There’s a certain thrill in uncovering a forgotten treasure, such as a mid-century lamp, a timeworn suitcase, or vintage crockery that hints at stories long past. For those drawn to vintage shopping and slow travel, the Great Ocean Road region offers more than scenic coastlines. It’s also a gateway to inland towns rich with antique stores, retro finds, and characterful collectables.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a weekend wanderer in search of something special, go off the main road and into the heart of Victoria’s southwest. Find the best stops along the collectables trail, from Colac and Camperdown to Winchelsea and Cobden.
Expect practical tips, inspiring destinations, and plenty of reasons to clear some boot space. Your next vintage adventure starts here.
Why Vintage Shopping Belongs on Your Great Ocean Road Itinerary
The Great Ocean Road is known for windswept cliffs and iconic beaches, but venture inland and you’ll uncover another side of the journey. In towns shaped by history and community, antique stores are local archives, with each object offering a tangible link to the past.
There’s also a growing movement behind vintage shopping. It aligns with sustainable travel, supporting local businesses and encouraging mindful collecting over mass consumption. Choosing to explore the Volcanic Lakes and Plains region isn’t just about what you buy, but how you experience it. Here, the joy is in the hunt: one-of-a-kind finds, rich conversation, and the occasional surprise in a country shed.
Top Towns for Vintage Treasures Along the Trail
Enjoy a slow, scenic meander through towns where vintage finds reflect local identity. Each of the destinations below offers its own version of the treasure hunt.
Colac
A regional hub surrounded by volcanic lakes, Colac offers a mix of rural antiques and old-world charm. Expect to uncover farmhouse tools, enamel kitchenware, and the odd quirk of a railway lantern, a butter churn, maybe even a weathered leather saddle.
Set your sights on Lake Colac for a picnic break, or climb to Red Rock Lookout for panoramic views across crater country.
Camperdown
Grand buildings, broad streets, and a volcanic skyline make Camperdown a standout. Its antique offerings are equally compelling: collectable books, vintage glassware, and period furniture often linked to the town’s 19th-century prosperity.
Be sure to explore the Courthouse Camperdown, which often hosts exhibitions and events celebrating regional heritage.
Winchelsea
Quietly nestled on the Barwon River, Winchelsea is an ideal detour from the Surf Coast. Its vintage scene may be smaller, but its quality is worth the stop. Look for locally run vintage stalls, occasional retro markets, and charming general stores that blend old with new.
A stroll along the Riverside Serenity walk or a coffee in a heritage building rounds out the visit beautifully.
Cobden
Once a major dairying town, Cobden carries its rural roots with pride. Here, the vintage trail takes on a pioneer feel: farm machinery, household wares, and handmade tools all tell stories of resilience and craft.
Visit Cobden Pioneer Park to get a broader sense of the town’s history and stay alert for seasonal vintage markets.
What You’ll Find on the Collectables Trail
No two stores are the same, and that’s half the fun. Across the region, keep your eyes peeled for:
- Mid-century modern furniture, teak sideboards and armchairs
- Retro kitchenware: Pyrex, Bakelite, enamel tins
- Framed maps, postcards, and black-and-white photography
- Old books, vinyl records, and Australiana
- Timber crates, enamel signs, and vintage tools
- One-off upcycled pieces ready for a new story
Whether you walk away with a rare gem or simply a memory, each stop adds depth to the journey.
Tips for Planning Your Vintage Road Trip
Every town has parking, toilets, and cosy cafés for breaks
- Midweek visits mean less crowding and more attention from shopkeepers
- Bring cash, many vendors prefer it or only accept it
- Pack a soft blanket and a few sturdy bags in the boot
- A tape measure and phone torch can be unexpectedly handy
- Leave room in the car if you’re tempted by furniture
- Visitor centres often know which shops are open and when
Make It a Weekend to Remember
There’s a rhythm to this kind of trip. Mornings browsing through vintage bookshops. Afternoons unwinding by a lake or lookout. Evenings spent in a boutique stay, your finds spread across the bed like trophies.
Consider pairing your antique hunt with nature walks, regional dining, or a slow stay in a historic cottage. Try Camperdown’s crater lakes, Colac’s forest-fringed gardens, or Winchelsea’s riverside paths.
Every stop deepens the experience.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Following the scent of antiques through the Great Ocean Road’s inland towns opens up a different kind of journey, one rooted in curiosity, character, and the charm of things well-made and well-loved.
Vintage shopping isn’t just about collecting. It’s about connecting. To places, to stories, and to the joy of finding something you didn’t know you needed.
Explore the collectables trail today with our local town guides and experience the soulful side of regional Victoria. Start your journey in the Volcanic Lakes and Plainslong the Great Ocean Road. A more balanced you may be closer than you think.