The Ultimate Guide to Quirky and Unique Shopping Experiences in the Wimmera Mallee
The Wimmera Mallee region is home to a treasure trove of unique retail experiences that offer some of the best vintage and antique finds you’ll ever encounter, to handmade, locally sourced treats. When you’re on a road trip out our way, whether it’s an epic adventure along the Silo Art Trail or kicking back off-grid, peppering in a few stopovers at these gems will make your trip just that much more special.
Bakery on Broadway
When you step into the Bakery in Broadway in Wycheproof, you’ll be greeted by the warm aroma of freshly baked pies, bread, and pastries. But this bakery is more than just a place to grab a quick bite, it’s a destination for anyone looking to take home the taste of the Wimmera Mallee region.
Beyond the delicious baked goods, the bakery also sells a wide range of local produce, from locally farmed salt to handmade sweets and jams, and so much more. You’ll find everything you need to create a truly authentic Wimmera Mallee experience in your own home.
317 Broadway, Wycheproof
Open Monday – Friday 7AM – 3PM, Weekends, 8AM – 3PM
Charlton Vintage
Discover the beauty of vintage at Charlton Vintage. The selection of vintage clothing and homewares appear to be captured in time. As you browse the store, you’ll find yourself transported to another era, with items that truly have a story to tell. Imagine the parties where these dresses were worn or the meals that were cooked with the vintage kitchenware – if only they could speak.
It’s a unique shopping experience that is truly one of a kind. The store is easy to navigate and find special items, and the owner has a keen eye for vintage and has carefully selected each item. Discover hidden gems and take home something truly special.
54 High Street, Charlton
Open Thursday – Friday, 10AM – 4PM, Saturday 10AM – 2PM
Dimboola Imaginarium
Set in the heritage National Australia Bank building, this magical store is an experience you won’t forget. Specialising in unique and imaginative gifts, homewares and decorative items, owners Chan and Jamie have created something that will spark your imagination. The pair hail from a significant Melbourne-based hospitality background and offer a one-of-a-kind, Cantonese-influenced high tea in store for special occasions (bookings are a must).
The dynamic duo has fallen in love and embraced the town of Dimboola, taking it upon themselves to become local tourism champions. They will generously share all the local tips you could dream of. If you’re lucky, you may even meet Bonza (their pet turkey).
7-9 Lochiel Street, Dimboola
Open Thursday – Monday, 10AM – 3PM
Dimboola Vintage
The intricate world of vintage at Dimboola Vintage is a joy. Carefully selected and sourced by owners Bruce and Jo, the store features vintage homewares, furniture, and decorations and a curious collection of electrical instruments from eras past which Bruce will happily demonstrate.
From elegant vases and teapots to charming figurines and trinket boxes, you are bound to find something you’ll fall in love with. The store also has a wide range of vintage furniture, including tables and chairs so it’s a great place to stop by if you’re on the hunt for a piece from a specific era to suit your design aesthetic.
78-81 Lloyd Street, Dimboola
Open Thursday – Sunday, 10M – 3PM
Edenhope Antiques
Step into a labyrinth of vintage gold at Edenhope Antiques. Akin to an eccentric department store, owner Jo hosts a trove of vintage and antique items that will transport you back in time. From vintage costume jewellery, glassware, crockery, furniture, art-deco mirrors, men’s grooming products, cigarette tins, and so much more, it is a literal treasure chest. With hidden gems in every nook and cranny, you’re bound to stumble across a hidden gem, it might just take a little digging!
As you explore the store, you’ll find yourself happily engulfed in a sea of forgotten riches. The store’s pressed tin ceilings and vintage decor create a cozy atmosphere, where it is easy to get lost in the beauty of the past.
And as if the store wasn’t special enough, there is a surprise talking cockatoo out the back door, if you’re looking for someone to chat to!
162 Elizabeth Street, Edenhope
Open every day 10AM – 5PM
Eleven and Us
Elevate your style with some new holiday get up with a visit to Eleven and Us, a newly-minted boutique clothing store in Dimboola. Owner, Sonia, has put together and on point selection of tonal, block colour and patterned pieces that focus on comfort and ease of wear, without sacrificing on style.
The store also has a variety of accessories, including earrings and sunglasses, that will complete your look and have your ready for a cocktail hour cruise down the Wimmera River.
83 Lloyd Street, Dimboola
Open Tuesday – Friday, 10AM – 4PM, Saturday 10AM – 1PM
Love Shack Giftware
Love Shack Giftware will land you in the small town of Donald. Situated in the old family butcher’s building, the exterior of the building has been beautifully preserved to retain its character and heritage. Owners Stacey and Wayne started the business both inspired by their love of travelling around Australia and noticing travellers’ love of purchasing gifts for loved ones while on the road.
The store offers a wide range of gifts and homewares, including candles, soaps and kitchenware. The store’s selection includes a mix of both local and imported products, all carefully curated to provide you with something quirky and individual. Love Shack Giftware is the perfect destination to stop on your Wimmera Mallee exploration to pick up something for your nearest and dearest back home.
54 Woods Street, Donald
Open Monday – Friday, 10AM – 5PM, Saturday, 10AM – 12PM
Mallee Blooms
With a dream of opening her own business, shop owner, Teale set up shop in her hometown of Sea Lake to provide locals and visitors a beautiful space to buy gifts, homewares and baby products. Hand-picked by Teale, Mallee Blooms is worth popping into on your travels to the breathtaking pink salt lake, Lake Tyrrell.
Mallee Blooms also offers beauty services such as facials and eyebrow tinting. Teale is a qualified beauty therapist so you can trust that you will receive a luxurious experience to pamper yourself or prepare for a special occasion night out (we’d recommend dinner at The Juke).
59-61 Best Street, Sea Lake
Open Monday – Friday 9AM – 5PM, Saturday, 9AM – 12PM
Paw Po Products
Paw Po Products specialises in hand-woven products made by Karen women from Myanmar who have made their home in Nhill, the half-way point between Melbourne and Adelaide. They make and sell a wide range of hand-woven products, including bags, kitchen textiles, and clothing. The items you’ll find are not only beautiful and unique, but also ethically made, providing an income for the Karen women who make them. Each item in the store has been carefully crafted by hand, making it a one-of-a-kind piece made with love.
Paw Po Products is a great destination for anyone looking for ethically made products that you won’t find get anywhere else. With its wide selection of hand-woven products, the store is a great way to explore the local culture, learn about the history, and support the Karen community.
35 Victoria Street, Nhill
Open Monday – Friday, 10AM – 4PM, Saturday, by appointment
Rural Industry
Step back in time and embrace the warmth of rural life at Rural Industry in Dimboola. This retail store offers a hand-selected shopping experience for those who seeking coveted vintage and country-style homewares and collectibles. Perfectly located in the old candy bar at the front of the Star Theatre, the store is oozing with country charm.
The store’s cottage-core vibe is evident in every corner. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for your living room or a unique gift for a friend, you’ll find it here. The store’s expertly curated selection is a sought-after place to take a piece of the Wimmera Mallee home with you.
115 Lloyd Street, Dimboola
Open Friday – Saturday, 10AM – 3PM
Sarë Store
Are you in Birchip or did you just walk into a millennial cool-girl’s Instagram feed? Sarë Store offers highly a curated selection of quality, high-end fashion for women including clothing, accessories, and beauty products. Samantha and Renae are the faces behind the newly-opened retail space. The sisters have a true love for fashion, and it shows in the carefully hand-picked selection of coveted items on offer.
We recommend making a Saturday morning stop of Birchip, collecting some beautiful pieces here, sliding into O’Donnell’s Café and Wine Bar for brunch, then taking a walk around town to check out the incredible outdoor gallery of street art.
31 Cumming Avenue, Birchip
Open Monday – Friday, 9AM – 5PM, Saturday 9AM – 12PM
Sea Lake Tyrrell Tours
While the company may be known for their epic tours of the breathtaking Lake Tyrrell, what you may not know is that owner and superwoman, Julie, also operates the Sea Lake Information Hub. While also being your one stop travel information shop, Sea Lake Information Hub also features a gift shop and an Indigenous Art Gallery. The space is a mecca for local wine and produce from the northern end of the region, including Mildura.
Along with salt scrubs, local olive oil and delicious pasta sauces you won’t be able to leave without multiple flavours of the famous Lake Tyrrell Salt in hand.
65 Horace Street, Sea Lake
Open every day 10AM – 4PM
The Kaniva Puppet Shop
The Kaniva Puppet Shop in is a perfect destination for families, puppet enthusiasts and the playful alike. The shop is a place of wonder, offering a wide range of handmade puppets, including marionettes, hand puppets and finger puppets, all made by local artisans. The shop also curates workshops for children and adults, including wreath and Christmas decoration making.
The puppets come in different shapes, sizes, and styles, from traditional to modern. They can be used for storytelling, puppet shows, and educational purposes. Performing in an in-store puppet show is a must for the kids (and kids at heart).
65 Commercial Street, Kaniva
Open Monday – Saturday, 10AM– 4PM
The Mid-Centurion
If mid-century design aesthetic is your thing, then The Mid Centurion in Warracknabeal will be heaven. Store owner, Kirsty, truly lives and breathes vintage, which is entirely evident in her own personal style, think full-skirts, blouses and cardigans, a total vibe!
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind piece, the hand-sourced selection from the era, including furniture, home decor, kitchenware, fashion and accessories, won’t disappoint. For a secret local tip, make sure you pop into the Ladies Lounge (next door to the public bathrooms) on the next block, to the south. You’ll be in for a treat.
77 Scott Street, Warracknabeal
Open Tuesday – Friday 10AM – 5PM, Saturday 10AM – 4PM, Sunday 11AM – 4PM
Tilley and Mango
Tilley and Mango, is the art studio and store of lauded abstract artists, Mel Obst, located in Dimboola. The store is a destination for art lovers and those looking for unique and original gifts.
Mel specialises in punchy, colourful abstract paintings and other handmade goods including earrings and hand painted pots. Inspired by the vast Wimmera landscape, her artworks are characterised by bold brushstrokes and bright colours that will add a pop of colour to any space. In addition to her paintings (both framed originals and prints are available), Mel also sells a range of bags, jewellery, and giftware for all occasions.
102 Lloyd Street, Dimboola
Open Friday 10AM – 3PM, Saturday 10AM – 2PM
