The 11 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. 

Best for: Vintage gems

Time Out tip: While you’re in the suburb, head to nearby café 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.

After a much-needed facelift in late 2022, Vinnies Newtown is back and better than ever. 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 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.

Best for: awesome fancy dress outfits

Time Out tip: Once you've saved on your new look, it's time to head out – Newtown is home to some of Sydney's very best late-night spots (Pleasure Club is a Time Out favourite).

The Wayside Chapel is a Sydney institution, providing services and support to Sydney’s homeless population for over 60 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. 

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. 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. 

Best for: luxe clothing for less

Time Out tip: Vinnies Mosman is part of a 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 a more luxe Venla, so grab a coffee and baked goods from Berkelo and make a day of it.

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. 

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. 

Best for: an affordable wardrobe overhaul

Time Out tip: Their 'pay per kilo' bins are the perfect option for thrifty op shoppers who have an eye for potential, love to revamp and get creative with their looks. 

This unassuming op shop is easy to miss. However, regular shoppers who make the effort to visit the RESTORE are unlikely to leave disappointed. The exposed brick walls, wooden pallet shelving and vintage furnishings give the store an industrial-chic vibe more common in Newtown than Seven Hills and its stock is as stylish as its decor. We’re talking high street brands like Witchery, Tokito, Bardot, Trenery and Cue. It’s noticeably tailored towards women’s fashions, though there’s a selection of men’s clothes and shoes, plus kids' duds. You’ll find most (non-designer) stock ranges from $5-$15.

We found treasures like a Third Millennium crimson slip dress for a very reasonable $90 (RRP $399) and other treasures without tags for less than a tenner.

Best for: women's fashion

Time Out tip: The shop has an excellent range of women’s jeans, helpfully arranged by size. 

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. 

Best for: homewares

Time Out tip: Brookvale is home to some of Sydney's best breweries – we'd suggest swinging by Bucketty's, 4 Pines or 7th Day Brewey for a celebratory post-shop schooner. 

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. 

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. 

Best for: kitting out your new home

Time Out tip: This one requires a roadtrip for most Sydneysiders, so stop by Parramatta for an excellent feed if you're coming from the city.

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. 

Best for: wacky treasures

Time Out tip: While you’re here, meander down into Newtown for a whole lot of delights. 

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. 

Best for: formal outfits

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