Secondhand clothing in the ‘O’ range at Salvos – funkier, original and big brand labels for shoppers on the hunt for their own unique style.
Story and photos by Linda Moon
Katoomba Street’s famous profile of eateries, quirky shops, cold-climate street plantings and cockatoos is ever changing. And the latest transformation favours the circular economy.
Key Points:
- Secondhand shops are booming in Katoomba and helping drive the circular economy.
- Katoomba has 20 different options for secondhand, thrift, vintage and antique shopping.
- Young people, environmental awareness and tougher economic times are helping fuel the trend.
- See our guide to all 20 Katoomba Op Shops, Antique & Secondhand Stores here >
In October, observant locals will have noticed that two popular op shops (Anglicare and the Salvos) have relocated into prime positions within the tourist town’s main street.
Cayte Moxom, area manager for the Salvation Army (Central West), says the relocation of Salvos (previously in Waratah Street) is about being bigger and more accessible to the public. The move also involves a transition of the store from family/church run to an arm of the Salvation Army.
Doors officially opened on Wednesday 25th October.
A few doors down, the Anglicare Op Shop is also benefitting from a new location. The busy 195 Katoomba Street store recently relocated to expand into a bigger space. It’s a sure sign the secondhand economy is thriving.
The new Anglicare Op Shop. Bigger and better with more floor, rack and shelf space and room to move.
Thriving Centre for Retro
Katoomba now offers 20 different options for secondhand shopping. Featuring something for different budgets and tastes, these include charity-based op shops, vintage options, antique centres and the free reuse shed at the Katoomba Resource Recovery and Waste Management Facility.
See our guide to all 20 Katoomba Op Shops, Vintage & Antique Stores >
“Although we’re competitors,” Moxom says, “the more charities you have, the more choice.”
The growing trade in vintage and secondhand is further establishing the town as a thriving centre for retro and originality.
Boom time for Op Shops. The new Salvos Op Shop in Katoomba Street, one of 20 secondhand shops in Katoomba.
Boom time for op shops
Moxom says the secondhand sector is growing in Katoomba and elsewhere. She attributes it to harder economic times and affordability factors plus greater interest in sustainability and avoiding fast fashion.
People are more interested in considering the environment and planet in their purchases, and doing good in their local community. We’re in a national park, we have the Planetary Health Initiative and a community committed to caring about the environment. – Cayte Moxom
The global market for secondhand apparel is predicted to almost double by 2027 (to $350 billion) according to a report by Thredup. In fact, it’s predicted to grow three times faster than that for new fashion. Which is great for the environment!
Synthetic textiles have become a big environmental problem, Moxom says. Petroleum-based fabrics, like acrylics, elastine, polyester and lycra, don’t break down. Thus, recyling and re-using fashion can help.
Katoomba local, 19-year-old Amy James, modelling clothing she purchased from Katoomba op shops.
Secondhand hits the mainstream
While once we may have felt shame in shopping at op shops, secondhand shopping is mainstream now, Moxom says. “The idea that people who shop in op shops can’t afford it is no longer true. Also, young people want a point of difference and don’t want to wear what everyone else is wearing.”
A study published by The Conversation found second-hand shopping associated more with style-consciousness than either frugality or environmental awareness.
Local outdoor guide, Amy James, in upcycled summer top she hand made from op shop ware.
Youth embracing secondhand
19-year-old Katoomba local, Amy James, is one of many young people who see worth in buying ‘pre-loved’ goods. About half her wardrobe is secondhand.
It’s cheaper; it’s better for the environment, it’s fun, a bit of a treasure hunt. You never know what you’ll find. It’s also inspiring thinking what you can make from it. – Amy James
Mirror, lanterns and chalk bag made by Amy James from trash and treasure purchased in op shops.
The joy of upcycling
Amy, who works as an outdoor guide, upcycles finds from secondhand and op shops into unique clothing and household decor items. She recently refashioned an old mirror using mosaic materials she made from smashed teapot saucers and cups, bits of stained glass and tiles found in secondhand shops. She also handcrafts table runners, pillowcases, mosaics, lanterns and belts (the latter are made from old ties).
Making her own chalk bag (used in the climbing industry) has saved her heaps. The chalk bags typically retail from between $20 to $70, she says. The creative climber made her own using recycled fabric and a friendship bracelet.
Amy plans to start a market stall and promote her unique, handcrafted items on Instagram at theclumsypenguinau.
Lovely hanging lantern made by Amy James using recycled jars from op shops.
Cancer Wellness Op Shop a recycling hero
Amy’s personal favourite for fossicking is the Cancer Wellness Op Shop in North Katoomba. “It has heaps of stuff,” she says.
A popular locals haunt, the op shop also won a coveted expert accreditation for “clothing reuse” from Charitable Recycling Australia (in 2023). The charity recycles a remarkable 95 per cent of all the goods it receives. It also donates unsaleable goods overseas.
Like other charitable thrift shops, most funds go towards local charities and thus feed back into the community.
Cancer Wellness Op Shop, Katoomba – a Blue Mountains favourite for secondhand shopping.
Take Action:
- Go op-shopping in Katoomba instead of buying new. See our full guide to all the stores here >
- Recycle old clothes that can’t be donated through BMCC’s Clothing and Textile Recycling Program
- Get together with friends to hold a clothes swap party to freshen up your wardrobe!
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
More from around the region
bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
Sep 7
Join Andris Heks, Yogic Psychotherapist, winner Best Actor, Blue Mountains, for his workshop to laugh as you never laughed before, as part of a movement to globalise people-bonding cheerfulness through kookaburra laughter contagion as an antidote to distressing world divisiveness.
Purchase your ticket here: https://events.humanitix.com/kookaburra-laughter-workshop
View the trailer and the GoFundMe page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/globalise-unconditional-love-through-kookaburra-laughter
Key event information:
- When? 10:15AM - 2:30PM, Sunday 4 October 2026 (1st day of Daylight Saving - 1 hour forward)
- Where? Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre, 33-39 Acacia St, Katoomba, NSW, 2780
- Fee? $60 or what you can afford
- Note: please bring your own lunch
What to expect:
- Learn how to stay cheerful for good
- Learning the funny, human emulated, communal kookaburra laughter and meditation
- How communal kookaburra laughter promotes bonding even amongst strangers
- The awesome native treasure of the laughing kookaburra phenomenon
- Why Kookaburra Yoga is the ‘most excellent of Yogas`
- How communal kookaburra laughter contagion boosts the subtle and gross national product
- How you could contribute to the kookaburra laughter contagion
This event is supported by Blue Mountains Planetary Health.
Purchase your ticket here: https://events.humanitix.com/kookaburra-laughter-workshop
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
Sep 2
Come along to the Planetary Health Centre this Saturday for the next Skill Share Saturdays event!
This weekend`s agenda:
8:30AM - 10AM | Learn how to use your sewing machine class with Sherlie McMillan
8:30AM | Planetary Health Cafe open, serving Good Fat Pastry and Whisk and Pin
9AM - 10AM | Tai Chi and Qigong class with Virginia Field
10AM - 12PM | Learn how to grow WITH the Upper Blue Mountain permaculture workshop with Leni from Alchemy Farms
10AM - 3PM | Fashion Upcycling Workshop with Sherlie McMillan
10:30AM - 12PM | Learn to make focaccia from scratch with Laura Zucchetti (no experience needed)
1:30PM - 4:30PM | Planetary Health Bushcare with Karen Hising
For more information and to purchase a ticket, please visit the website: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
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Does your business focus on sustainable produce, living or community?
We are seeking stallholders for our upcoming event ‘Plate to Planet: Blue Mountains Food Security Fair’, Saturday 10 October 2026.
This is an opportunity to promote your service, sell your products and engage with the community.
To find out more about being part of this event, please contact [email protected]
View the full event program here and register your place: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-2026-food-security-fair
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
Aug 14
Plate to Planet: Blue Mountains Food Security Fair 2026
📣HEADLINE SPEAKER📣
Our headline speaker is Julian Cribb AM – a renowned Australian science writer, journalist and author who has spent more than 50 years communicating science, agriculture, climate and global sustainability issues. He is the author of several influential books, including The Coming Famine (2010), Food or War (2019) and How to Fix a Broken Planet (2023), which explore the future of food systems, planetary health and humanity`s long-term survival.
He is widely recognised as one of Australia`s leading voices on global food security and sustainable development.
To register for his talk, and view the rest of the program, visit the website: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-2026-food-security-fair
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
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At our next Skill Share Saturdays event on Saturday 5th September, join Laura Zucchetti at 10:30am to learn how to make focaccia from scratch!
Come along for a 90 min class where you`ll mix, rest and stretch your own focaccia dough from start to finish, guided every step of the way. You’ll take home your dough to bake on the day in your own oven.
Sign up to this session, and view the other offerings on the day via this link: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
Aug 4
Plate to Planet: Blue Mountains Food Security Fair 2026
We are pleased to announce that the program and registration for Plate to Planet: Blue Mountains Food Security Fair 2026 is now live!
Follow this link to view the program and register your place: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-2026-food-security-fair
Key information:
When?
Saturday 10 October, 9AM - 4PM
Where?
Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre, Katoomba
Who is it for?
Families, gardeners, enthusiasts, community groups and businesses, anyone looking to learn about how to be more resilient through local and sustainable food systems.
What to expect?
Talks, workshops, demos, market stalls, family activities, music, food
Is there a cost?
Entry to the Fair and Markets is free. Talks and workshops are ticketed (both free and paid) and have limited capacity, so please register in advance.
Program highlights:
🌏Headline talk: The age of renewable Food – Julian Cribb AM
🎋Wild edibles foraging workshops – Diego Bonetto, Eat More Weeds
🏞️The importance of bioregions in uncertain times – Rowe Morrow, Permaculture Matters
🥒Home canning and food preservation workshop – Kirsty Berté, Permaculture Hawkesbury Valley
🏡Designing your own Permaculture Property – Leni Nyssen, Alchemy Farms
🍃Utilising what’s in front of you – Uncle Lex, The Ganya Shed
🪱How to worm farm - BMCC
🎸Live music by Olivia Dustmann
🌾Community crop and seed swap
Tickets are limited so please register your place now: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-2026-food-security-fair
We are also seeking stallholders for the event. If you are a grower, retailer, community organisation or business that would like to get involved, please reach out to [email protected]!
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
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Thank you to everyone that joined us at the Planetary Health Centre on Saturday for the first of our Skill Share Saturdays program!
The Centre was a hive of activity all day, and we heard from @alchemyfarms_permaculture, the @ediblegardentrailbluemountains team and Andy Mann. Also thanks to Sherlie McMillan from Greater Blue Mountains Rotary for teaching the Fashion Upcycling workshop, and Virginia Field for the Tai Chi and Qigong class.
The next event will be held on Saturday 1st August - you can register your place here: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
🖐Get involved!
Do you have a skill, program or interest that promotes planetary health that you`d be willing to share with members of the local community? We are looking for more workshop and session hosts for our future events.
Please get in touch, at [email protected]
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
Jun 15
Join us at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on the first Saturday of every month for Skill Share Saturdays!
Our July program includes:
- What to grow in a Blue Mountains climate
- Eating for Earth
- Tai Chi and Qigong
- Fashion upcycling and clothing reuse workshop
- How to get involved with the Edible Garden Trail
You are also welcome to bring any surplus seeds or produce for our Crop Swap, or wind down in the Planetary Health Cafe (until 2pm).
If you have a skill that you want to share, or any questions or queries, please contact [email protected]
Visit the website to view the full program of events and register your place.
https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
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Skill Share Saturdays: featured session!
Join Andy Mann, a 23 year old Lawson local, for their Eating for Earth session 🌏
Eating for Earth is a judgement-free plant-based educational workshop that all types of eaters are encouraged to attend. There will be a presentation about the environmental impact of diets, a discussion section, and best of all, food! The food will be fully plant-based.
Andy wants to help inform our passionate community about how we can better reduce dietary environmental impact.
The session will run from 11AM - 12PM on Saturday 4th July.
Other sessions include:
- What to grow in a Blue Mountains Climate
- Fashion Upcycling
- Tai Chi and Qigong
- Bushcare on the Planetary Health site
- How to get involved with the Edible Garden Trail
To register your place, visit our website: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
Jun 3
Save the date!
We’re excited to announce the second Blue Mountains Food Security Fair, taking place in Katoomba in October 2026.
This annual event will bring together growers, thinkers, makers, and community members to explore one of the most important challenges of our time: how we grow, share, and sustain food in a changing world.
Across the weekend, we’ll be exploring themes including:
- Healthy soil and regenerative systems
- Food and human health
- Plant-based food futures
- Home and community food resilience
- Water-sensitive and climate-adapted growing
- Indigenous food knowledge and systems
- School food systems
- Australia’s food procurement
- Global food security challenges
Expect a dynamic program of inspiring speakers, practical workshops, and hands-on experiences designed to leave you informed, empowered, and connected.
Key information
Date: Weekend of 10th October 2026
Location: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre, Katoomba, NSW
We’ll be announcing speakers and program details soon.
We are also inviting expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the program, host workshops, run a stall or partner with us.
Please reach out to [email protected] if you are interested!
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
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Do you struggle making the most of your veggie garden all year round?
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During the two-hour session, you`ll cover crop selection for different seasons, what to grow from seeds vs seedlings, frost and wind protection, and nurturing your soil with a seasonal cycle.
Register for this and other sessions as part of our Skill Share Saturdays program via this link: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
May 22
From Saturday 4 July, we are opening up the Planetary Health Centre for our monthly Skill Share Saturdays program: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
Throughout each day, you can expect to find a variety of sessions focused on restoring the health of the planet, in terms of the environment, community and economy.
Sessions at the first event include:
- What to grow in a Blue Mountains climate
- Plant-based eating
- Tai Chi and Qigong
- Fashion Upcycling and clothing reuse workshop
You are also welcome to bring any surplus seeds or produce for our Crop Swap, or wind down in the Planetary Health Cafe (until 2pm).
Visit the website to view the full program of events and register your place: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
Registrations essential.
We are also inviting expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the program - please reach out to [email protected] if you are interested!
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