If it’s unique items, bespoke fashion, rare valuables or just a bargain, vintage shopping is one of Maitland’s worst kept secrets. Whether you’re a savvy shopper, antique adventurer or just seeking the thrill of discovering that piece you never knew you wanted, follow me and discover all of the second hand, twice loved or antique treasures this city has to offer.
Starting from the top, nestled inside one of the many heritage buildings of Maitland’s High Street, Junkyard Gypsies is an emporium of silk, lace and velvet. These gorgeous garments are handpicked by Mel and her team who all have a knack for alternative style, high quality and sustainability.
Just down the road, among the cafes, fashion outlets and retailers of Central Maitland are some truly fantastic Op shops. Grab yourself a coffee. You’re going to need it. Start your journey at The Levee where you’ll find Twice Treasured, specialising in obscure items and bespoke furniture with a flair for the art deco, nouveau and faux oriental. Then there’s Lifeline Maitland featuring a huge collection of clothing, books, bric-a-brac and furniture. The Red Cross Maitland is best for its sweet selection of trinkets. Lastly, Salvos Store always has an amazing collection of clothing. There’s something different every time I visit!
Also at The Levee, Tomcat Books and Comics has a selection of new and second hand books and a vast collection of vintage comic books. Neil has a love for all things old school DC and Marvel. For fans of alternative music, cult movies and the strange, Aggravation Place boasts tightly packed shelves of vinyl records, box sets and more.
Leaving Central Maitland, Melbourne Street in East Maitland is also a destination for antique lovers. Here you have two treasure troves to explore. Located within a beautiful heritage terrace is Vintage on Melbourne. Inside you’ll find both a café and antique shopping experience. Enjoy eating breakfast or lunch presented on a shabby chic collection of antique crockery and cutlery. More of which you can find throughout the store plus the lace tablecloths and furniture to match.
A little down the block is Rustic Antiques. Absolutely bursting to the brim with collectables which are all thoughtfully laid out to guide you through the store. Heading towards the back you will find a DIYer and gardener’s dream with so many amazing and useful tools and goodies to choose from. They don’t make ‘em like they used to! You can really lose yourself in this place with joyful rummaging.
The grand finale of the Maitland vintage trail is the historic town of Morpeth. Swan Street is absolutely charming with its sandstone footpaths and cobbled laneways. The past meets the present in ways that many describe as hipster chic and there’s oddities and curiosities everywhere you look. A favourite spot for anyone is Morpeth Antique Centre. Located within the renowned 185 year old Campbell’s Store you’ll find exquisite vintage pieces to suit every budget from fine jewellery and china to dolls and buttons. Military history meets agricultural relics while old advertising signage adorns the walls. There are numerous dealers inside who each have their specialties, making it a great mixed bag of finds. You can spend an entire day exploring Morpeth with many places to try delicious foods too. It’s the perfect place to end your vintage shopping trail.
There’s nothing like the excitement of not knowing what you might find when vintage shopping and Maitland can certainly deliver. What you won’t find is the run of the mill or the dime a dozen experience. You will get to be surprised, thrilled and puzzled all at the same time by the fantastic collections you find and the people you meet.
