There’s something magical about rummaging through an op shop. The smell of old books. The glint of a retro brooch. The joy of finding a jacket that’s just so you — and just $12.
I’ve always loved op shopping. As the youngest in a big family, hand-me-downs were my wardrobe staples — and honestly? I loved it. Every piece had a story, a history. Now, I get to relive that joy with my own kids, scouring the racks together for pre-loved treasures. It’s a fun, budget-friendly way to shop sustainably, and you never know what you’ll find.
Whether you’re after vintage toys, cool tees, retro jackets or just a quirky piece of decor, Melbourne is packed with gems. Here are some of the best op shops in Melbourne and a few standout vintage stores that are perfect for families who like to reuse, recycle, and discover something truly unique.
The Best Op Shops Melbourne Families Will Love
1. Brotherhood of St Laurence – Royal Arcade
Small but mighty, this op shop tucked inside the Royal Arcade is a central city spot worth a visit. It’s beautifully curated, and the kids will love exploring the historic arcade too.
Brotherhood of St Laurence, Royal Arcade, Melbourne CBD
2. Salvos Store – Southern Cross
Right near the station, this charity shop is surprisingly spacious. You’ll find a mix of fashion, books, and homewares — ideal for a quick browse before catching a train. Not a big kids’ section, but teens are suitably catered to.
Salvos Store, Southern Cross, Melbourne CBD
3. Hunter Gatherer – Bourke Street and Fitzroy
Run by the Brotherhood of St Laurence, Hunter Gatherer always nails that vintage aesthetic. Expect well-selected, quality pieces, and staff who know their stuff. Great for teens discovering vintage fashion.
Hunter Gatherer, Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne & Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
4. Salvos Store – South Melbourne
Bright and well-stocked, this is one of the best op shops in Melbourne if you’re hunting for kids’ clothes or kitchenware. There’s also a playground around the corner — win-win.
Be sure to check out Skinners Adventure Playground, located on Dorcas Street.
Salvos Store, Clarendon Street, South Melbourne
5. Savers – Moorabbin
This is the Disneyland of thrift stores. Huge range, super organised, and perfect for families with time to dig. The kids’ section alone is worth the trip.
Savers, Nepean Highway, Moorabbin
6. Vinnies – Port Melbourne
Compact but stylish, this charity shop often has a boutique vibe — think great-quality brands and unique pieces. A good stop if you’re out for a beach day nearby.
Vinnies, Bay Street, Port Melbourne
7. Salvos Store – Abbotsford
This one feels like a hidden gem. It’s less picked-over than some bigger stores, and there’s a warm, local feel to it. Lovely range of books and games for kids.
Salvos Store, Victoria Street, Abbotsford
8. Brotherhood of St Laurence – Brunswick
A Brunswick classic. You’ll find everything from quirky glassware to funky flannels, plus it’s in a great spot for a post-shop coffee or snack.
Brotherhood of St Laurence, Sydney Road, Brunswick
9. Goodbyes – Brunswick
Not quite your average op shop — this is curated secondhand fashion at its coolest. It’s on the pricier side but great for older kids or teens wanting vintage that feels like new.
Goodbyes, Sydney Road, Brunswick
10. Sacred Heart Mission – St Kilda
A community favourite with a wide variety of stock that changes often. Head here before a beach walk or fish and chips by the pier.
Tip: Stop by St Kilda Adventure Playground located at the intersection of Grey Street, Neptune Street, and Eildon Road.
Sacred Heart Mission, Grey Street, St Kilda
11. Toorak Opportunity Shop
The grand dame of op shops. Expect elegant vintage, designer labels and pristine homewares — and yes, it’s all secondhand!
Toorak Opportunity Shop, Toorak Road, Toorak
12. Sacred Heart Mission – Fitzroy
This one has great energy and a cool, creative vibe. Good mix of fashion, books and bric-a-brac. Right near lots of family-friendly cafes too.
Sacred Heart Mission, Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
13. Community Chest Op Shop – South Melbourne
Cosy, welcoming, and well-loved by locals. Perfect for a more relaxed rummage and a chat with the friendly volunteers.
Community Chest Op Shop, Park Street, South Melbourne
14. Red Cross Shop – South Melbourne
Clean, bright, and stylishly merchandised. It’s great for adults’ and teens’ clothing, with lots of treasures to find.
Red Cross Shop, Clarendon Street, South Melbourne
15. Salvos Store – Hawthorn
Packed with fashion and accessories, plus some unexpected finds in the homewares section. This charity shop is a solid all-rounder.
Salvos Store, Burwood Road, Hawthorn
16. Goodbyes – Collingwood
Trendy and streamlined, this secondhand boutique is big on style. Not your typical op shop, but ideal for parents and teens hunting wardrobe staples.
Goodbyes, Smith Street, Collingwood
17. The Lost and Found Market – Collingwood
This one’s a rabbit warren of vintage heaven — from clothing to records, retro furniture and more. Perfect for a longer weekend explore.
The Lost and Found Market, Smith Street, Collingwood
18. Goodbyes – Prahran
Another great Goodbyes location, with its signature curated style. A fantastic option for high-quality secondhand finds in a fashionable area.
Goodbyes, High Street, Prahran
19. Vinnies – Newport
Located a few steps from Newport Station, this little gem is perfectly placed for a relaxed family outing. Right next door to Paine Reserve playground, the Newport Library, and a handful of great kid-friendly cafes, it’s easy to turn a quick browse into a whole morning of fun.
The store itself is neat and welcoming, with a lovely mix of clothes, toys, books and homewares. Teens in tow? The Substation art gallery is just across the road and always has something eclectic and interesting on show.
Vinnies, Mason Street, Newport
Best Vintage Stores Melbourne Families Should Explore
If you’re after standout retro pieces and one-of-a-kind style, these best vintage stores Melbourne has to offer will hit the mark.
20. RetroStar Vintage Clothing
Housed in the iconic Nicholas Building, this is Melbourne’s largest vintage clothing store. Expect bold 90s jackets, band tees, and even vintage kidswear sometimes!
RetroStar Vintage Clothing, Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
21. Vintage Sole
With stores in Fitzroy and the CBD, Vintage Sole always delivers on cool, affordable fashion. Think classic Levi’s, bomber jackets and cosy flannel shirts.
Vintage Sole, Brunswick Street & Swanston Street
22. Global Vintage Collective
A colourful, eclectic space full of bold prints and funky accessories. The kids will love the wild styles — and you might walk out matching!
Global Vintage Collective, Swan Street, Richmond
23. American Rag
Vintage Americana at its best — from cowboy boots to denim jackets. Great for tweens and teens looking to add some flair to their wardrobe.
American Rag, Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
24. Vault
Located in the beautiful Block Arcade, this vintage boutique is more refined. Think timeless fashion, statement jewellery and elegant accessories.
Vault, Block Arcade, Melbourne CBD
25. Swop Clothing Exchange
Love to swap instead of shop? Swop is all about trading good quality items for store credit — perfect for growing kids and changing styles.
Swop, Smith Street, Collingwood
Why Op Shopping Is Great for Families
It’s not just about the thrill of the find. Op shopping helps kids learn the value of reusing and recycling. It sparks creativity, supports local charities, and gives clothes a second (or third!) life. And best of all? It’s affordable.
So next time you’ve got a free afternoon, grab a coffee, gather the crew, and hit one of these best thrift stores Melbourne has to offer. You never know what treasure you’ll come home with.
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