Store interior at Wayside Op Shop Potts Point
Photograph: Anna Kucera
Photograph: Anna Kucera

The 10 best op shops and thrift stores in Sydney

Stay stylish and save money (and the environment) by shopping second hand at Sydney's best op shops and thrift stores

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Listen up, thrifty folk – if you’re on the hunt for the best op shops in Sydney, look no further. 

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the rising cost of living and growing climate anxiety, shopping secondhand is the perfect place for you to be. Affordable, fresh and always surprising, op shopping is better for your wallet, better for the Earth, and (arguably) better for your style. 

That said, it's tough to decipher which op shops in Sydney are worth the trip or best to skip. Between just Salvos and Vinnies alone, there are more than a thousand stores across the country, and with one or the other on most high streets, it’s hard to know where to start. 

Whether you're coming from the north, south, east or west, we have you covered with our comprehensive guide to the best Vinnies, Red Cross and Salvos stores in Sydney city that you may (or may not) have heard of. Picked by an expert for their cheap prices and quality clothes and furniture offerings, all of these op shops are stacked with treasures that you've got to see to believe. 

Whether you’re after secondhand furniture, vintage threads, or a brand-new wardrobe for beautiful prices, peruse our pick of the ten best op shops Sydney has to offer. 

After all, as Peter Allen once sang, everything old is new again. 

Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.

Stay thrifty with our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney right now and then keep in an ethical state of mind with a trip to one of the coolest independent clothes stores in Sydney.

The best op shops in Sydney

  • Shopping
  • Op shops
  • Dulwich Hill

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.

Holly Edwards
Contributor
  • Shopping
  • Op shops
  • Potts Point

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. 

With donations from the Uber-chic residents of Potts Point and Kings Cross, we’ve spotted new Ugg Slippers for just $20 and a silk Sandro Dress for the wild sum of $120. Plus, an abundance of knee-high leather boots and other glam pieces that will ensure you’re the sartorial showstopper of the Inner East. If you’re a merch collector, or need a caffeine hit after traipsing through the store, you can head next door to the Wayside Chapel Low Cost Cafe where you can grab a coffee and some cute tees and totes for a good cause. 

Holly Edwards
Contributor
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  • Shopping
  • Op shops
  • Punchbowl

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. 

Holly Edwards
Contributor
  • Shopping
  • Op shops
  • Mosman

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.

Holly Edwards
Contributor
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  • Shopping
  • Op shops
  • Brookvale

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. 

Holly Edwards
Contributor
  • Shopping
  • Op shops
  • Enmore

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. 

Holly Edwards
Contributor
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  • Shopping
  • Op shops
  • Newtown

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.

Holly Edwards
Contributor
  • Shopping
  • Op shops
  • Glebe

When you’re done perusing the Markets at Glebe, and have grabbed a coffee from the Wedge, mosey on over to Vinnies GlebeSmall 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. 

Holly Edwards
Contributor
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  • Shopping
  • Op shops
  • Newtown

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. 

Holly Edwards
Contributor
  • Shopping
  • Op shops
  • Minchinbury

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?

Holly Edwards
Contributor

Stay thrifty with our pick of the city's best happy hours

  • Cocktail bars
  • Sydney
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

The CBD’s Mexican cantina Centro 86 knocks out $12 Spicy Margs and $7 Angel Oro lagers from Tuesday to Saturday, 4-6pm. Centro’s Margs are made with tequila, a house-made spicy rattlesnake spirit, lime and passionfruit. Warning: they may bite.

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney
  • Surry Hills
  • price 2 of 4

Like the sound of $2 freshly shucked oysters from NSW’s finest estuaries paired with a $6 G&T as a knockoff? Us too. Come along to this Surry Hills gem and get both from Monday to Saturday, 4-6pm. Plus, get $6 beers, $10 wines and $14 seasonal Spritzes. Yeehaw!

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney
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  • Cocktail bars
  • Surry Hills

We’re Big Fans of Bar Conte, Sydney’s only dedicated Negroni bar. It’s got a warm, cosy vibe, with brilliant art and on-point Negronis. And we also love the happy hour, where snacks – focaccia, spice-roasted nuts or marinated olives – start from $4. When can you get this? Good question. Monday to Friday, 4-6pm. Plus, cocktails are from $12. See you there.

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney
  • Bars
  • Sydney

Found on the ground level of the very schmick Shell House, Menzies Bar is one of our favorite places in town for a knock-off drink. Thanks to a great happy hour, you can get a taste of the high life without the big bill. Think: cracking Mini Martinis and fresh lobster rolls, both for ten bucks each, available Tuesday to Saturday from 4-6pm.

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney
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  • Cocktail bars
  • Newtown
  • price 2 of 4

Feel like a drink on a school night? Head to Newtown’s celestial Martini den Bar Planet where $12 Martinis are poured all night long on Mondays. They go down a treat alongside the smashable salty-spicy popcorn.

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney
  • Pubs
  • Enmore
  • price 2 of 4

Head on over to Enmore's Queens Hotel where you can snap up cheap drinks weekdays from 5-7pm. We're talking $7 tap schooners, house wine and spirits. And if you needed any reason to stay out on the weekend, Queens also has a late-night happy hour peddling $7 schooners, house wine and spirits from 10pm to midnight, on Fridays and Saturdays.

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney
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  • Cocktail bars
  • The Rocks
  • price 2 of 4

Maybe Sammy AKA the World's Best Bar (yes, it seriously is – you can read about it here) has a happy hour every Tuesday to Saturday from 4.30-5.30pm pouring Mini Martinis at $7. We're not saying that you can have three, but we're also not not saying that.

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney
  • Modern Australian
  • Surry Hills

It's hard to pick a favourite happy hour, but if we had to, Jane would be up there at the top. Take a seat at the sexy bar and make the most of $8 Australianos, $12 Martinis, $6 VBs and more (and admire the '70s-inspired coasters). The $15 lamb dumplings, with saltbush, chilli and cool yogurt, are a must-order.

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney
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  • Darlinghurst
  • price 2 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Love, Tilly Devine has been quenching Sydneysiders' thirst with natural wines since it opened down a Darlinghurst laneway in 2010. But the team (also behind Ragazzi and Palazzo Salato) are not resting on their laurels and good rep: the wine bar has undergone a freshen-up and welcomed a new menu. To celebrate, Love, Tilly Devine now has a happy hour running Monday to Saturday from 5-6pm. Come for $10 Mini Martinis and Negronis, $10 mystery wine, $8 sardine sambos and more.

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney
  • Wine bars
  • Rushcutters Bay
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Have you been to Vermuteria yet? If not, you really should. This red-hued old-school bar has more charm than Matthew McConaughey’s character in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. And if you come between 5 and 6pm, you can get drinks from $9, and snacks from $12.

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney
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