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Toronto NSW Op Shop Guide
I discovered the Toronto op shops at the start of the new millennium when we moved to Lake Macquarie. It was hard to resist the hop, skip and jump away between each shop by foot, a beautiful waterfront park with playground at the end of the street, and a designated swimming area on the shores of Lake Macquarie.
Back then with young children, Toronto op shops quickly became my favourite op shopping area. My kids have grown, yet they still remember this experience.
(Main Image Photo Credit: Tara Thomas)
Toronto Op Shop & Preloved Self-Guided Trail
There is one preloved fashion shop and five op shops in Toronto, and all were enthusiastic uptakers of an op shop panel discussion. This learned information is now shared with attendees at my guided op shop & preloved trails in the area.
I’ve included a summary of what each op shop offers, however have excluded the opening days and hours, as this varies with volunteer availability. Please check each op shop’s contact link in advance to avoid disappointment.
Op Shops in Toronto
Stocks an extensive range of homewares, appliances, books, furniture, fashion for everyone and a range of miscellaneous items.
Undercover donation drop off area is in the driveway to the above-shop carpark. Local pick up and delivery is available. All donations are sorted on site and monies raised support the local Toronto community.
67-73 The Boulevarde, Toronto NSW 2283
Phone: (02) 4950 4951
A light-filled large space with clothing for everyone, manchester, accessories, books and a selection of homewares. Now open 7 days a week. Donations accepted.
34 The Boulevarde, Toronto NSW 2283
Instagram: /lifeline_toronto includes the opening hours in the bio
Phone: (02) 4959 3400
A jam packed shop filled with a range of preloved clothing, shoes and accessories for everyone. Also has a large and ongoing range of excess brand-new stock selling at less-than-new prices.
Partners with Upparel for textile recycling.
Shop 2/49A The Boulevarde, Toronto NSW
Phone: (02) 4950 5099
A simple shop layout, with racks/ shelves lining both sides of the shop and a centre rack. Easy to view end of shop from the main door.
There’s clothing for everyone, with a small amount of homewares, shoes, books and accessories.
80 The Boulevarde, Toronto NSW 2283
Phone: (02) 4959 6011
Allira House supports woman and children escaping domestic violence. The sales of donated goods go directly to the refuges. Allira House also provides education programs for the homeless.
Set in a house-style environment, the spaces are filled with clothing for everyone, manchester, accessories, books and a small amount of homewares.
Corner The Boulevarde and Cary Street, Toronto NSW 2283
Toronto NSW Op Shop Map
The map below shows the (approximate) locations of the Toronto op shops.
- Salvation Army Op Shop,
- Vinnies,
- Lifeline,
- Save the Children, and
- Allira House Op Shop (as of June 2023, the op shop has moved to the Corner of The Boulevarde and Cary Street. This has not been updated in google)
- Indigo Closet is found on The Boulevarde, nearest to Lifeline
Op shopping is just one way to source second hand, preloved clothing and homewares, reducing our need to buy brand new. So much stuff is already in circulation, and op shops are our suburban shopping precinct gateway to exploring what’s available.
My saying – “You never know what you’ll find at an op shop” rings true every time you visit an op shop.
Helping you to op shop mindfully, read my hot tips for op shopping, in addition to reading up on the five guiding principles for op shopping. If you’d like an op shop or preloved guided trail in your area, please get in touch so we can discuss options.
Transport Options to Toronto
Toronto is located on the western side of Lake Macquarie and is accessible by car, boat, train & bus.
Train
Catch the train from Sydney or Newcastle to Fassifern Station, then hop on the connecting train bus (at no additional cost) that will take you to Toronto main centre.
Bus
Catch the yellow Toronto bus from the Warners Bay interchange. Opal cards are accepted.
Boat
Enjoy a beautiful boat ride on the lake – moor at the public jetty whilst you explore the range of second hand shops in the area.
View the Boating Map of Lake Macquarie
Car
From the F1 Freeway (aka M1 from Sydney, Central Coast, Maitland, the Hunter Valley and north of Newcastle) – take the Toronto exit. The road takes you straight into The Boulevarde, Toronto.
Toronto is road-accessible from the north, south and west of Lake Macquarie.
Discover More…
- Can’t make it to an op shop? Discover how Newcastle-based online clothing shop The Re: Club is helping to reinvent the way we shop for clothes,
- Choose to op shop online via my affiliate link to ebay – Vinnies,
- Go here to read more stories about sourcing second hand and ways to reuse and recycle
- Discover the annual National Op Shop Week awareness campaign by Do Something Near You
