Central Coast Op Shops You Must Visit

If you’re a local, you’ll know that Central Coast op shops are some of the best in NSW. We boast, not only, an op shop trail in Woy Woy, but a sprawling village in Point Claire and more. We’ve compiled a list of all of the very best op-shops on the Central Coast and a handy breakdown of what you’ll find in each.  We also catch up with Coasties Co-Owner Nikki Tiedeman who’s on a mission to fight Fast Fashion by only shopping at op shops.

What exactly is fast fashion? Think brands that produce high volume, low quality, cheap garments which leads to over consumption and a “throw away” culture and approach to clothing. The question has to be asked; “How can it be possible to produce t-shirts for a mere $5, without creating human rights issues, underpaying factory workers or harming the environment?”

Fast fashion’s impact on the environment is scary when you start to dig deeper. Excess waste of worn and unworn items has led to massive “fashion graveyards” and items ending up in landfill. It’s said that less than 11 per cent of brands have recycling policies in place. When it comes to their “sustainability practices” misleading and vague information is rife. In 2019 the industry was responsible for eight to 10 per cent of the world’s carbon emissions.

All this, painting a pretty dreary picture and begs the question of how to even start tackling the issue? Ever the optimist and a firm believer in many small steps leading to big leaps, our very own Coasties co-owner Nikki decided to do her little bit. The plan to go a year without buying any new clothes (with three exceptions to this rule – being undies, swimmers and shoes). And, only allow herself to buy from op shops and vintage stores. That was two and a half years ago and she is still going strong.

The plethora of brilliant op shops here on the Coast makes this conscious living really achievable for Nikki and maybe something you might like to try too… She shares with us her go-to’s and faves on the Coastie Op Shop Trail.

Central Coast Op Shop Trail

1. Vinnies, Erina Heights

For the fashionistas wanting those high-end labels, often with the labels still on the clothes, then Vinnies at Erina Fair is where it’s at. This is perhaps one of the smallest Central Coast op shops but it is packed full of plenty of treasures, including a brilliant kids clothes section. Think never-worn Seed and the likes.

 3/490 Central Coast Hwy, Erina Heights

2. Browse About, Long Jetty

A real hidden gem just off the high main drag in the Jetty. Be prepared to do some sifting through tightly packed racks but you’ll not leave empty handed.

Shop/12 Pacific St, Long Jetty

3. Fairhaven Op Shop, Point Claire

For the ultimate op shop morning it has to be a visit to Fairhaven Op Shop Village in Point Claire. The main building is where you’ll find a large array of pre-loved fashion for the whole family, and neatly organised so it feels like a genuine shopping experience. The allure here though is that the grounds are filled with mini—warehouses, each dedicated to art, fabric, toys, kitchenware and even tools. There’s an on-site café and believe us, you’ll need a mid-shop refreshment as there’s a lot to uncover here.

209 Brisbane Water Dr, Point Clare

4. Tiki La La, Long Jetty

The vintage gurus of the Coast – Tiki is the most perfectly curated vintage store with thoughtfully hand-picked and unique pieces on offer. The quality of the clothing, furniture and homewares here is top notch.

Shop 1, 302/306 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty

Gosford Op Shops

5.  Lifeline, Gosford

Smack bang in the middle of Gosford is Lifeline, and while we hate to play favourites it is one of our favourite op shops in Gosford. Ladies, this is where you’ll find those $250 sandals for $12, and they’ve never been worn. Country Road dresses that are still perfect and cost $9. This is a winning spot for womenswear, with a huge range of never-worn-before sunglasses.

136 Mann St, Gosford

6. Red Cross, Gosford

A couple of doors down from Lifeline this store is also smack bang in the middle of Gosford on Mann St. Their prices are ridiculously reasonable and they carry never been worn labels and clothing.  You’ll be sure to find yourself a cracking deal here. 

156 Mann St, Gosford 

7. Betty’s Flea Market, Long Jetty

Held on the last Saturday of every month inside the Long Jetty Hotel there are plenty of vendors with a huge selection of pre-loved clothing. Hot tip – have cash!

407 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty

Related: 12 Epic Central Coast Markets to Visit

Woy Woy op Shops

Let’s start in the suburb with the most op shops, with Woy Woy having plenty of options. We’ve listed our top three.

Vinnies, Woy Woy

This is one of the biggest Central Coast op shops, housed within a retro building opposite the Woy Woy Fisherman’s Wharf. There’s not only the usuals – womenswear and mens’ clothes. But also homewares and a huge array of furniture. This is a winning spot for kids’ clothes and toys.

41 The Boulevarde, Woy Woy 

Lifeline Shop, Woy Woy

There’s a few pieces of furniture within Lifeline but the real allure here is the team have very carefully ensured all womenswear has been organised by colour and size. Yep, that op shop rustle for a treasure is a little less daunting. And while there’s not much in the way of children’s clothes, there are plenty of books in the reading corner.

Gnostic Corner, 23-27 The Boulevarde, Chambers Pl, Woy Woy

Salvos Stores, Woy Woy

A little drive from Woy Woy town centre itself, this Salvos Store is for the well-seasoned op shopper as a lot is packed into a very small space. You’ll find a bit of everything – clothes for he, she and kids. But also plenty of kids toys and a sprinkling of homewares. No furniture at this store.

74 Rawson Rd, Woy Woy

READ MORE: The 40 Best Central Coast Cafes to Visit Right Now 

RELATED: Most Romantic Restaurants on the Central Coast 

Top Central Coast Op Shops

Salvos Store, West Gosford

One of the largest Salvos Stores on the Central Coast, this West Gosford gem is a winner as its large warehouse filled with endless pre-loved clothes for every member of the family. This is also a great call if you’re looking for shoes or handbags. There’s not in the way of furniture or kids’ toys but, seriously, it’s impossible to leave empty handed.

30B Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford

Lifeline, East Gosford

Less about fashion like its Gosford sib above, this larger Lifeline found just off the Central Coast Highway is the place to go for furniture. It is packed to the rafters with everything from beds to wardrobes, and anything in between. There’s also a cute kids corner with toys, and a few rails of pre-loved fashion.

50 York St, East Gosford

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Salvos, Green Point

This expansive Salvos is brilliant choice for the seasoned op shopper as there are gems but you’ve to dig them out. There’s no furniture at this Salvos but plenty of pre-loved fashion, kids toys and homewares. We’re a big fan of the many hats they always seem to have.

Shop 16 Green Point Shopping Centre, Avoca Dr, Green Point 

Vinnies, Wyong

For those in the northern reaches of the region then one of the very best op shops has to be the large Vinnies found just before you enter Wyong. There’s a real mix here of fashion, furniture and homewares. To flag, there’s not much of a kids section.

47 Howarth St, Wyong

What to read next? How about Six Woy Woy Restaurants Everyone Should Visit?