North Sydney and its surrounding suburbs are known for their mix of modern business hubs, stunning harbour views, and vibrant communities. But what many people don’t realize is that this area also has a thriving second-hand shopping scene. Whether you’re looking for vintage fashion, sustainable clothing, pre-loved furniture, or unique thrift finds, there are plenty of op shops and thrift stores to explore.
Shopping second-hand not only helps your wallet but also promotes sustainability and supports charities. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best thrift stores, op shops, and online swap platforms around North Sydney so you can shop consciously while scoring amazing finds.
Why Shop Second-Hand?
Before we dive into the stores, let’s talk about why more people are choosing second-hand shopping over fast fashion:
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Sustainability – Shopping second-hand reduces landfill waste and lowers the demand for new clothing production, which is great for the planet.
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Affordability – You can find high-quality, often brand-name clothing, furniture, and accessories at a fraction of the retail price.
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Unique Finds – Thrift stores offer a mix of vintage, designer, and rare items that you won’t find in regular retail shops.
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Supporting a Good Cause – Many op shops donate proceeds to charities, meaning your purchase helps support community initiatives.
Now, let’s explore the best places around North Sydney to go thrifting!
1. SwapUp
📍 Location: 388 Pacific Hwy, Crows Nest NSW 2065
🌍 Website: SwapUp
🕒 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday (11:00 AM – 6:00 PM), Saturday (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM), Sunday-Monday (Closed)
💙 Why Visit?
If you love thrifting but prefer to shop from home, SwapUp is a game-changer. It’s an thrift store that offers high-quality second-hand women’s fashion, including pre-loved branded clothing, vintage pieces, and trendy styles.
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Shop from thousands of second-hand clothing items from brands like Country Road, Sportsgirl, Zara, and Witchery at affordable prices.
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All items are quality-checked before listing, so you know what you’re getting.
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You can also sell your own clothes through SwapUp to give them a second life.
Perfect for eco-conscious shoppers who want a sustainable alternative to fast fashion but prefer the convenience of shopping quality product.
2. Vinnies North Sydney
📍 Location: 6 Bay Rd, North Sydney NSW 2060
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM), Sunday (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
💙 Why Visit?
Vinnies is one of Australia’s best-known op shops, and their North Sydney branch is a favourite among locals. Expect to find pre-loved fashion, accessories, furniture, books, and homewares at great prices.
They often stock designer brands and high-end fashion pieces, so you never know what hidden gems you might come across. Plus, proceeds support St Vincent de Paul Society’s programs for people in need.
3. Salvos Store
📍 Location: 27/35 Grosvenor Street, Neutral Bay NSW 2089
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday (9:00 AM – 5:30 PM), Sunday (Closed)
💙 Why Visit?
Run by The Salvation Army, Salvos Stores are known for offering a wide selection of second-hand clothing, furniture, and household items at budget-friendly prices.
It’s a great spot if you’re looking for business-casual clothing, plus you might find some high-end brands at a fraction of the cost.
4. Red Cross Shop Neutral Bay
📍 Location: 181 Military Rd, Neutral Bay NSW 2089
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday (9:00 AM – 4:50 PM), Sunday (Closed)
💙 Why Visit?
This small but well-stocked thrift store offers stylish pre-loved clothing, homewares, and accessories. The Neutral Bay store is known for its well-curated selection, so expect to find modern fashion pieces and designer items.
All proceeds go towards Australian Red Cross programs, so every purchase supports humanitarian efforts in Australia and overseas.
5. U-Turn Recycled Fashion (Rozelle)
📍 Location: 686 Darling St, Rozelle NSW 2039
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM), Sunday (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
💙 Why Visit?
If you love vintage fashion, U-Turn is one of the best thrift stores near North Sydney. It’s packed with retro, Y2K, and branded streetwear—perfect for those looking for statement pieces or sustainable fashion finds.
Expect cool denim, leather jackets, 90s-style sportswear, and unique accessories.
Tips for Thrift Shopping Around North Sydney
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Check Back Regularly – New stock arrives often, so visit frequently for the best finds.
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Try Online Options – If you don’t have time to visit stores, platforms like SwapUp let you thrift sustainably from home.
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Inspect Items Carefully – Look for any signs of wear, missing buttons, or minor damage.
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Bring Cash & Bags – Some smaller shops may prefer cash payments, and bringing your own reusable bag helps reduce waste.
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Donate & Sell Your Clothes – If your wardrobe needs a cleanout, consider donating or selling your items through SwapUp or local thrift stores to give them a second life.
Final Thoughts: North Sydney’s Thrift & Op Shop Scene is Growing!
Whether you’re an experienced thrifter or new to second-hand shopping, the North Sydney area has plenty of options for finding stylish, affordable, and sustainable clothing.
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If you prefer in-store browsing, check out Vinnies, Salvos, and Red Cross for great deals on second-hand fashion.
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For vintage lovers, U-Turn in Rozelle is a must-visit.
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If you’re looking for eco-friendly furniture, The Bower is a fantastic option.
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And for convenient, high-quality second-hand shopping from home, SwapUp is your go-to online thrift store!
So next time you’re thinking of shopping, consider thrifting around North Sydney or browsing online with SwapUp. You’ll save money, find unique pieces, and help create a more sustainable future.
Happy thrifting! ♻️🛍️✨
Also read:
Op Shops: Everything You Know About Op Shopping In Australia
Exploring North Sydney: Top Things to Do and See
