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Op Shop 101: The Top 10 Biggest in Ballarat

Discover the top-rated Op Shop in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, recognized and reviewed by online customers.

Salvos Stores Ballarat, Bridge Mall

  • Address: 86 Bridge Mall, Ballarat Central VIC 3350, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 3.8 (336)
  • Phone: +61 3 5332 2320
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Sunday: Closed

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What to Consider When Visiting an Op Shop in Ballarat

Op shop in Ballarat
Op shop in Ballarat

When going to a thrift store in Australia, there are several things to consider in order to have a successful and enjoyable shopping experience. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:

  • Location: Finding thrift stores near you is the first step. Research online or ask locals for recommendations to locate the best thrift stores in your area.
  • Timing: Thrift stores in Australia may have specific sale days or discounted pricing during certain times of the year. Consider visiting on those days to get the best deals.
  • Quality: While thrift stores are known for second-hand items, it’s important to inspect the quality of the merchandise. Check for any damages or signs of wear before purchasing an item.
  • Selection: Different thrift stores will have different inventory, so visiting multiple stores can increase your chances of finding unique and desired items.
  • Pricing: Thrift stores offer discounted prices, but it’s still important to compare prices and determine if an item is truly worth the cost. Avoid overspending on items that can be found cheaper elsewhere.
  • Donation Policies: Some thrift stores in Australia may have specific donation policies, such as only accepting certain items or offering donation receipts for tax purposes. Familiarize yourself with these policies if you plan on donating items.
  • Sanitization: Given that thrift stores sell used items, it’s important to consider the cleanliness and sanitization of the goods. Check for signs of cleanliness and use personal discretion when purchasing items.
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By considering these factors, you can make the most out of your thrift store shopping experience in Australia.

The 10 Best Op Shops in Ballarat (Ratings & Reviews)

Op shop in Ballarat
Op shop in Ballarat

Salvos Stores Wendouree

  • Address: 1225 Howitt Street, Wendouree VIC 3355, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.2 (78)
  • Phone: +61 3 5338 1629
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
    Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
    Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
    Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
    Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
    Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Sunday: Closed
  • Reviews:
    Mark Thompson
    7 months ago
    $6 for a blu ray. Tell em they’re dreaming! Time to tax this “charity”.
    Bekka B✭✭
    3 weeks ago
    Went in yesterday and was completely disgusted with the prices of things! Won’t be back
    SBC Productions✭✭✭✭✭
    a year ago
    Had the best time shopping here today. Sang along to the 80’s hits, almost doing harmonies with one of the shop gentlemen. Picked up a few early Christmas presents as well as some great picture frames to finish a project. All in all, a great experience.
    Lucy Jones
    a year ago
    The most expensive op shop in Ballarat area, their items are way more over priced. Most of clothes cost over $10, and some lightweight knit tops even cost $25-$35, ridiculous! Also, quite a few things are display only, not for sale. So you get donations for free, selling for high price which some people couldn’t afford, and even keep some items for store display and never sold, this is disgusting.
    Claire Mahony✭✭
    7 months ago
    Went here today. I looked around for a particular item, a sun hat, for a while. I then asked for help and was simply told, ‘Oh, I have no idea if we have any, you’ll just need to scout-around!’ Unhelpful to say the least!

Vinnies

  • Address: 1253 Howitt Street, Wendouree VIC 3355, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.2 (57)
  • Phone: +61 3 5339 4817
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Reviews:
    Richard J✭✭✭
    a year ago
    Average store, there’s usually not too much new on offer, although over the years we’ve occasionally picked up a few items, reasonable prices here.
    A✭✭✭✭✭
    7 months ago
    Wonderful service from a group of dedicated volunteers, always happy to lend a hand. Excellent value for money.
    Serena Carrigg✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    Visited to look for track pants and walked out with a $2 movie instead.
    Lucy Jones✭✭✭✭✭
    a year ago
    This Vinnies store is big, bright and nite. Price is reasonable and affordable, way more cheap than the Salvos on the same street. Volunteers are very friendly and helpful.
    Diane Heyen✭✭✭✭
    7 months ago
    Very clean spacious shop. Volunteers are happy to help. Prices are reasonable.

Vinnies

  • Address: 1822-1824 Sturt St, Alfredton VIC 3350, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (53)
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The Salvation Army

  • Address: 1113 Norman St, Wendouree VIC 3355, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 3.8 (48)

Uniting Op Shop Delacombe

  • Address: 899 La Trobe St, Delacombe VIC 3356, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.2 (14)

BCC Salvos Thrift Shop

  • Address: 204 Creswick Rd, Ballarat Central VIC 3350, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4 (12)

Uniting Op Shop Wendouree

  • Address: 1323 Howitt Street, Wendouree VIC 3355, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (10)

Ballarat Hospice Care Op Shop

  • Address: 723 Sturt St, Ballarat Central VIC 3350, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (9)
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Australian Red Cross Shop Ballarat

  • Address: 406 Sturt St, Ballarat Central VIC 3350, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 3.5 (8)

Uniting Op Shop Ballarat

  • Address: 107 Dana St, Ballarat Central VIC 3350, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.3 (8)

Where to Find the Best Deals on Clothing in Ballarat

Best&Less

Best&Less
4.3 (120)
Bridge Mall Shopping Centre, Little Bridge St, Ballarat Central VIC 3350, Australia
Black Pepper

Black Pepper
4.4 (5)
31 Bridge Mall, Ballarat Central VIC 3350, Australia
Blue Illusion Ballarat

Blue Illusion Ballarat
4.9 (8)
408 Sturt St, Ballarat Central VIC 3350, Australia

Thank you for reading! If you have any additional information on the best Op Shop in Ballarat, please leave a comment below. Ulastempat International would love to hear from you!

5 Replies to Op Shop 101: The Top 10 Biggest in Ballarat

  1. Great store which is well laid out. Lots of bargains and the occasional over priced item.
    There is plenty of stock and like that it’s turned over pretty quickly so you can come back a week later and there will be a whole new range of items to browse through.
    Staff are extremely helpful. Wheelchair friendly. Kid friendly.

  2. Like all salvos stores they are cheap and have a whole range of things from clothes and jewellery to the occasional furniture and bedding. The store itself is quite small and hard to walk around when it’s busy but I enjoy browsing here every so often and most of the time you’ll find something you like.

  3. It is an average Salvos store, sometimes over priced but you can still find some bargains. I would say this store is much better than the Salvos in Wendouree.

  4. A cozy refuge from the bustling Saturday market that offered an eclectic range of clothing at low, low prices. Although the store was thoughtfully laid out, the clothing would have been easier to navigate if it was organised by size. Could do with more bric a brac.

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