A couple of weeks ago I received an email from VLine (Victoria's regional public transport network) promoting a number of great vintage shopping destinations in regional Victoria, and, as I am a passionate promoter of all things 'provincial' and all things 'vintage' I thought I would share the information with you here - so if you are keen to see a bit of Victorian countryside and regional life, check it out !
Shop ‘til you drop with V/Line
Treasure hunting for that perfect vintage piece has never been easier in regional Victoria. From Geelong to Bendigo, V/Line will help you discover a world of vintage shops, unique crafts and antique stores.
Rather than spending hours trawling through pricey metropolitan vintage shops, which have already been raided by fellow hunters, jump on the train and head out to country Victoria. There you’ll find hundreds of pre-loved treasures at a fraction of the cost.
Whether you’re shopping for the day or planning a weekend away, V/Line offers convenient and affordable transport, helping bargain hunters to discover new shopping haunts!
There’s no need for a car, just watch the beautiful landscape pass by and when you arrive your new favourite shopping spot is only a short stroll from the station!
So jump on board and start exploring the vintage treasures of country Victoria!
Geelong
Electica
Electica has a vast and wonderful collection of items for you and your home. Sourced from both Australia and around the world, everything has its own unique style and story. Vintage items are scattered among beautiful artisan clothes, homewares and accessories. Prepare yourself when entering Electica because you are sure to fall in love with it.
Electica is open Monday to Friday 10.00am to 5.00pm and 10.00am to 4.00pm on Saturday. Electica is only 15 minutes walk from Geelong Station.
Address: 148 Pakington Street, Geelong West 3218. Contact: (03) 5222 1115 or info@eclectica.net.au
Website: http://www.eclectica.net.au/
Getting there
The trip to Geelong takes approximately one hour from Southern Cross Station.
An adult full fare ticket is only $13.40 return during off-peak A concession ticket is just $6.60 off-peak ($9.40 on weekends) A V/Line Family Traveller is only $26.80 return during off-peak, including weekends (valid for two adults and up to four children)
Find out more about Geelong by visiting V/Line’s destination guide at www.vline.com.au/discover/regionalvictoria/destinations/geelong.html.
Accommodation enquiries
Contact the Geelong Visitor Information Centre at (03) 5222 2900 or visit www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au for available accommodation.
Kyneton
The Vintage Yard Sale
The Vintage Yard Sale boasts a collection of second-hand goods, tucked away in the heart of Kyneton. If you’re looking for that ‘one of a kind’ piece, this is the place to go. The Vintage Yard Sale features pre-loved furniture, homewares and a small selection of clothing, which have been carefully selected by owners Tara and Dave.
Visit The Vintage Yard Sale on Saturdays or Sundays from 10am to 5pm. The Vintage Yard Sale is a pleasant 25 minute walk from the railway station.
Address: 58 Piper Street, Kyneton 3444.
Contact: sales@thevintageyardsale.com.au
Getting there
Departing from Southern Cross Station, it takes just over an hour to arrive in Kyneton.
An adult off peak full fare ticket is $17.40 return to Melbourne A return concession ticket is $8.60 off-peak ($12.40 weekends) A V/Line Family Traveller ticket is $34.80 return during off-peak, including weekends (valid for two adults and up to four children)
Explore the best of Kyneton while you’re there, visit V/Line’s destination guide at www.vline.com.au/discover/regionalvictoria/destinations/kyneton.html.
Accommodation enquiries
If you decide to stay longer in Kyneton, contact the Kyneton Visitor Information Centre for accommodation options on (03) 5422 6110 or visit http://www.visitmacedonranges.com/.
Ballarat
The Light Lounge Op Shop
Whether you’re operating on a tight budget or looking for that distinctive 70s dress, The Light Lounge Op Shop is just the place. This versatile store operates as an op shop, bookshop and has a cafe for visitors to refresh and recharge while they browse the great collection of second-hand pieces.
The Light Lounge Op Shop is open Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 4.30pm and Saturdays 10.30am to 1.00pm. The Light Lounge Op Shop is a 15 minute stroll from Ballarat Station.
Address: Wesley Hall, corner of Dana Street and Lydiard Street (South), Ballarat 3350.
Contact: (03) 5337 2765
Getting there
The journey to Ballarat is around one and a half hours from Southern Cross Station. If you would like to explore the other op shops in Ballarat, such as the UnitingCare Ballarat Op Shop, your V/Line ticket provides free access to Ballarat bus services. A full fare adult ticket is $21.60 return during off-peak (including weekends) A concession ticket is just $10.80 return ($15.40 on weekends)
Take advantage of the V/Line Family Traveller return ticket from Melbourne for only $43.20 during off-peak, including weekends (valid for two adults and up to four children)
Find out what else is on offer in Ballarat, visit V/Line’s destination guide at www.vline.com.au/discover/regionalvictoria/destinations/ballarat.html.
Accommodation enquiries
For accommodation options available in Ballarat, contact the local Visitor Information Centre at 1800 44 66 33 or visit www.visitballarat.com.au.
Bendigo
Doris Vintage and Recycled Clothing
Doris Vintage and Recycled Clothing is the place to go for good quality vintage pieces, handpicked by owner Robyn Hutchinson. Robyn is always happy to help you find that perfect piece, so you will only receive the best service as you browse the diverse range on offer. Drop in and say hello to Robyn and explore her fantastic collection, which changes from week to week!
Doris Vintage and Recycled Clothing is open Tuesday to Friday, 11.00am to 4:30pm and on Saturday from 11.00am to 1.00pm. Doris Vintage and Recycled Clothing is only a 15 minute walk from Bendigo Station.
Address: 175b Lyttleton Tce, Bendigo
Contact: (03) 5443 2111 or auntymopp@westnet.com.au
View Street Bazaar
The View Street Bazaar will take you on a journey through time and around the world. Search through the eclectic collection for something unique. There are wonderful and interesting pieces from different regions of world, with their own distinct style and era. From edgy accessories to beautiful antiques, whatever your taste and interest, the View Street Bazaar is sure to surprise and satisfy!
View Street Bazaar is open daily from 10.30am to 5.00pm. View Street Bazaar is only a 15 minute walk from Bendigo Station.
Address: 91 View St, Bendigo 3550
Contact: (03) 5442 9951
Getting there
The journey to Bendigo takes approximately two hours from Southern Cross Station.
An adult full fare ticket is $32.40 return to Melbourne on weekends An off-peak concession ticket is only $16.20 return on weekdays ($23.20 on weekends) A V/Line Family Traveller return ticket starts from $64.80 during off-peak, including weekends (valid for two adults and up to four children)
Visit V/Line’s destination guide to discover the great attractions and activities on offer in Bendigo: www.vline.com.au/discover/regionalvictoria/destinations/bendigo.html.
Accommodation enquiries
To stay a little longer in Bendigo, contact the Bendigo Visitor Information Centre on (03) 5434 6060 or visit www.bendigotourism.com for available accommodation.
PURCHASING V/LINE TICKETS
You can purchase V/Line tickets through the following:
Online at vline.com.au By phone, call 136 196 (6am-midnight AEST) At V/Line stations, through V/Line agents or premium metropolitan stations - see vline.com.au/wheretobuy
Please note prices quoted are based on individual travellers (except Family Traveller tickets) and off peak periods, please visit www.vline.com.au for more information.
MORE INFORMATION For daily timetables to regional Victoria visit vline.com.au V/Line tickets are also valid on Melbourne’s metropolitan public transport on the same day of travel
That's such a neat idea. Regional op shops definitely have nicer stuff than the ones in the suburbs, or so I've found in the past. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad you posted this, I was hoping to talk the boy into a post-exam holiday somewhere in Victoria. This will give me a few ideas about where to go! Now just to find something to trick him into going with...
ReplyDeleteHello just thought l would let you know l have a little vintage clothing and homewares shop in Castlemaine only 10 min walk from the station called Bell's Belles Vintage @ 28 Johnstone st...
ReplyDeleteHi there.... Thanks so much for blogging about my little shop eclectica :-) It was a nice surprise ! Great blog by the way .....
ReplyDeleteAmanda :-)