WORDS BY ALLEY PASCOE I PHOTOS BY MEL BRAUTIGAM
An expertβs guide to the best op-shops in town!
There are three things Iβm good at: scoring a parking spot, spotting whales and finding gold at the op-shop. Call it skill, talent or dumb luck, but I have the magic touch when it comes to nabbing a pre-loved bargain.
There was the Karl Lagerfeld little black dress I rescued from the bottom of a bargain bin at the Vinnies warehouse open day, the two bohemian-luxe bamboo ladders I liberated from the Shoal Bay tip shop, and the original Lindy Brodie canvas print I stumbled upon at the Nightcliff Salvos, which now has pride of place in my living room.
There are plenty of treasures to be found in the Territoryβs second-hand stores, you just need to know where to look. Thatβs where I come in.
Here are my top spots for op-shopping in Darwin. Youβre welcome.
- NIGHTCLIFF SALVOS – 48 Progress Drive, Nightcliff
The Nightcliff op-shop is a classic for a reason. Whether youβre on the hunt for a chic new look, a pair of statement candle holders or a pure cotton throw for your couch, itβs a sure bet.
Hot tip: look out for the weekly half-price and $2 sales. Hotter tip: hit up the designer rack for high-end investment pieces.Β
2. STUART PARK VINNIES – 2 Westralia Street, Stuart Park
If you enjoy the thrill of the chase, this is the op-shop for you. Think glorious silk scarves (that can be worn as tops), brand new bikinis and linen shorts youβll live in. The Vinnies at Stuart Park is known to have undiscovered gems. You just need to, uh, discover them. Happy hunting.
3. FRILLYβS NIGHTCLIFF UNITING CHURCH OP SHOP – 21 Cummins Street, Rapid Creek
I think you can judge the quality of an op-shopβs threads by how stylish its patrons are. If that is the case, Frillyβs is a sartorial mecca. This localβs secret β in the Uniting Church at Rapid Creek β opens Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Come for the trendy clothes and homewares, and stay for the Saturday morning coffee and cake, put on by the church volunteers.
4. DARWIN MEMORIAL UNITING CHURCH – 78 Smith Street, Darwin City
Darwinβs tiniest op-shop plays a big game. Located next to the Memorial Uniting Church in the heart of the city, this is an op-shop reminiscent of years gone by. The prices are as they were back in the good old days, the volunteers are oh-so sweet, and the bargains are ripe for the picking.
5. BONUS: BOTANICOOLβS PRE-LOVED CLOTHING SALE – 35 Stuart Highway, Stuart Park – https://www.botanicool.com.au
On the second Sunday of each month, Darwinβs style set open their wardrobes for the pre-loved clothing sale at Botanicool, the plant nursery and smoothie bowl spot in Stuart Park. The pieces are top notch, the crowd is friendly and the vibes are cool. Get amongst it. Photo via Facebook
Photos below of FRILLYβS NIGHTCLIFF UNITING CHURCH OP SHOP
