australian
Red Cross and the RSPCA that operate within the
social enterprise realm.
With fast fashion ensuring that there is high
turnover of items in consumer’s wardrobes,
the result is that people with the means to
Op shops provide a service to locals and
travellers alike. They come in all shapes and
sizes – from the tiny local hospital auxiliary
shop through to the larger Salvos or Vinnies
warehouses. There are those that specialise high
fashion and vintage fashions while others focus
on providing for the needs of their community.
We hope you enjoy the opportunity to visit the
op shops of our region and share with us your
favourite op shop finds on our Facebook and
Instagram pages.
Happy op shopping!
purchase the latest trends often will do so,
leaving unwanted items in charity bins around
the country.
This means that people can furnish their homes
or clothe their families for a relatively small
amount of money, providing the basic creature
comforts that every Australian should be
afforded at the smallest of price tags, all while
supporting a community organisation through
the positive power of social enterprise.
Op shops have also thrived with the rise of
many sub-cultures within Australian society
including hipsters, punk and hippies, who are
often considered ‘reactive sub-cultures’ pushing
against society trends, fashions or norms.
Despite many changes in the way we purchase
goods, and with online shopping making it
easier to purchase with a ‘click’, the future of op
shops is not only secure but is likely to thrive in
the years to come. The increasingly disposable
nature of society and the desire for people to be
‘on trend’ will keep op shop shelves stocked for
many years to come.
Our diverse culture, keen eye for a bargain
and need to be ‘individual’ works in favour of
this iconic community institution as shoppers
continue to flock to opportunity shops across
the country in search of a treasure. The humble
Aussie Op Shop is as thriving a social enterprise
today, as it was over one hundred years ago.
Moorabool
Shire
Ballan
Steptoes Op Shop
111 Inglis Street, Ph: 5368 2768
Fri-Sat 9.30am-3.30pm

Opportunity on Inglis
159 Inglis Street, Ph: 0438 309 357
Mon-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-1pm

Thrifty Minx Op Shop and Café

25 Fisken Street, Ph: 0484 501 162

Tip
Tues-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-2pm

Bacchus Marsh 1. Check your choice of garment

before you purchase
Vinnies
While there are plenty of wonderful
8 Grant Street, Ph: 8199 4205
clothing items to be found at an
Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9am-4pm
op shop, not all of them have been
Salvos donated in pristine condition. Small
120a Main Street, Ph: 5367 5208 faults can be hard to spot and
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm overlooked by op shop staff, which
is why we sometimes find damaged
Bacchus Marsh Hospital Op Shop clothes for sale on the shop floor.
Gell Street Carpark, Ph: 5367 3008 Faults in clothing do not need to be a
Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm, Sat 9.30am-12pm problem, if you can mend it, remove
the stain, or refashion the piece into
Silver Lining Op Shop
something else. But it can be a waste
Holts Lane, Darley, Ph: 5367 6550
of money if you cannot do that.
Wed-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-1pm
Tip: Check the zippers, seams and
The Vintage Loft look for small holes, tears or stains
99a Main Street, Ph: 0418 570 948 on the whole garment.
Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun 10am-3pm

4 | Op Shop Adventures
Golden Plains
Shire
Rokewood
Berringa Op Shop
20 Berringa Road
Sat 10am-12 pm

Meredith
St Joeys Op Shop
28 Lawler Street
Email: stjoeysoppy@gmail.com & on Facebook
Wed 10am-4pm, Fri 10am-4pm

Bannockburn
St Johns Op Shop
38 High Street, Ph: 5281 2553
Tues-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm
Tip
2. Shop midweek
Most people clean out their wardrobes
and cupboards on weekends, which
means their donations are often
delivered on a weekend as well. By
the time the material is checked and
cleared for sale it will be mid week
– which means the best stuff is
probably hitting the racks and shelves
around Wednesday.
Tip: Not only is the newer stock most
likely to hit the floor in the middle of
the week, it is often quieter for op
shopping and often the time op shops
will have sales. Yes, even second-hand
stores go on sale!

6 | Op Shop Adventures
Ballarat
Alfredton Ballarat Hospice Care Op Shop
33 Little Bridge Street, Ph: 5331 9810
Vinnies Alfredton Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm
1824 Sturt Street, Ph: 5334 2234
Mon-Sat 9am-5pm Ballarat Hospice Care Op Shop
723 Sturt Street, Ph: 5331 3743
Mon-Fri 10am-4pm
Ballarat
Red Cross Op Shop
Bargain Browser 6 Sturt Street, Ph: 5331 1671
10 Eastwood Street, Ph: 5332 2533 Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm
Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm, Sat 9am-1pm
Salvation Army Thrift Shop
Vinnies Ballarat 204 Creswick Road, Ph: 5337 0600
60 Bridge Mall, Ph: 5332 6759 Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm
St Johns Church Hall
Ballarat Red Cross 607 Lydiard Street Nth, Ph: 5333 4723
406 Sturt Street, Ph: 5331 1671 Wed-Fri 10am-3pm
Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 9am-1.30pm
St Peters Church
Bridge Mall Salvos 1309 Sturt Street, Ph: 5332 3929
86 Bridge Mall, Ph: 5332 2320 Fri 10am-3.30pm,
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-5pm in Winter months 10am-2.30pm

Light Lounge Opportunity Shop (Uniting Care) Wardrobe Green

105 Dana Street, Ph: 5337 2765
Mon-Fri 10am-4.30pm, Sat 10.30am-2.30pm
Lifeline Lydiard Street
128 Lydiard Street, Ph: 5332 3999
Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-12.30pm
upstairs at Hattie and the Wolf
218 Skipton Street, Ph: 0429 852 438
Wed-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm
That Little Vintage Shop
13 Main Road, Ph: 0425 731 639
Wed 11am-5pm, Thurs-Fri 11am-5.30pm,
Sat 11am-3pm

Wozzles Warehouse Ballarat

11 Grenville Street, Ph: 5331 8361
Mon-Fri 10am-4.30pm, Sat 9am-12pm

8 | Op Shop Adventures
Tip
3. Know your labels and style
One of the things that you can pick up
on pretty quickly at op shops are the
quality fashion labels. These can be
some of the best clothing investments
that you will ever make. Designer
pieces are usually made with good
quality fabric and are often made to
last. If you know your style, what suits
you and what you feel comfortable in
you’ll be able to see at a glance if an
item is right for you. However, do not
get carried away with the latest fashion
style – just because something is in
fashion, doesn’t mean it’s stylish or will
look good.
Tip: Keep your favourite labels in mind
and check out the styling to make sure
it suits you.
Delacombe Sebastopol
Uniting Ballarat Op Shop Vinnies
899 La Trobe Street, Ph: 5336 1471 4 Albert Street, Ph: 5335 7466
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-3pm

Wozzles Warehouse Sebastopol

Brown Hill
Brown Hill Uniting Church Op Shop
behind the Church
286A Humffray Street Nth, Ph: 5332 6751
Thurs-Fri 9.30am-12.30pm
5/58-60 Albert Street, Ph: 5379 9348
Mon-Fri 10am-4.30pm, Sat 9am-12pm
Salvos Store
Cnr Beverin & Gray Streets, Ph: 5336 1698
Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm, Sat 9am-5pm

Wendouree
Bargain Browser
1245 Howitt Street, Ph: 5339 1526
Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm, Sat 10am-2pm

Tip
Eureka Chapel (EC) Op Shop
9 College Road,Ph: 4343 1168
Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
Restore: Uniting Care Op Shop
1323 Howitt Street, Ph: 5339 6903
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm
Salvation Army Thrift Shop
1113 Norman Street, Ph: 5339 3173
Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
Salvos Store
225 Howitt Street, Ph: 5338 1629
Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm, Sat 9am-1pm
St Matthews Church
Cnr Howitt & Forest Streets,
Ph: 5339 1657
Wed-Fri 9.30am-3pm
Vinnies Wendouree
1255 Howitt Street, Ph: 5339 4817
Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10-4pm
Wozzles Warehouses Wendouree
1231 Howitt Street, Ph: 5338 2817
Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-12.30pm
4. Invest in a sewing machine
If you don’t own a sewing machine,
maybe it is the time to get one. The
ability to make a minor adjustment
on a second-hand clothing purchase
will open up a whole new world of op
shopping and a whole lot of creativity.
A simple hem modification, length
adjustment or taking in a garment
is relatively easy to do without
training and will mean you no longer
have to reject clothing that is not
quite your size.
Tip: There is no need to rush out and
buy a brand new sewing machine.
Check with friends and family to find
out if they have a machine that is no
longer used but still in working order.
Otherwise try market places such
as eBay, Gumtree and Facebook for
second-hand machines.

Wozzles Warehouse
1011 Howitt Street, Ph: 5339 9166
Mon 12pm-3pm, Tues-Fri 10am-3pm,
Sat 10am-1pm

10 | Op Shop Adventures
 Hepburn
Shire
Daylesford Trentham
Daylesford Community Op Shop St Mary Magdalen Catholic Church
6 Mink Street, Ph: 5348 4087 1 Bridge Street, Ph: 5424 1275
Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 10am-2pm Wed & Sat 10am-3pm

MS Community Shop Trentham Tip Shop

4 Duke Street, Ph: 5348 3988 Cosmo Road, Ph: 5348 2306
Mon-Fri 10am-4.30pm, Sat 10am-1pm Wed & Sat-Sun 9am-5pm

Salvos Shop
1&2 22-24 Howe Street, Ph: 5348 2720 Creswick
Mon-Sat 9am-5pm
Recycle Central Op Shop
Vinnies Daylesford Town Hall Caretakers Cottage
28 Howe Street, Ph: 5348 3862 2 Water Street, Ph: 5345 1374
Mon 10am-4pm, Tues-Fri 9am-5pm, Fri 11am-4pm, Sat-Sun 11am-3.30pm
Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-3pm
Creswick Tip Shop
Daylesford Tip Shop Ring Road, Ph: 5348 2306
Ajax Road, Ph: 5348 2306 Mon, Thurs & Fri 12pm-5pm,
Mon-Sun 9am-5pm (except Wed) Sat-Sun 9am-5pm

12 | Op Shop Adventures
Tip
5. Dedicate time to op shopping
While we are all time poor, planning your op shop trip
means you will be better placed to find that new piece.
Rushing through an op shop during your lunch break,
or a quick peek in your local charity shop whilst making
a quick dash to the Post Office can mean that you will
miss the best of what is on offer. You’ll also be in the
right frame of mind and have time to rummage. If you
have time and there are several op shops in your area,
maybe make a day of it with a friend.
Tip: You can use a site like OpShop.Org to find op shops
in your area (or anywhere you are visiting). You can
check their ratings etc. This way you might find some
small, out of the way op shops or hidden gems.
Central Goldfields
Shire
Maryborough
Maryborough Thrift Store
82 Alma Street, Ph: 5461 4074
Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm, Sat 9am-12pm

Scout Op Shop
82 High Street
Mon-Fri 10am-4pm

Vinnies
54 High Street, Ph: 5460 4871

Tip
Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 9am-3pm

6. Don’t just stick to your

gender or age
Op shop staff have a lot of stock to
sort through and not a lot of time, so
clothes can end up in odd places. A
thorough treasure hunt should involve
searching all sections of a charity shop
– children’s wear, men’s, women’s,
and all sizes.
Tip: Be prepared to be disappointed
sometimes – not every op shop visit
will yield a treasure.

14 | Op Shop Adventures
 Pyrenees
Shire
Beaufort
Beaufort Op Shop
17 Havelock Street, Ph: 5349 2376
Mon-Fri 10am-4pm

Tip
Beaufort and District Op Shop
31 Neil Street, Ph: 5349 2771
Wed-Sun 9am-5pm
7. Look for quality
Just because you are buying second-
hand, doesn’t mean you have to skimp
on quality. If it is great quality then you
can do something with it; if the fabric is
awful, it doesn’t matter how well it fits,
it is isn’t worth it
Tip: Do your research, check labels
and understand fabric and it’s care.
A bit of work up front will pay
dividends in the end.
 Ararat
Ararat
Save the Children
198-200 Barkly Street, Ph: 5352 1264
Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 9.30am-12pm

YMCA Opportunity Shop

22-24 Lambert Street, Ph: 5352 7337
Mon-Sat 9.30am-4.30pm

Vinnies
264 Barkly Street, Ph: 5352 5560
Mon-Thurs 10am-4pm, Fri 10am-2pm, Sat 10am-12pm

Salvation Army Thrift Shop & Community Centre

Cnr High & Vincent Streets, Ph: 5352 2720
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Community Op Shop
266 Barkly Street, Ph: 5352 3879
Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm

Willaura Op Shop
34 Main Street
Tues, Thurs & Sat 10am-12pm,

Tip
Fri 2pm-4pm

8. It takes time to find a bargain

Can’t be bothered flicking through
the crammed racks in your local op
shop? Then it’s unlikely you’re going
to walk away with luxury designer
goods for a few dollars. Stamina
separates those who leave their local
op shop disappointed after a quick
peek, to those who can rattle off a list
of their best buys quicker than their
phone number.
Tip: Build up your stamina – good op
shopping is like any sport, you need
to be ‘match fit’.

16 | Op Shop Adventures
Northern Grampians
Shire
Stawell St Arnaud
The Pickers Mart Vinnies
62 Longfield Street, Ph: 5358 5075 35 Napier Street, Ph: 5495 3100
7 days a week, 10am-5pm Mon-Fri 9am-4pm

Salvos Op Shop Evolve Op Shop

31-35 Wimmera Street, Ph: 5358 4072 118 Sunraysia Highway, Ph: 0407 349 607
Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm

St Patricks Parish Centre Recycle Store

163 Main Street
Tues-Fri 10am-3pm

Stawell Opportunity Shop

165 Main Street, Ph: 5358 5614
Mon-Fri 9am- 4pm

Tip 9. Keep going back

Chances are you won’t find that
designer label bag or shoes or that
vintage chair on your first visit but
you might once you get to know which
stores carry the best furniture and
you keep checking in without the
expectation of finding anything.

18 | Op Shop Adventures
 Horsham
Horsham
Shabby2Chic
2/8 Selkirk Drive
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm

Red Cross
120 Firebrace Street
Mon-Tues 9.30am-5pm, Wed 9.30am-4.30pm
Thurs-Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat 9.30am-1pm

Salvos
Lynnot Street, Ph: 5382 1681
Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 9am-12pm

Salvos
81 Firebrace Street, Ph: 5382 5784
Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 9am-12pm

Horsham PAWS
45 Firebrace Street, Ph: 0447 397 880
Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm

Vinnies
7-9 David Street, Ph: 5382 4003
Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm

WBH Ladies Auxiliary Op Shop

25A Darlot Street, Ph: 5381 2612
Mon-Fri 10am-4pm,
Sat 9.30am-12.30pm
Tip
10. Look for shoes with slight defects
It is not difficult to get a shoe resoled,
and while you’ll end up spending an
extra $20 to do so, it’s usually still
better than buying a designer shoe at
full price. If you know the cost of good
quality shoes then that extra bit of
maintenance to fix a heel will be
worth it.
Tip: Don’t be put off by small defects –
especially if they are not hard to fix.

20 | Op Shop Adventures
Yarriambiack
Shire
Murtoa Rupanyup
Beulah Flutterbys Rupanyup Tip Shop
52 Phillip Street, Ph: 5390 2378 Dyer Street
Wed-Thurs 1.30pm-4.30pm, Fri 10-4pm Wed 9am-12pm, Sun 1pm-4pm

Murtoa Op Shop
15 McDonald Street, Ph: 5385 2280 Warracknabeal
Tues 2pm-4.30pm, Fri 9am-11am & 2pm-4.30pm
Wheatlands Warehouse
Murtoa Tip Scott Street, Ph: 5394 1231
Tip Road Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-12pm,
Tues 8am-12pm, Thurs & Sun 1pm-5pm Sun 1pm-4.30pm

Antique and Second Hand Store

Hopetoun 140 Scott Street, Ph: 0429 981 154
Mon-Fri 9-12 & 1pm-5pm, Sat 9am-12pm
Hopetoun Op Shop
Toole Street Brian’s Bric a Brac
Wed-Fri 1.30pm-5pm 83 Scott Street, Ph: 5398 1314
7 days a week, 9am-5pm
Hopetoun Tip Shop
Tip Road Second Time Around Neighbourhood House
Tues 10am-12pm, Thurs 2pm-5pm, 2 Cox Street
Sun 1.30pm-5.30pm Mon-Thurs 9am-4pm, Fri 9am-2pm

Warrracknabeal Tip Shop

Minyip Tip Road
Tues, Fri & Sat 8am-12pm,
Minyip Op Shop Wed, Thurs & Sun 1pm-5pm
Main Road
Wed 1.30am-3.30pm, Fri 1.30am-4pm,
2nd & 4th of the month Sat 10am -12pm Woomelang
When Opportunity Knocks
28 Gloucester Road, Ph: 0428 850 760
Wed 10am-1pm, Thurs 2pm-5pm,
Fri 1pm-4pm, Sat 10am-12pm

22 | Op Shop Adventures
Tip
11. Think ahead
Grab a bargain when you see it! Great
buys won’t hang around for long and
every keen op shopper knows the
heartbreak of thinking they’ll go back
for something only to find it has been
snapped up by another eagle-eyed
treasure-seeker.
Strike when you can and think ahead
to the next season. If you see a pair
of beautiful leather boots but it’s the
middle of summer, buy them for winter
– they won’t be there when the winter
arrives. The same applies to children’s
clothing. Consider buying up to two
sizes larger for children and store until
they fit.
Tip: Planning ahead helps and make
sure you check out an item in good
light to spot any marks or stains.
 Hindmarsh
Shire
Dimboola
St Peters Lutheran
Women’s Guild Bargain Centre
104 Lloyd Street, Ph: 0408 159 560
Tues 10am-11am,
Thurs 9am-12pm, 1.30pm-4.30pm,
Fri 9am-12pm

Nhill Tip
12. Check out church/hospital
Lola’s Garage run op shops
54 Victoria Street While the large charity organisations
Message via Facebook have identified the op shop as a
Mon-Fri 12pm- 6pm fantastic retail opportunity for them
and their very worthy causes, it is often
Snappy Seconds the small scale op shop, tucked away
36-38 Victoria Street, Ph: 5391 1911 off the main street that has the best
Mon-Fri 10am-4.30pm bargains. ‘Little’ op shops often have
incredible finds. Seek them out, the
hospital or church auxiliaries and you
might just be amazed at what you find.
Tip: Not all op shops are equal – check
them all out and work out which ones
suit your style and budget.

24 | Op Shop Adventures
West Wimmera
Shire
Edenhope
Edenhope Anglican Church Op Shop
60 Wimmera Highway
Tues-Fri 10am-4pm

Kaniva
Salvation Army
58 Commercial Street, Ph: 5392 2304
Tues & Thurs 10am-3pm
Fri 11am-4pm

Tip
13. Learn the discounts
Some op shops have coloured ticketed
systems where certain colours will be
on sale at different times or they might
have 50% off the first Monday of every
month etc. Get to know how your op
shops operate.
Tip: Make sure you understand the
pricing system in your favourite
shop – this will help to guide your op
shopping days as well.
Notes

Tip
14. Have some fun!
Op shopping is a lot of fun and is
most definitely the cheapest form of
retail therapy. These days it is also
fun to tell people the story behind
your purchase – particularly if they
complement you on your outfit.
Tip: Remember to have fun – don’t
take it too seriously and never argue
with another customer over an item.

26 | Op Shop Adventures
 Tip 15. Know yourself
Before you enter any store, take
a step back and truly evaluate
your closet/household and your
capabilities. Will you be the person
to get something tailored? Or do have
a more bohemian style? Will you
actually wear a lime green tank top
in the middle of summer?
You definitely do not want to get
sucked into buying an item just
because it’s cheap – knowing what you
want beforehand can help you walk
away from those all-too-tempting
purchases.
Tip: Write your own set of rules for
op shopping and stick to them!

An easy way to check which Op Shops are nearby while you are travelling is with the
Australian Op Shop App. It is available for download on iTunes for iOS/Apple devices for
a small fee. The app uses the GPS on your device to tell you where the nearest shops
are, and help you find them.
Brought to you by:

M 0409 093 382

E info@gcwwrrg.vic.gov.au
W recyclingrevolution.com.au

28 | Op Shop Adventures