Sal Isaksen, owner of Sal-On in Katoomba, is also a sustainable stylist and wardrobe consultant.
Story and photos by Linda Moon
With 20 secondhand ‘shops’ to explore, including funky vintage and op shops, iconic Blue Mountains town, Katoomba, is a growing hub for the circular economy. This comprehensive guide explains what’s on offer where and how to donate your unwanted stuff to help tackle the waste problem.
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Interactive Map
Hover over the map (or click on mobile) to see details of each store. Click here to view the map full screen.
Charitable Op Shops
1. Steven Walter Children’s Cancer Research Garden Cottage Warehouse
Address: 58 Megalong St, Katoomba
Open hours: Wed – Sat 10am-3pm
Contact: (02) 4782 7591
What’s for sale
Operating as the warehouse for the above, the main attraction is the sprawling outdoor area. It’s filled with interesting outdoor furniture including bargain outdoor settings, tables, pots, plants, garden art plus household furniture and more. The inside of the house is a warren of rooms housing secondhand furniture, homewares, knick-knacks, paintings, books, picture frames, CDs, DVDs, records, old lighting, kids stuff and more.
Getting there:
The Garden Cottage Warehouse is located within the industrial zone of Katoomba. From Lovel street, Katoomba (the street running along the train line between South Katoomba to Leura), turn left into Wilson street, then right into Megalong street before you hit Bunnings.
How to donate goods:
Bring them in during opening hours to either of the Steven Walter stores.
2. Anglicare Op Shop
Address: 103 Katoomba Street
Open Hours: Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri 9.30am-5pm; Tue 10am-5pm; Sat 10am-4pm; Sun 10am-3pm
Contact: (02) 8774 7467
Website: www.facebook.com/KatoombaOpShop/
What’s for sale:
Pre-loved items including clothing and accessories, manchester, books, records, furniture, homewares, furniture, bric-a-brac and toys. The new change-rooms are as roomy as anything you’d find in a upmarket boutique, if not better. Profits go back into the community. For those struggling with food costs, there’s a Food Pantry. For $12 locals can fill a bag with basic food staples like cereals, pasta, rice, passatta, noodles and canned tomatoes.
Getting there:
Now in a new, bigger and better location, Anglicare is situated in the centre of the Katoomba street shopping strip.
How to donate goods:
Anglicare accepts a wide variety of quality goods. Generally speaking, they don’t accept electrical items or helmets. Bring items in while the shop is open. For bulk or large donations, there’s delivery access at the rear of the shop.
3. Blue Mountains & District (BMD) Cat Welfare Op Shop
Address: 114 Bathurst Rd Katoomba
Open Hours: 7 days a week 10am-4pm
Contact: 0414 953 992
Website: https://www.bmdcatwelfare.com.au/op-shop-bmd-cat-welfare.html
What’s for sale?
Well-priced clothing, art, shoes, books, DVDs, LPs, purses, jewellery, homewares, collectibles and bric-a-brac. Due to space limitations, the focus is on higher quality items, so it’s well worth a browse. The store relies totally on the work of volunteers. All sales go towards helping, desexing and rehoming abandoned or homeless cats in need, which also reduces their impact on the environment.
Getting there:
The BMD Cat Welfare Op Shop is across from the rail station and cab rank (on the shop side of Katoomba).
How to donate goods:
Come in business hours. Avoid leaving goods on the doorstep. The shop particularly welcomes donations of cat food, litter trays and cat litter. It generally doesn’t accept electricals and can’t take large items. It also doesn’t take things with fur, knives or other dangerous items, second-hand underwear, socks, or swimwear, opened toiletries and cosmetics or discoloured or damaged books or videos.
4. Cancer Wellness Support, Katoomba Op Shop
Address: 2/27 Whitton St, North Katoomba
Open hours: Mon – Fri 9.30am-4.30pm; Sat 9.30am-3pm
Contact: (02) 4784 2297 Email: katoombaopshop@cancersupport.org.au
Website: www.cancersupport.org.au/katoomba-op-shop/
What’s for sale:
Second-hand furniture, clothing, shoes, books, CDs, homewares, kitchenware, electrical and white goods, art, vintage items, linen, bric-a-brac, luggage, camping gear and more. “We will sell virtually everything that’s not life endangering,” says manager, Deb Foster. Most clothing items are sold using a simple pricing structure: $5 for all tops, pants, jeans and shorts; $3 for t-shirts; $10 for winter jackets; $10 for all dresses regardless of label. Books are mostly a buck each. “We keep prices low,” Deb says.
In 2023, the shop was awarded “clothing reuse expert accreditation” from Charitable Recycling Australia. 95 per cent of unsold stock is recycled. Strategies to reduce waste include a ‘free table’ and bagging stuff for overseas or the council recycling depot. Proceeds support local people living with cancer by subsidising complimentary therapies. A locals favourite, the Cancer Wellness Op Shop also won WSABE 2022 winner of Excellence in Social Enterprise. “We try to be community-oriented,” Deb says.
Getting there:
Cancer Wellness Support is located in North Katoomba near Dance Dymension and has free car parking. While away from the main drag, it’s always bustling.
How to donate goods:
Bring them in before 4pm Monday to Friday or prior to 2pm on Saturday, but nothing faulty or unusable. “If you would buy it, it’s fine for donating,” Deb says. They offer furniture pick up and delivery every Tuesday and Wednesday (from Lawson to Mount Victoria).
5. Cat Defence Network Charity Shop
Address: 71 Waratah Street Katoomba
Open hours: Depending on volunteers, usually 10am-3pm, 7 days a week
Contact: Email catdefence@gmail.com or speak with a volunteer in the shop
Website: www.catdefencenetwork.org.au/cdn-katoomba-charity-shop
What’s for sale:
Bargain price secondhand and new, unused donated goods marked well below retail price. From hand cream, perfume and hand towels to jewellery, dog and kids toys, you’re bound to find a treasure or more. There’s also ornaments, clothing, kitchenware, books, CDs, manchester and stationery. All profits go towards supporting CDN cats (mostly desexing and helping injured street cats). To get desexing assistance, call in at the shop. Or call and leave a message on 0434 165 355.
Getting there:
At the bottom roundabout of the Katoomba Street shops, turn left into Waratah Street. Cat Defence is across the road just past Vinnies.
How to donate goods:
Bring donations in when the shop is open. A small shop, Cat Defence doesn’t accept or sell furniture, electricals and anything made of bone, fur or feathers. At the time of writing they were also not taking clothing. To avoid waste they will refer items to other shops and put out a ‘free box’ from time to time.
6. Salvos
Address: 89 Katoomba St, Katoomba
Open hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm
Website: www.salvationarmy.org.au
Contact: (02) 4782 2080
What’s for sale:
Laid out like an all-in-one shopping centre, you’ll find dedicated sections for men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, handbags, shoes, children’s clothing and toys. A back room houses furniture, mattresses, linen, manchester and other furnishings. Upstairs are homewares, books, DVDs, CDs, electrical items (all tagged and tested). Prices cater to all budgets. The ‘O’ By Salvos range, for instance, features designer brands and unusual, standout designs.
“It’s all about funky and original,” explains Luke, the store manager. Salvos actively try to keep prices reasonable. You can score a Calvin Klein shirt here for $10 or a Tommy Hilfiger jumper for $6. Today, the most expensive clothing item in the store is $20. Shopping here is roomy and enjoyable. The plush, spacious change-rooms include a wheelchair accessible one. A Christian organisation, profits help fund charitable services and activities.
Upstairs at Salvos Katoomba – bargain homewares, books, CDs and more, to browse.
Getting there:
Salvos has just relocated from Waratah street into the hub of Katoomba street, a few doors away from Anglicare.
How to donate goods:
Salvos prefers donations during business hours, taken through their front door, but will open the back door for larger items when required. Items must be in good saleable condition. Donated mattresses must be in perfect condition. Unlike many other thrift stores, they accept electricals. For large items call the shop. Salvos do furniture collections.
They don’t accept computer monitors, printers, scanners and other hardware, building materials, car parts, waterbeds, CRT TVs (the old tube style), paint or chemicals, pressurised gas bottles, weapons (including replicas) or taxidermy animals.
7. Steven Walter Children’s Cancer Research Boutique Op Shop
Address: 150 Bathurst Rd, Katoomba
Open hours: Mon – Fri 9.30am-4.30pm; Sat 10am-3pm; Sun 10am-2pm
Contact: (02) 4782 7591
Website: www.facebook.com/stevenwalterfoundation
What’s for sale
Quality shoes, clothing, jewellery, collectable books, jewellery, ornaments, knick-knacks, linen, furniture, hats, kids clothing and toys, DVDs, CDs, books and vintage furniture. Also sunglasses and reading glasses. For larger size wear check out the ‘Goddess’ rack. The misleading entrance leads into a mushrooming expanse of well-organised rooms and sections. In the entry there’s a bargain $1 rack. All clothing is washed and rugs professionally cleaned prior to sale. 83 per cent of audited funds go to children’s hospitals and children’s cancer research.
Getting there:
From the Great Western Highway, turn right at the roundabout just after you cross the railway bridge. The shop is on the left before Todarellos.
How to donate goods:
Bring quality goods in during opening hours to either 58 Megalong street or their warehouse below. They don’t take electrical items.
8. Sweet Charity Op Shop, Junction 142
Address: 142 Katoomba St Katoomba
Open hours: Thur – Sat 10am-4pm
Contact: (02) 4782 7458
Website: junction142.org.au
What’s for sale
Slightly higher end (they don’t stock Kmart and Woolworths brands, for instance) secondhand items including clothing, shoes, books, CDs, DVDs, homewares, knick-knacks and jewellery. The store occasionally receives donations of new, unused goods from excess stock or closing down shops. They recently rescued shoes from Thompsons (currently for sale) destined for the tip. Profits support services to locals in need, including free hampers, clothing, showers, laundry services and more.
Getting there
An activity of Leura Uniting Church and the community, Sweet Charity Op Shop is located at the back of Katoomba Uniting Church.
How to donate goods:
Sweet Charity Op Shop accepts donated items (except for electricals, kitchen ware, underwear, children’s clothing and toys). They’d love more jewellery and quality clothing fabrics (like linen and wool). Deliver items during opening hours. It’s possible to drive into the carpark. Donations, including clothing needs to be decent and quality. No stains or holes. “We’re big on dignity here,” says store manager, Rachel Perkins.
9. Vinnies
Address: 65-67 Waratah St, Katoomba
Open hours: Mon – Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm
Contact: (02) 4782 1068
Website: www.vinnies.org.au/nsw/shops/katoomba
What’s for sale:
Secondhand clothing, shoes, fashion accessories, books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, toys, jewellery, knick-knacks, kitchenware, household items, linen, curtains, sporting goods, bags and more. Profits support charitable activities of the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Getting there:
At the bottom roundabout of the Katoomba Street shops, turn left into Waratah Street. Vinnies is next door to the Katoomba Veterinarian.
How to donate goods:
Drop off donations of quality items during business hours. You can also place donations in the donation bin round the corner. Avoid leaving goods outside the bins as any weather damage means they can’t be used and have to go to landfill. Vinnies Katoomba doesn’t accept computers, printers and scanners, furniture, electrical items and like other op shops, anything ripped, torn, stained, broken, cracked or unusable.
VINTAGE & ANTIQUE SHOPS
10. Mr Pickwicks Fine Old Books
Address: 84 Katoomba St Katoomba
Open hours: 7 days 10am-5pm
Contact: (02) 4782 7598; Email: pickwick@bigpond.net.au
Website: www.mrpickwick.com.au
What’s for sale:
Downstairs from Macarthurs Arcade, you’ll find Mr Pickwick’s: a haven for about 40,000 books (15,000 or so are listed on their internet site). About 90 per cent are secondhand, rare and antiquarian books. There’s also scores of CDs, LPs and DVDs to browse, plus sheet music.
Getting there:
The building is located in the main street of Katoomba, (on the left side if you’re coming from the Great Western Highway side), just past St Hilda’s church.
Can you trade in your secondhand goods here?
Mr Pickwicks is always on the lookout for books, particularly in the likes of trade, philosophy, crime, sci-fi and antiquarian books. They don’t take encyclopaedias and most modern popular fiction.
12. Black Antiques
Address: 186 Bathurst Rd, Katoomba
Open hours: Thur – Mon 10am-5pm; closed Tue, Wed
Contact: (02) 4782 4619; email: black.antiques@gmail.com
Website: www.facebook.com/BlackAntiquesKatoomba/
What’s for sale
With the vibe of an old archeology dig, it’s a dusty den of antiquity and quirky finds. The hoard includes the 1830’s engraving of a monkey, a Papuan canoe and a 70mm projector from the Orpheum Theatre in Cremorne. Other items include garden paraphernalia, household goods, rustic and provincial items like agricultural machinery and ladders, pottery, vintage lighting, old maps, art photography, vintage and antiquarian books and various other general old wares and artifacts. Rex, the biz owner, is also a fan of what he calls “strange scientific stuff” – like laboratory apparatus and test equipment. The shop also does prop hire.
Getting there:
From the Great Western Highway, turn right at the roundabout just after you cross the railway bridge. You’ll find Black Antiques spilling out onto the street just past the Todarello’s fruit and veg store.
Can you trade in your secondhand goods here?
No. Black Antiques doesn’t buy from the general public.
13. Katoomba Antique Centre
Address: 116-118 Bathurst Rd, Katoomba
Open hours: Mon & Wed 10am-3pm; Thur – Sat 10am-4pm; Sun 10am-3pm.
Contact: katoomba.antiquecentre116@gmail.com
Website: https://www.bluemts.com.au/14037/katoomba-antique-centre/
What’s for sale:
Manned by the big character of Steven Archer (renowned auctioneer and valuer of Archers Auctioneers and Valuers fame, and a leading property landlord), it’s a literal museum of treasures collected on his travels around the world. The relics here, mostly rare and unique cultural items, date from thousands of years old onward.
The treasures include art (from the Renaissance to the 18th century), Buddhist icons, pottery, textiles, rugs, crafts, antique books, furniture, jewellery, medals, old silver and Japanese woodcuts. There’s an attached photographic museum featuring old cameras from the 1840s to 1950s, a book library and coffee shop/vegetarian eatery.
Getting there:
Katoomba Antique Centre is just off the roundabout after you cross the rail line bridge into Katoomba off the Great Western Highway.
Can you trade in your secondhand goods here?
No.
14. Katoomba Vintage Emporium
Address: 59-61 Katoomba St, Katoomba
Open hours: 7 days 10am-5pm
Contact: To communicate with the store, it’s best to visit during business hours.
Website: https://katoombavintagemporium.com.au/
What’s for sale
Two levels chocked with almost everything. Used by multiple vendors, it’s brimming with thousands of rare and unique items including industrial furniture, glassware, crystal, porcelain, ceramics, brass ware, homewares, clocks, watches, jewellery, art works, clothing, lamps, lighting, mid-century to antique furniture, movie props, prints, curios and collectibles.
The back of the shop spills outside into a massive outdoor area strewn with gardenalia, including outdoor furniture, garden decor items, pots, plants and much more. For large items, they also deliver from Lawson to Blackheath.
Outdoors at Katoomba Vintage Emporium. Plenty to browse and keep you busy.
Getting there:
Katoomba Vintage Emporium is located in the heritage listed former Katoomba Post Office, a few doors down from the Carrington Hotel. There’s parking and access at the rear of the building.
Can you trade in your secondhand goods here?
The vendors source their own items. However, select items can be purchased from the public.
15. Macarthur’s Arcade
Address: 84 Katoomba St Katoomba
Open hours: 7 days 10am-5pm
Contact: (02) 4782 5768
Website: http://macarthursarcade.com/
What’s for sale:
Macarthur’s Arcade is a meandering expanse of absorbing antique items: electrical goods, vintage clothing, original paintings, clocks, furniture, ornaments, ethnic and indigenous artifacts, bric-a-brac and more. They also showcase items on their Facebook page and ebay store.
Getting there:
The building is located in the main street of Katoomba, (on the left side if you’re coming from the Great Western Highway side), just past St Hilda’s church.
Can you trade in your secondhand goods here?
They offer payment or store credit for suitable goods. Bring them in during store hours. Another option is to email in photographs. They can do whole house buys.
16. Memento Vintage & Antiques
Address: 69 Katoomba St Katoomba
Open hours: 7 days 10am-4pm
Contact: (02) 4782 4041
Website: www.facebook.com/mementovintageandantiques
What’s for sale:
An eclectic collection of innumerable objects. “We don’t discriminate against any item,” we’re told. Among the treasure hoard, you’ll find Pokemon cards, fossils, Roman oil lamps, prints, paintings, books, comics, CDs, cassette tapes and records, designer fashion, 80s to 90s vintage clothing, shoes including a huge range of sneakers (and a pair of vintage Air Jordans on the day of the author’s visit), wood-block etchings, antique jewellery and art in all forms and ages. You can pick up a 1960s penny for $2 or a 1970s Vietnamese propaganda photo for $780.
Getting there:
Memento is on the right hand side of Katoomba street (if you’re entering it via the Great Western Highway side).
Can you trade in your secondhand goods here?
Memento doesn’t buy stuff from the general public.
17. Sal-On
Address: 2/118 Katoomba St, Katoomba
Open hours: Thur–Sat 10.30am-4pm
Contact: 0414 568 068
Website: https://www.instagram.com/_sal_on/
What’s for sale
Upmarket, designer and vintage secondhand female clothing and accessories. Shoes, belts, jeans, dresses and more. Women love the bargain room of $10 and under. “They spend ages in there,” says owner, Sal Isaksen. Prices are considerably cheaper than equivalent shops in Sydney. Sal is also a wardrobe consultant and sustainable stylist. Hire her to help you declutter and restyle your wardrobe or join one of her workshops.
Getting there:
Easy to miss, Sal-On is located down a driveway near Auntie Eds. Look out for the signboard on the pavement. The unobtrusive entry leads into a bohemian cave of feminine goodies.
Can you trade in your secondhand goods here?
Sal-On welcomes fashion items (they must be in perfect condition) from individuals in return for cash or a store credit. Bring your items in, Sal says, and she’ll select anything suitable.
18. Silverfox Vintage
69 Waratah St, Katoomba
Open hours: Thur – Sat 11am-4pm
Contact: 0412 397 770
What’s for sale:
Mid-century (1950s to 1980s) homewares, furniture and decor items. The small size of the shop means every item is carefully curated and unique. Includes kitchenware, glassware, lights and lamps including vintage IKEA, tea towels, blankets, wall hangings and art. There’s also a small rack of quality, secondhand men’s clothing. Prices range from $10 mugs to high-end art for $1,500. Owner Matt Sullivan also has a space at the Victory Theatre Antique Centre, Blackheath.
Getting there:
Silverfox is located near the corner of Waratah and Lurline street next door to Vinnies.
Can you trade in your secondhand goods here?
Silverfox don’t take items from the general public.
19. The Velvet Fog
Address: 76 Bathurst Rd Katoomba
Open hours: Tue – Sat 10am-5pm.
Contact: (02) 4782 5277; thevelvetfog@bigpond.com
Website: www.thevelvetfog.com.au
What’s for sale
Old LPs, hi-fi equipment, CDs, DVDs and music books (including bios, band histories and musical encyclopaedias). About 95 per cent of sale items are secondhand, according to business owner, Paul Tatz.
Photo: courtesy of The Velvet Fog
Getting there:
The Velvet Fog is conveniently located directly across from Katoomba station.
Can you trade in your secondhand goods here?
Yes. Paul buys from the general public and reckons he pays decently. In fact, he has a running advertisement in the local paper. Call or visit the shop during opening hours. He doesn’t accept or sell musical items other than valve amplifiers.
20. Yesterday Store
Address: 130 Katoomba St, Katoomba
Open hours: Thur – Sun 10am-4pm.
Contact: hello@shopyesterdaystore.com
Website: shopyesterdaystore.com; www.instagram.com/yesterday.store/
What’s for sale
High quality, secondhand, vintage men and women’s clothing, mostly from the sixties to nineties. Includes some deadstock (never worn). Overalls, coveralls, work wear, army wear, jeans, tops, jackets, jumpers and denim feature strongly in the racks. There’s also a selection of caps, hats and dresses. Prices range from $15 for a shirt to a leather jacket for $280. They also sell boro mending kits and promote the philosophy of extending the life of garments through re-use and repair.
Getting there:
Yesterday Store is in the main drag of Katoomba street about halfway down on the same side as the churches.
Can you trade in your secondhand goods here?
Yesterday Store doesn’t take stock from the general public.
Free Stuff
11. Katoomba Resource Recovery and Waste Management Facility
Address: 49 Woodlands Rd, Katoomba
Open hours: Mon – Fri 8am-4pm; Sat 10am-2pm
Contact: (02) 4780 5398
Website: www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/katoomba-rrwm-facility
What’s up for grabs?
The Reuse Shed offers free discarded but still useable items rescued from waste. Examples of potential finds include books, wardrobes, chairs and other household items.
Getting there:
The Katoomba Resource Recovery and Waste Management Facility is in North Katoomba on the same road as the Katoomba public hospital. To browse the Reuse Shed or bring in items, arrive at least 15 minutes prior to closing time and wear closed footwear.
Bringing in unwanted items
To offload stuff directly at the waste facility costs $48 for the first 100 kg of mixed waste. To drop off a mattress costs $34. Take advantage of free council pickups (offered to locals) and free drop off of specific items like car batteries, x-ray films, fluorescent globes and tubes, paint and white goods. The facility has a new Textile Recovery Bin where you can drop off textiles including clothing, shoes, hats, belts, outdoor soft furnishings, linen, cushions, pillows, blankets and soft toys. All materials, however, must be in decent condition, free of stains and rips.
Donating Sustainably
- Secondhand stores don’t accept anything broken, stained, soiled, torn, wet or unusable or used underwear or socks. If you wouldn’t buy it yourself or gift it to a friend, don’t expect others will.
- Take donated items in during business hours. Avoid leaving items out where weather can wet or damage them.
- Know what stores take what. Avoid donating indiscriminately. If unsure, and for non-standard items, try calling.
- Electrical items in good, working condition are accepted by the Cancer Wellness Support Op Shop and Salvos, Katoomba.
- Be aware that Christian and animal welfare charity shops won’t accept items in conflict with their values, such as pornography, weapons, drug paraphernalia or fur.
- Take unsaleable items including textiles to the Katoomba Resource Recovery and Waste Management Facility.
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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.
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#energyefficiency #waterefficiency #savemoney #savetheearth #freeresource #librariesrock #takeaction #planetaryhealth
Blackheath Public School is providing hands-in-the-dirt lessons on how students can make their school more sustainable. From Crunch & Sip to Cluckingham Palace – literally! – organic waste makes the sunflowers shine and worms frolic in the fertile compost. Students will soon be eating spinach and cheese scrolls made by the canteen using garden produce, while parents report their children want to eat more vegetables. Read more in Blackheath Area Local News (link in profile): https://blackheathnews.com/sustainability-at-school/
blackheathpublic_pandc #blackheathpublicschool #blackeath #bluemountains #sustainableschools #schoolgardens #schoolgardensmatter #planetaryhealth
A fun day yesterday for @bluemountainsplanetaryhealth! In the morning we interviewed and filmed the young people in our Upcycling Fashion Skillshare program. They`re helping create the circular economy we need. In the afternoon we ran a workshop on media skills to help another group of young people learn how to create the news we need, and the news they want to see! They learnt how to use green screen and teleprompter technology as well as skills for interviewing and presenting the news. We`re looking forward to sharing the outcomes! Thank you @heli.jones @kalanigacon @kfmmedia #solutionsmedia #thenewsweneed #upcyclingfashion #planetaryhealth #skillshare #katoomba #bluemountains #pluriversity
Such a fabulous day working with a great bunch of young people to learn how news is made, how green screens work and how to create the news we all need to hear. We can`t wait to see the end result!
#solutionsmedia #thefixingnews #thenewsweneedtohear #greenscreens #mediaproduction #planetaryhealth #skillshare
