Zoo Emporium, Surry HillsCredit: Destination NSW
Zoo Emporium in Surry Hills is a treasure trove of vintage dresses, hats and sunglasses.
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Go on a modern-day treasure hunt along the Sydney vintage trail from the city to the suburbs. From carefully curated vintage emporiums to fun retro stores jam-packed with fashion, you’ll find unique pieces wherever you go.
Highlights
- Finding gems from the 1930s to the 1980s at Forever Vintage in Woollahra
- Shop-hopping along Paddington’s leafy William Street
- Browsing for pre-loved fashion at a market right next to Bondi Beach
In the city centre
Australian fashion stylists have been visiting The Vintage Clothing Shop, in the heart of Sydney, for decades to style shoots. It’s a haven of high quality pieces from the 1880s to the 1980s with dreamy costume jewellery, wool coats and delicate netted hats.
In the Eastern Suburbs
You’ll find one-off vintage finds and seriously cool collectables in Surry Hills, a hip inner-city suburb on the fringe of the city centre. Zoo Emporium is a treasure trove of vintage dresses and accessories throughout the eras, from 1920s Art Deco sequined dresses to faux-fur capes and 1940s suits. They also stock a good collection of vintage fascinators, hats and sunglasses.
Check out William Street in Paddington for quirky Australian designs, high-end vintage and famed wine bar, 10 William Street.
For high-end global designs, don’t miss Di Nuovo. This well-established recycled retailer is tucked in pretty William Street and stocks pre-loved designer dresses from European and Australian designers, and many other beautifully constructed pieces.
At 90 William Street you’ll find long-time consignment store, Pelle, a fine purveyor of pre-loved designer shoes, bags and accessories. With new stock every week, there’s Gucci, Givenchy, Marni and more.
Neighbouring Kings Cross and Woolloomooloo, Potts Point is a colourful slice of inner-city Sydney with Parisian-esque tree-lined streets and cool retro finds. Wayside Chapel is a Sydney stylist’s best-kept secret. Situated on Hughes Street, off the main thoroughfare of Macleay Street, the community op-shop has print dresses, crochet bags, fur jackets and big brands such as Gucci and Ksubi donated by well-dressed supporters. Funds go to important services such as the Twilight Program, which provides evening meals for the homeless.
Potts Point Vintage is on Hughes Street too. Owner Arnold Kieldgaard has fascinating tales about the Aussie military jackets, vintage wedding dresses and safari suits on sale. It’s a veritable treasure trove — collectors will love the furs, handbags, cufflinks and Art Deco fine china.
And on Queen Street, Woollahra, neighbouring Paddington, you’ll find Forever Vintage, which specialises in hand-picked designer and couture vintage clothing from the 1930s through to the 1980s.
Further east in beachside Clovelly, you’ll find The Frock Exchange amid a strip of delightful boutiques and coffee haunts. One of Sydney’s hidden vintage gems, The Frock Exchange is where well-heeled locals take their last-season international and Australian designs. Snap up a pre-loved Céline bag, Chanel dress or Christian Louboutin heels.
In the Inner West
Sydney’s Newtown is home to Sydney University and some of the best live music venues in Sydney, giving it a bohemian vibe. South King Street, which runs from Newtown Train Station down to St Peters is one of the most quirky shopping strips in Sydney.
Since 1989, All Buttons Great and Small has been trading buttons from the classic to the exotic. The store sources buttons globally and has an expansive collection of over 15,000 plastic, enamel, carved, metal, diamanté buttons and more, any one of which will make for tiny memento to take home.
You’ll also find U-Turn, which has another four locations of pre-loved clothing stores across Sydney. Come here to dig through scores of Doc Martens, bold retro shirts, bomber jackets and knits.
Walk back past Newtown Train Station to browse the packed racks of 1980s and 1990s gear and much more at the two-level Vintage at 313, at 313 King Street. It’s said to be the largest vintage store in Sydney.
Then head over to SWOP on Enmore Road in Enmore, a five-minute walk from Newtown Train Station. This enterprise swaps, buys and sells pre-loved clothing items within a community of local customers. Look for bellbottom jeans, leather jackets, bright blazers and sunglasses.
And if you love shiny things, Vintage Times in Rozelle, a 10-minute drive from the city centre, sells Art Deco diamond rings, vintage fob chains, cocktail rings with various precious stones and an interesting collection of carved Bakelite rings, bangles and brooches. The Vintage Times Studio is by appointment only.
Pelle Designer Recycled, Paddington Credit: Destination NSW
Woman shopping at Pelle Designer Recycled store, William Street, Paddington.
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Pelle Designer Recycled, Paddington Credit: Destination NSW
Woman shopping at Pelle Designer Recycled store, William Street, Paddington.
King Street Newtown Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW
Shopping on King Street, Newtown
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King Street Newtown Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW
Shopping on King Street, Newtown
Five must-visit vintage markets in Sydney
Rozelle (Inner West)
One of the most popular markets for bric-a-brac, antiques and second-hand clothing is Rozelle Collectors Market. It’s held on the grounds of Rozelle Public School every Saturday and Sunday, 9am–3pm.
Glebe (Inner West)
Glebe Markets are held every Saturday, 10am–4pm, and with lots of pre-loved records, clothing, jewellery and furniture for sale alongside handmade local artisan collectables.
Bondi Markets, Bondi Beach (Eastern Suburbs)
Many Aussie designers started out at Bondi Markets, a vibrant, bustling hub of beachside style. Hang with Bondi locals and discover vinyl records, fresh flowers and one-off second-hand dresses, jackets and shoes. The markets are at Bondi Beach Public School, on Sundays, 10am–4pm
Paddington Markets (Eastern Suburbs)
This is the market where iconic Sydney brand Zimmermann got its start — buy from up-and-coming Sydney fashion designers, sample local bread and browse vintage dresses, fur vests, cocktail rings, leather boots and pre-loved handbag. 10am–4pm every Saturday, 395 Oxford Street, Paddington.
Surry Hills Markets (Eastern Suburbs)
Surry Hills Markets stallholders specialise in recycled, second-hand and handmade pieces. It’s an open-air market with racks of vintage clothing and tables of bric-a-brac, along with a community café offering vegetarian and gluten-free options. 8am–4pm on the first Saturday of every month, Shannon Reserve, Crown Street.
Glebe Markets Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW
Glebe Markets, Glebe
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Glebe Markets Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW
Glebe Markets, Glebe
Paddington Markets, Paddington Credit: Destination NSW
Paddington Markets - over 150 Australian fashion, art, jewellery, homeware and food stalls on display each Saturday at Paddington Uniting Church.
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Paddington Markets, Paddington Credit: Destination NSW
Paddington Markets - over 150 Australian fashion, art, jewellery, homeware and food stalls on display each Saturday at Paddington Uniting Church.
More Inspirational Stories
Oxford Art Factory, DarlinghurstCredit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying live music at the Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst.
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There’s nothing like the thrill, buzz and energy of a live music gig, and Sydney has plenty of performance spaces that have played host to some of the world’s biggest acts as well as local up-and-comers. From intimate venues to big stages, in the city centre and on the city’s fringe, here are nine spots to get a fix of live entertainment.
Enmore Theatre, Enmore
The longest-running live music venue in New South Wales, the Enmore Theatre has been drawing crowds for over a century. Despite having a capacity of just 2,500, the venue’s storied history and standing within the industry means legends across generations – including Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Coldplay and Oasis – have performed on this stage. The strip of pubs, bars and restaurants (ranked 17th coolest neighbourhood in the world by Time Out) comes alive when a gig at The Enmore is on – some pre-gig Enmore Road favourites to check out include Earl’s Juke Joint, Cairo Takeaway and Little Lagos.
Enmore Theatre, Enmore Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons arriving at the Enmore Theatre, Enmore.
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Enmore Theatre, Enmore Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons arriving at the Enmore Theatre, Enmore.
The Lansdowne Hotel, Chippendale
No Sydney venue inspires memories of thriving dance and sweaty late nights better than The Lansdowne Hotel. The Chippendale pub, in Sydney’s inner city, has been hosting rock, punk and indie gigs for decades and continues to platform local up-and-coming acts as well as a late-night party vibe. Combine that with a menu of sangas, burgers and fried chicken plus local beers and natural wine, and you have a legendary student haunt – charmingly grungy and welcoming to all.
Lansdowne Hotel, Chippendale Credit: Destination NSW
Exterior view of the Landsdowne Hotel, Chippendale.
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Lansdowne Hotel, Chippendale Credit: Destination NSW
Exterior view of the Landsdowne Hotel, Chippendale.
Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst
Inspired by Andy Warhol’s famed Factory in New York, the Oxford Art Factory, in Darlinghurst on the fringe of the city centre, has been bringing live music and art to Sydney for more than a decade. The two stages, supporting just over 600 in total, have hosted some of the biggest names in music – Lady Gaga played her first ever Australian show here in 2008 when the space was barely a year old. This tiny venue allows performers to interact with the audience, giving the crowd an intimate connection to the artists and each other. As it’s located on Sydney’s famed Oxford Street, there are plenty of spots for a feed and a drink beforehand including Bitter Phew, Big Poppa’s and Chaco Ramen.
Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying live music at the Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst.
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Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying live music at the Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst.
Hordern Pavilion, Moore Park
Originally built in the 1920s as extra space for the Sydney Royal Easter Show and an exhibition hall for the wonders of new technology, Hordern Pavilion became Sydney’s home of international rock concerts in the 1970s. The historic venue has hosted countless huge-name acts, including Eric Clapton, The Eagles, Queen, Billy Joel and AC/DC. In the 1990s, it introduced bands like Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, Public Enemy and Green Day to local audiences. But despite those huge names, it still has an intimate feel, giving you a rare chance to connect with your favourite acts outside a giant stadium. Before the show, grab a nearby burger at Mary’s Entertainment Quarter or a traditional Italian feast at Cipri’s Italian.
The Metro Theatre, Sydney CBD
Every local live music hunter has spent at least one epic night pressed against the barriers of the mosh pit at The Metro. Since the 1990s, the inner-city venue has been the place for high-energy gigs from the likes of The Prodigy and Foo Fighters, as well as respected indie acts including Jeff Buckley, Lorde and Aphex Twin. Smaller shows are also held in The Lair, a secondary space that holds just a few hundred people on the dance floor. Pre-party eating options are endless with Chinatown, Thaitown and Darling Square just a stone’s throw away.
HONEY, Darling Square Credit: HONEY
HONEY has officially launched in Sydney’s Darling Square precinct. Inspired by the nightlife of Seoul, HONEY is serving up the very best in Korean cuisine, with Pocha-style shareable dishes, Korean Fried Chicken with cold beer, soju and Korean-style cocktails.
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HONEY, Darling Square Credit: HONEY
HONEY has officially launched in Sydney’s Darling Square precinct. Inspired by the nightlife of Seoul, HONEY is serving up the very best in Korean cuisine, with Pocha-style shareable dishes, Korean Fried Chicken with cold beer, soju and Korean-style cocktails.
Mary’s Underground, Sydney CBD
Mary’s Underground rose from the ashes of Sydney most iconic jazz bar, The Basement. Like the original and aptly named subterranean bar, Mary’s Underground has the feel of an old school, alternative live music venue – dimly lit, full of characters and playing a little bit of everything. But unlike The Basement, which was famous for jazz and funk, you can get anything from R&B to punk. It’s only open for events but that doesn’t mean it’s ticket only, check the line up for both big ticket shows and free events. If you need a feed, they serve the same burgers they’ve made their name with back when Mary’s Newtown opened in 2013.
Phoenix Central Park, Chippendale
Of all Sydney’s alternative, cutting-edge music venues, Phoenix is by far the most exclusive. Every show, often experimental artists at the forefront of their genre, takes place at the base of an architecturally unique, winding staircase. The audience either stands at on the staircase, peering over the performer, or sits in a circle literally a metre or two from the stage. To get one of the prized free tickets, you have to go into a ballot. Before you head in, check out the street food, small bars and fine diners around Chippendale.
Spice Alley, Chippendale Credit: Destination NSW
Couple walking through Spice Alley, Chippendale.
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Spice Alley, Chippendale Credit: Destination NSW
Couple walking through Spice Alley, Chippendale.
Marrickville Bowling Club, Marrickville
You could be forgiven for thinking the Marrickville Bowling Club is just another great Australian community bowlo: it’s humble, welcoming and provides cheap drinks to locals. But at night the club transforms into one of the most energetic venues in Sydney. The stage welcomes both up-and-coming Sydney artists looking to launch the next great album and DJs looking to set the dance floor alight.
Sydney Coliseum Theatre, Rooty Hill
This new, state-of-the-art theatre is an architectural wonder befitting its epic name. The Cox Architecture design is like the bow of a futuristic ship rising out of the ground. The 2,000-seat theatre has provided a stage for everything from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to Keith Urban. In between acts it has hosted the live portion of Australia’s Got Talent and other big shows. Options to eat include Pizzaperta Manfredi – from one of Australia’s most influential Italian chefs, Stefano Manfredi – and the nearby Filipino hub on Rooty Hill Road.
Before a Performance, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Heading to a performance at Sydney Coliseum Theatre, Sydney. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Before a Performance, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Heading to a performance at Sydney Coliseum Theatre, Sydney. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.