On the hunt for distinctive holiday gifts, I explored three vintage stores in the Illawarra. Join me on this journey to discover unique treasures that will set your holiday presents apart from the ordinary.

Wombat in Thirroul

228 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW 2515

Wombat has all sorts of out-there items in one place.

“We sell a little bit of everything and we think that’s the way to cover ourselves,” said Russell Hall, one of the owners of the store.

“I don’t know how traditional antique shops, really survive, because selling just 200-year-old stuff must be a pretty hard game.”

Russell, a lifelong collector with a penchant for acquiring unique items, found his calling upon returning home from time overseas. When invited to explore Wombat in Thirroul, he recognised a business opportunity he couldn’t resist.

“I came out here and I just fell in love with the place as I walked in.”

When asked about the shop’s standout feature, Russell pointed towards a bar light. “She’s from a Jackie Chan movie that was filmed in Australia, but wasn’t released in Australia called Bleeding Steel.

“We had a few of them. There was another one called Girls, Girls, Girls but that’s a stand out.”

The store also boasts an expansive outdoor area that visitors are free to explore.

“I think a lot of people enjoy the yard since people love touching and feeling everything,” Russell said.

Dreams and Memories

2/6 Molloy St, Bulli, NSW 2516

In Bulli lies Dreams and Memories, an antique store with a nice collection of vintage toys, renovated tools, lamps and much more.

“It’s all vintage there, we try not to have too much new stuff,” said Alison Mulholland, who works at Dreams and Memories with her husband, Richard Ainsworth.

“A lot of people have to move on their family’s possessions, and we try to help people out with that.”

Alison recalls the days when she and her mother would travel the country, finding intriguing items in shops along the way. On settling in Bulli, she decided to turn this cherished hobby into a local business.

When asked about their store’s highlight, Richard and Alison were pretty stuck, picking just one thing. Despite an extensive record collection, masterfully designed lamps and an assortment of Gumby toy collectibles, they picked a local treasure.

“The Bulli railway sign is quite unique because there’s really only two of them in existence and the other one is in the local museum,” said Richard.

“It was from the local railway station.

“That’s why it was perfect for our shop because it is one of only two.”

Retro Spectrum

114-116 Princes Highway, Elliotts Rd, Fairy Meadow, NSW 2519

Embracing a groovy 70s vibe, Retro Spectrum has a cosy atmosphere, so visitors feel right at home.

“I mainly do 60s and 70s, and I do have other eras, but I’ve got to like it for it to come in here,” said Dannielle Fletcher, the owner of Retro Spectrum.

Dannielle has always relished collecting items, whether that be from random garage sales or exploring op shops. At a certain point in her life, she decided it was time to bring to life the little store she had always envisioned.

“So my hubby at one point said, ‘What do you want to do?’ and I was like, ‘I’ve always wanted a little shop’,” Danielle said.

“He then goes, ‘Well, why don’t you?’ So that’s where it all started.”

While there were some fantastic vintage clothes and furniture, along with lovely home decor, Danielle singled out a picture as her favourite piece in the shop.

“Think Indigo, she’s a very rare piece by Michael Johnson,” Danielle said. “There’s always a lot of really good stuff, but this is my recent [favourite].”

In a world filled with modern stores offering similar styles, Danielle encourages people to explore antique stores like hers to find a unique and enduring treasures.

“You’re not following fashion or style, you’re just buying these pieces because you have sort of some kind of attraction to them,” Danielle said.

Still in the mood for treasure hunting? Try these five spots too:

• Retro Groove: Globe Ln, Wollongong NSW 2500
• Black Diamond Antiques and Collectables: 260 Princes Hwy, Bulli NSW 2516
• Thirroul Antique Centre: 394 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Thirroul NSW 2515
• Supertrash: 162 Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow NSW 2519
• Wandering Merchants: 9 Victoria St, Wollongong NSW 2500