Antique Markets
There are the serious collectors and then very serious collectors. But no matter if your interest is antiques, trash and treasure, bric a brac or quality ‘junk’, there are markets aplenty offering all sorts of material. And it’s appropriate to begin down south in Tasmania where Hobart, one of Australia’s oldest cities, is home to the Antique Market in Elizabeth Street.
The beauty of this Hobart attraction is that there are some 15 antique dealers in the one location - that’s dealers in antiques as opposed to ancient traders - each offering many items including furniture, glass, jewellery and original works of art. And it’s all under the one roof. And if you own some antique object you want valued or repaired or restored, again you’ll find a range of experts on tap.
Now there are some who argue that size does matter and if so then the Paddington Antique Centre in Sydney certainly takes the prize. There are almost fifty antique experts and dealers under the same roof. The building itself is something of an antique so if you’re interested in retro or ancient clothing, furniture, jewellery, clocks and watches or even military memorabilia, head to Paddington and browse to your heart’s delight.
Pedlar’s Antique Market in Adelaide is open seven days a week and offers a range of shops and stores with all manner of unusual antiques. In some cases it might mean climbing stairs to hunt for that special item but of items there is certainly no shortage. The stores have goods to tempt collectors or anyone just looking for an unusual gift. China and ornaments in general are there en masse.
High Street Malvern in Melbourne is a mecca for antique buyers. Mind you this is not your average flea market and suits more the upmarket shopper. But the range and quality of furniture and home wares is staggering. Public transport has trams running past the front doors but many customers do arrive in fancy European horseless carriages.
The Gabba is a famous Queensland sporting ground with the word short for Woolloongabba which is where you will find Brisbane’s unique antique market. It’s the biggest antique market in Brissie, housed in an art nouveau building but which, as can only happen in Queensland, has air-con for your comfort. The market is open seven days, has an antique type of coffee lounge and even live music. Shop, stroll, admire and be entertained all in one.
