In the Home, Care, Consumption, Textile Waste
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 NSW Op Shop Guide & Preloved Self-Guided Trail
There is one preloved fashion shop and five op shops in Toronto, and all were enthusiastic up-takers 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, larger furniture items, 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 onsite.
67-73 The Boulevarde, Toronto NSW 2283
Phone: (02) 4950 4951
Toronto Lifeline is a spacious, light-filled store with a welcoming atmosphere. The thoughtfully curated selection of clothing, homewares, furniture, and books is managed by dedicated volunteers. This op shop not only supports employment opportunities but also fosters strong connections with everyone in the local community.
34 The Boulevarde, Toronto NSW 2283
Instagram: /lifeline_toronto includes the opening hours in the bio
Phone: (02) 4959 3400
Save the Children (Toronto) is a jam-packed op shop with a range of preloved clothing, shoes, and accessories for everyone. There’s a large selection of brand-new, excess stock at less-than-new prices.
Partnering with Upparel for textile recycling, this is the only Save the Children store in Lake Macquarie.
Shop 2/49A The Boulevarde, Toronto NSW
Phone: (02) 4950 5099
Vinnies (Toronto) features a simple, rectangular layout with racks and shelves on both sides, and clothing racks in the middle that allows you to see the entire shop from the entrance.
The shop offers a range of clothing for everyone, along with a small selection of homewares, shoes, books, and accessories.
80 The Boulevarde, Toronto NSW 2283
Phone: (02) 4959 6011
Set in a house-style setting, Allira House Op Shop (Toronto) features rooms filled with clothing for all ages, manchester, accessories, books, and a small but packed selection of homewares.
Allira House supports women and children escaping domestic violence, with proceeds directly funding refuges. It also offers education programs for the homeless.
116 The Boulevarde, Toronto NSW 2283
Indigo Closet is a locally owned business that offers a unique selection of pre-loved fashion, accessories, and homewares. Their friendly team is always ready to help you find hidden gems and fabulous bargains. Regularly updating stock, there’s always something new to discover.
Found at 10 The Boulevarde, Toronto (down the lake end).
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 – diagonally opposite the Salvation Army Op Shop. This has not been updated in google)
- Indigo Closet is found at 10 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
Hi there! 🌟 Happy op shopping from Indigo Closet! 🛍️✨