Op Shop ’til You Drop In The Volcanic Lakes And Plains Region

Not only does op shopping tick boxes in terms of shopping sustainability and the fun factor (you just never know what you are going to find!) Many provide much needed funds to local charities through the sale of items. The volunteers are full of local knowledge and great to have a chat to when purchasing your bargain! Are you read to hit the road and find some quirky treasures?

Derrinallum

Lying at the foot of one of Victoria’s most significant volcano peaks, Mount Elephant this town is a hub for the local farming community. The Derrinallum Community Op Shop is an asset for the town. Staffed by volunteers the op shop is also the Derrinallum Information and Services Centre. Featuring loads of second hand items including furniture, clothing and linen, whether it is a bargain or a bit of local knowledge that you require this is the spot to visit in town. Note that on Fridays they even have locally cooked cakes, slices, biscuits and jams available so this may just be the best day to visit! The proceeds from Derrinallum Op shop are distributed through the Lismore and Derrinallum communities across various projects- what’s not to like?

Skipton

The Community Op Shop is the heart of the township and is literally jam packed full of great second-hand items, it would be almost impossible to leave this store empty handed! There is even a section dedicated to local produce. If you are visiting Skipton on a Saturday you may even be able to check out the Skipton Community Market whilst you are in town, if not you can stretch your legs on one of the many walking trails in town- or if you are on two wheels you can hit the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail.

Cobden

Talk about spoilt for choice with two op shops within a 1 minute walk. The Uniting Church Op Shop is a personal favourite! It has different rooms all stocked full of quality clothing, bric a brac and household items and the shop is located with a community space. The perfect space to grab a cuppa after your morning of shopping. Fun Fact- the building was originally the first police station in Cobden! Take a short walk across Curdie Street and you will find the Cobden Health Charity Shop. Located in the beautiful old Masonic Hall you will be sure to find something unique to take home here. Cobden Lake is a short walk from town and may just be the perfect stretch of the legs that you need after all that shopping.

Terang

One of the oldest towns in the state and is well noted for it’s historic trees, many of which are heritage listed and more than 100 years old. Have a browse through the many shops featured on the main street or you may feel like stretching your legs whilst checking out the Terang Dry Lake Walk. The Community Op Shop sits just off the main street and has just about anything you could ever need. The wonderful team of volunteers here notified us that $780,000 has been put back into the Terang community from the shop. How lucky is Terang to have a shop like this.

Camperdown

Another ideal spot to base yourself if you are wanting to further explore the Volcanic Lakes and Plains region- if you are just here for the op shopping you are also going to have a great time. There are three op shops in the main street of town, all within a short distance of each other making the perfect stop over! Lifeline, Vinnies and Sunnyside all feature their own unique items and support great work in the community.

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