The best regional shops and boutiques across Australia

Regulars on the road between Orange and Canberra will be familiar with this perfect pit stop: pick up a coffee from Boorowa’s Marsden St General and make a beeline down the path to The General Kinsfolk, the little shed behind. Inside is a sophisticated surprise, with dark walls and moody lighting showcasing clothing, accessories, homewares and jewellery, all curated by stylish local Edwina Gregory. Hunter gumboots are a year-round favourite in the bush, as are Edwina’s selection of Le Bon Shoppe socks – the ultimate stocking fillers. Beaded coin pouches and Porter bangles from Bondi Beach are a hit with teens, and there’s beautiful glassware for grown-ups. Need a present for your country hosts en route to Christmas Day? Grab retro pool floats and margarita mixes to go. While in town, be sure
to check out The Art Of Living, Joseph Corkhill’s new antiques space across the road.

25 Marsden St, Boorowa NSW, 0437 279 908, thegeneralkinsfolk.com

Walking into Suzie Anderson’s Moss Vale store feels like entering a glorious country house. Connecting rooms are styled so her customers get a true sense of what her pieces can feel like in their own homes. “One room may feel like the Hamptons, one more coastal,” Suzie tells us. “There’s a bedroom, a bathroom, a man’s domain, an old French atelier, country kitchen, dining room, garden room and a rug room.”

If you think, from this description, her collection sounds prolific, you’re not mistaken. Suzie’s interior decorator’s eye for homewares, furniture and one-off European antiques, along with her signature palette of neutral tones, can be credited for breathing fresh life into Moss Vale’s main street. Suzie Anderson Home also has a store in Bowral.

409 Argyle Street, Moss Vale NSW, (02) 4868 2662, suzieandersonhome.com

The historic town of Yass is known by most as a mere pitstop on the trip between Sydney and Melbourne, but venture into the town’s main street and you’ll find a treasure trove of unique homewares at Merchant Campbell. Owner Margot Shannon, whose own home is styled to perfection, has hand-selected many of the wares in store. She places emphasis on handmade, one-of-a-kind jewellery, homewares, artwork, rugs and more.

287 Comur St, Yass NSW, (02) 6226 1240, merchantcampbell.com.au

The facade of Sainte (formerly Amara Home) in the quaint village of Berry on the NSW South Coast is like something from a fairytale. It’s covered in creeping ivy that shrouds the blacksmith and farrier sign from days gone by. Inside, you’ll find a dreamy selection of interiors and high-end fashion in neutral colours.

One-off furniture and decorative pieces, sourced from as far as Africa, India and Morocco, sit comfortably among luxury clothing and accessories by Celine, Annie Bing, Jac and Jack, Lucy Folk, and Bemboka. Be sure to seek out knives by Poglia, The Laundress’ genius collaboration with Le Labo, and Jérôme Dreyfuss’s buttery soft leather bags.

83 Queen Street, Berry NSW, (02) 4464 2910, sainte.com.au

There’s a mass of greenery at the entrance to Stone’s Throw on Walgett’s main street, hanging from planters and wheeled onto the pavement in vintage European market carts. The café and shop, owned by Katie Murray and her husband Jay, has been credited with keeping community spirits up in the drought-affected area. With its huge bi-fold windows and brilliant sage-green subway tiles, it’s little wonder locals and visitors flock to the old bank building to catch up, enjoy great coffee and browse Katie’s thoughtful collection of homewares and gifts. There are also gourmet pantry items, kitchen and garden accessories, fun tea towels, aprons and calendars by Red Tractor Designs.

58 Fox Street, Walgett NSW, (02) 6828 3359, stonesthrowonline.com.au

Husband-and-wife duo Bede and Jemima Aldridge opened Saddler & Co, a business specialising in high-quality handcrafted saddles and repair work, in Dubbo back in 2010. Fifteen years on, Saddler & Co has firmly cemented its place as one of the best regional boutiques in Australia, stocking a unique collection of leather goods including belts, whips, briefcases, bags, phone and iPad cases, book covers, and more. While visiting the shop is an experience in itself – customers are given the rare opportunity to see a craftsman at his work – you can also shop Saddler & Co’s bespoke range online.

1a Sterling Street, Dubbo NSW, 0419 496 834, saddlerandco.com.au

Lovers of artisanal and handcrafted textiles will be in heaven at Juniper Hearth in the charming town of Berry. With a range including apparel, sleepwear (we especially love the gorgeous range of kimono robes!), homewares and accessories, you could while away a couple of hours among the delicious cashmere knits, handcrafted clothing, and the best selection of tea towels we’ve seen in a long time.

Cnr Alexandra & Princess Streets, Berry NSW, (02) 4464 3367, juniperhearth.com.au

No list of the best regional boutiques in Australia would be complete without mentioning Few and Far. Owners Tara and Danny had a vision to create a store filled with treasures collected from across the world, where people could enjoy a beautiful shopping experience. And create it they did. With six retail locations around NSW, Few and Far is one of the most popular — and outstanding — regional boutiques the state has to offer. They stock a collection of unique furniture, homewares, art, gifts and more, in gorgeously appointed and inspiring spaces.

10 Currambene St, Huskisson NSW, 02 4441 8277, fewandfar.com.au

If you love relaxed linen clothing and chic accessories, you’ll love Mrs Pete’s Shed. Located in Bowral, this boutique fashion store draws its inspiration from French fashion and offers a range of trans-seasonal pieces that are perfect for layering. “From day one, Mrs Pete’s Shed has been about more than clothes – it’s about helping women feel good in what they wear and confident in who they are,” owner Shelly says.

364 Bong Bong St, Bowral NSW, 0419 585 279, mrspetesshed.com.au

Situated in the historic hamlet of Gumeracha, in the northern Adelaide Hills, Peregrine Store is not your average gift shop. Don’t expect knick-knacks. Expect quality camping, cooking, gardening and crafting gear from small businesses and local artisans. “I opened up this shop in 2019 to help people reconnect: to spend time in nature and get back to basics,” owner Jessie says. “Well thought, Well made – that’s our motto. Peregrine Store is all about getting back to basics, celebrating the everyday items that are passed down through the generations.”

22A Albert Street, Gumeracha SA, 0432 395 530, peregrinestore.com

Owner Nicki Milton fondly describes her Adelaide Hills store as an old barn in a paddock. Upon opening the shop nearly 10 years ago, Nicki gave the building a facelift, complete with chic awnings bearing the Pony logo. As a result, passers-by, often travelling between the Barossa and the coast, stop and take notice. They love Pony’s practical and colourful range of homewares, Indigenous art and women’s fashion, plus special pieces sourced from Israel, Italy, Germany and Denmark. Inside, you can see why the expansive area is often described as gallery-like, which only serves to encourage Nicki and her inner stylist. “It’s a big space, and merchandising is what gets me excited. I like to create stories with the products, making it an experience to walk your way through Pony,” she says.

23 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Charleston SA, (08) 8389 5444, thatponyshop.com.au

South Australian wares are showcased at the lovely Hills & Coast in Strathalbyn, where owner Belinda Croser’s deep love for the region is on full display. Here you can find some of the best artisanal products in South Australia, from iconic regions including the Adelaide Hills, Barossa, Fleurieu and Murraylands.

41 Commercial Road Strathalbyn SA, 0490 141 941, @hillsandcoast

Nestled in the Adelaide Hills, this delightful little shop is brimming with colourful homewares. There’s a focus on farmhouse-inspired kitchenware, garden tools, picnic products and doorstops, along with farm animal toys and books for children. Butter dishes, eggcups, sugar bowls and toast racks from Cooksmart England bring cheer, as do the oversized mugs, illustrated with chickens, from the Robert Gordon Australia x Emogen Clark collection. The vibe is joyful, with hand-carved wooden ducks and resin roosters all around, but it’s clear owners Anne-Marie and Caitlin Stringer, a mother-daughter duo, have a serious instinct for great gifting. They know the benefit of offering customers delivery and click-and-collect. All orders, both online and in-store, come beautifully wrapped – and if you’re not in South Australia, the online experience is clear and comprehensive.

Shop 3, 36 Scott St, Kersbrook SA, 0417 273 337, speckledhenstore.com.au

Boutique shop Ironstone Cottage has been selling contemporary European gifts and homewares for over 15 years. Located in the heart of Tanunda, this quaint homewares store is a great one to visit if you’re ever in the Barossa Valley. Expect cosy woollen pieces, small pewter sculptures, tapestry cushions, Laguiole cutlery, cute Christmas decor and plenty of whimsy.

56 Murray St, Tanunda SA, 0499 193 383, ironstonecottage.com.au

Set within a c.1908 church in Port Lincoln, The Bay Room was created by David and Kristy Nisbe to offer the people of Eyre Peninsula a warm and welcoming place to shop for unique homewares, stylish clothing, cute kids’ toys and thoughtful gifts. After admiring the soaring ceilings and the colourful, Australian-made homewares, you can get your goodies gift-wrapped for free; perfect for Christmas shopping.

Unit 1/44 Liverpool St, Port Lincoln, 8682 2466, thebayroom.com.au

To many readers of Country Style, Amanda Skipper needs no introduction. After closing her glorious interiors store, The Vintage Rose, in 2020 and restoring whalers’ inn The Black Swan with her husband, Skip, she’s thrown open the doors to a fresh endeavour – The Captains Mrs. Inspired by the pristine beaches and bays of St Helens, the shop has a distinctly coastal feel, with Amanda’s trademark flair for combining old with new on display. Rustic ceramics, timber breadboards, emerald glassware and French-style cutlery sit artfully among giant clam shells, vintage taxidermy shore birds and feather-filled cushions. “There’s beautiful rattan and jute, hand-loomed linens, soft mossy greens and tranquil blues… all reminiscent of my natural surrounds every day,” says Amanda. On the eve of the shop’s opening,
Amanda tells me Christmas plans are firmly underway (fittingly, with half the products stowed away and the other on a ship, ready to arrive). She shares visions of a handpainted iron children’s bed surrounded by presents, a real tree adorned with woven snowflakes, and burnished copper and brass bells. In any case, a journey to see The Captains Mrs in her first festive season is sure to be a treat.

40 Quail St, St Helens TAS, @thecaptainsmrs

This gorgeous store in Longford is a treasure trove of goodies, including vintage furniture, collectables, original art, handmade ceramics and more. Whether you’re looking for a gift, a little treat for yourself or just want to browse and be inspired, Lofty is sure to deliver.

60 Wellington Street, Longford TAS, @loftyhomestore

If you know Toowoomba, you’ll most likely know the signature black-and-white awning on the Harolds’ corner shopfront. Step inside to find a curated range of traditional homewares — note the accents of green, brass, timber and black throughout. Owner Aaron Bourne says there’s a masculine edge to his classic collection, and he’s influenced by British-colonial styles when buying. Keep an eye out for his bestselling bamboo cutlery, gorgeous Raffles armchairs and ottomans, plus fabulous pineapple tassel key rings for your Kris Kringle! Follow @harolds_finishing_touches on Instagram to see what’s new in store and for an inspirational peek inside Aaron’s stylish home.

84 Hume Street, East Toowoomba QLD, (07) 4638 7838, haroldsfinishingtouches.com

Helen Allison’s passion for travel and interior design inspired her to open a homewares store more than 25 years ago. A decorator’s delight, the shop is named after her twin grandchildren. Regular buying trips across the globe mean shoppers on the Sunshine Coast are treated to Helen’s sophisticated European style. Among her collection — one of the best in Australia — you’ll find Caravane French linen and silk bedding, Antoinette Poisson’s stunning wallpapers and textiles, plus Henry Beguelin’s Milanese-made leather bags. Stock up on Cire Trudon candles and Mud Australia ceramics while you’re in store, and follow @otillyandlewis on Instagram for locally made furniture.

Shop 4, 8 Grebe Street, Peregian Beach QLD, (07) 5448 1524, otillyandlewis.com.au

Lovers of colour, this one’s for you! Inky & Moss is your one-stop shop for all things bright and beautiful, be it homewares or fashion. Owner Chrissy Chandler has a keen eye for bold fabrics and on-trend prints. Her curation of women’s clothing has a large following for a small boutique — sundresses by brands such as Bruno, Alessandra and Binny walk out the door.

54 Wyndham Street, Roma QLD, (07) 4622 3455; inkymoss.com.au

When mother-daughter team Melanie Walker and Aimee Lacy took the reins of this beloved shop in Mackay last year, they brought with them their passion for intentional living and slow rituals. “It’s a calm, soulful space,” says Aimee of the store, adding they wanted to create a retreat for visitors that felt “less like shopping, more like lingering and finding meaningful pieces.” Ceramics in earthy tones line the shelves, with hand-poured candles, incense and body oils. Textiles from Mediterranean-inspired Saardé, bohemian-style picnic rugs from Wandering Folk and Gentle Habits’ roll-on perfume oils all make nurturing presents. Encouraging us to give as an act of love at Christmas, rather than a rush or obligation, Melanie and Aimee have created thoughtful gift bundles, including tableware and wellness sets. Check out their timeless decorations, too, for lasting traditions.

Shop 2, 139 Victoria St, Mackay QLD, (07) 4953 5125; gypsyandthebowerbird.com.au

Ella Curic loves that Geraldton has so many visitors — it’s a regional hub for surrounding farming families at the top of the wheatbelt and for coastal crayfishing boats. She also tells us her shop, Salt Boutique, is “the last fashion stop for our travellers until Broome”. Salt’s brands include Nobody Denim, Assembly Label, The Upside and Viktoria & Woods.

162 Marine Terrace, Geraldton WA, 0498 371 300, saltboutique.com.au

This smart homewares and gift shop brings its modern Scandi style to the town of Katanning. With an impressive range of Australian and international design products, owners Lisa Thompson and Jenna Green are passionate about what they put on the shelves. Neat merchandising means a visit to the Clive Street store is a pleasure — there’s everything from kids’ Tiger Tribe activity sets and the ever-popular Jones & Co ceramic face vases to sumptuous Salus skincare. It’s no surprise that there’s also some interior design expertise at play here — you can book a consultation and shop online.

145 Clive Street, Katanning WA, 0417 184 185, styleandleafco.com.au

This eclectic emporium, housed in a historic building on Bridgetown’s main street, is turning 21 this Christmas. Vanessa Brogan co-owns the business (with her husband Rob), running it alongside manager Karli and 12 staff. Vanessa attributes the store’s staying power to her loyal customers (as well as daytrippers from Bunbury and Busselton), plus her carefully selected product range. The team recently opened a cafe within the shop – a clever idea, as there’s lots to look at. Tableware and teacups are stacked in many colours, and divine body products, by brands such as Salus and Saya, are plentiful. There are sandals, sneakers, sunglasses and even Levi’s jeans to try on. Vanessa says clothing from Melbourne’s Elk and Byron Bay’s Auguste The Label are popular, along with the shop’s in-house brand, Barney & Fleur. Shelves packed with cookbooks and gourmet groceries, including Love Tea boxes and Fancy Hank’s mayos, mean there’s something special for everyone on your Christmas gift list.

135 Hampton St, Bridgetown WA, 0466 595 558; barneyandfleur.com

The Star Village Arcade was once home to Darwin’s first cinema. Now, walk the breezy courtyard under the shade of the frangipani tree to find a collection of boutiques, including clothing and accessories hotspot, Lulu & Daw. Each season, owners Susan Forrest and Emily Hardy hand-pick a unique selection of predominantly Australian pieces, with a focus on quality, natural fibres and affordability. The store’s loyal customers love brands like Magpie Goose, Shona Joy, Elka Collective and Auguste The Label, plus a great range of earrings by Middle Child, Annabelle Hardie and Eb & Ive. Warm, honest styling advice from Suse and Emily has locals returning year-round and travellers frequenting the shop in the dry season from May to October. You can buy online, too.

Shop 5, Star Village Arcade, 32 Smith Street Mall, Darwin NT, 0477 691 820; luluanddaw.com

When good friends Louisa Kenny and Melanie Secondis saw a gap for “something unique and special” in Darwin’s retail offering, they wisely tested the market with a pop-up shop. So well-received was their experiment that, four years on, their permanent storefront is as busy as ever. The tasteful and wide-ranging collection of homewares and fashion includes brands such as Armadillo & Co, Kollab and Mrs Darcy, plus gifts for men, women and children, making it the ultimate one-stop shop.

132 Smith Street, Darwin NT, 0418 886 565, sekadalifestyleco.com.au

This family-run gift shop, in the heart of Australia, has been serving Alice Springs for 45 years. Ann and Peter DeMarco, with their sons Fabio and Frank, pride themselves on bringing their wide range to the community. Visitors to the Red Centre also love the shop. “Running Novita all these years has been a true pleasure. We’re always seeking out the new and the best to share with the people of Alice, the beautiful communities of the bush, and the surrounds,” says Ann. Novita is the local go-to for special-occasion gifts, stocking top-quality brands like Scanpan, Chasseur, Waterford, Wedgwood and Bialetti. There are selections of Mimco and Country Road, plus L’Occitane beauty products and candles by Côte Noire. The upstairs Novita Bambini has all the latest looks for little people with Babyzen, Bobux and Purebaby in stock. The team also offers gift-wrapping and free same-day delivery within Alice Springs.

33 Todd Mall, Alice Springs NT, (08) 8952 7606; novitagifts.com.au

Come summertime, the small town of Nagambie is bustling with visitors, thanks in part to its lakeside locale and impressive wineries. We’ve no doubt that The Corner Nook adds to the lure, with its unmistakable shopfront and tasteful collection of wares. Owner Jacqui Anderson deftly sources from modern makers like Whitney Spicer, The Grampians Goods Co and Seed & Sprout to complement vintage one-offs and her own resin designs. There’s lovely brushware, a charming children’s corner and the popular range of Etikette candles (with an exclusive blend, Taungurung, made especially for the area). Follow along on social media to catch the annual barn door sale, when Jacqui opens the beautiful, reclaimed timber door to a storeroom full of stock, generously marked down before Christmas.

338 High St, Nagambie VIC, thecornernook.com.au

Our Country Style community overwhelmingly adores the General Store Rushworth, a gorgeous shop in the historic gold mining town about 150km from Melbourne. The store offers an abundant collection of vintage and curated items, including apparel, furniture, accessories, homewares and plenty of gifts. If you’re after one of the best regional boutiques in Australia, this one sits high on the list.

19 High St, Rushworth VIC, 0448 842 881, @generalstorerushworth

With a studio and head office based in Myrtleford in north-eastern Victoria, Eva’s Sunday celebrates the beauty of linen through dresses, jackets, tops and bottoms in a neutral palette. You’ll also find Parisian knitwear label Sophie Digard’s multi-coloured woollen crochet scarves, as well as perfumes and accessories in their Beechworth store.

83 Ford Street, Beechworth VIC, (03) 5728 2825, www.evassunday.com.au

Dalcheri is a fashion store that specialises in ethical and sustainable garments for men and women — including Merinomink possum and merino knitwear, with stores in Beechworth and Sassafras. They also stock Australian-made beauty products from Myrtle & Moss, Coconut Revolution and Eco Store Australia.

Shop 47, Ford St, Beechworth VIC, (03) 5728 2711, dalcheri.com.au

Embrace the alpine energy at Bowerbird, a gorgeous gift and homewares boutique in Victoria’s spectacular town of Bright, near Mount Buffalo. Built in a historic building which previously housed the Walker Bros. Drapery and General Store, you’ll find a collection of treasures to help you create a cosy mountain vibe in your own space.

11 Barnard Street, Bright VIC, (03) 5755 5131, bowerbirdbright.com.au

With her keen eye for detail, it’s little wonder Maria Malakellis noticed a neglected service station in Barwon Heads for its sunny northern aspect and prominent positioning. Fast forward 10 years, and the transformed space still delights visitors and locals alike. Inside evokes thoughts of the Greek Islands, with an appealing Nordic twist. Kiitos represents an amazing array of reputable brands, including the beloved Marimekko, Dinosaur Designs, and Salt Water sandals, as well as the store’s own brand of chic linenware made in Greece.

Shop 2, 5–7 Bridge Road, Barwon Heads VIC, (03) 5254 1835; kiitos.com.au

Daylesford is a much-loved fine food, wine and shopping destination. A particularly special offering, Manteau Noir was opened in 2014 by Victoria Varrasso, designer of the store’s eponymous range of linen clothing and handmade Italian shoes. Victoria describes the shop’s interior as being “cloaked in a deep moody indigo that highlights the beautiful French antique fixtures and meticulous visual merchandising,” thanks to its refurbishment in collaboration with interior designer Carole Whiting. “Visitors comment that inside is dreamlike, another universe, a sensory treasure-trove,” says Victoria. Some of the objects to discover include niche perfumes, printed cushions by artist Anita Mertzlin, locally blended teas by The Cottage Herbalist and clothing by cult Japanese label Ichi Antiquités.

Shop 1/27 Vincent Street, Daylesford VIC, (03) 5348 1902, manteaunoir.com.au

From sisters Louise and Angela Pannell, who brought us Woodend General, come two more shopfronts in Central Victoria. Housed in lovely heritage buildings, Little General Kids sells toys, clothes, games and books in Castlemaine and now Woodend. The windows are filled with darling displays (think felt finger puppets and soft toy chickens in gumboots), and with welcoming archways painted bright, the stores are like treasure-troves of presents. The focus is on longevity, says Louise: “We choose pieces that can be worn, played with and passed on for years to come.” Arts and crafts from brands like HeyDoodle, Djeco, and Haku Yoka are bestsellers, as
well as dress-ups by Mimi & Lula and puzzles by Barcelona brand Londji. On November 27, a late-night shopping event in Woodend sees the whole town enjoying Christmas windows.

18 Hargraves St, Castlemaine VIC, (03) 5401 3953, and 81 High St, Woodend VIC, (03) 5427 2609; littlegeneralkids.com.au

Okay, we know this one isn’t in the country, but we believe Twitchers Emporium deserves a spot on the list. Offering all things colourful and characterful, Twitchers is your one-stop shop for unique accessories, striking knitware, bold bedding and one-of-a-kind stocking stuffers. Founded in 2020 by owner Helen, the Hawthorn boutique is a treasure trove of quirky pieces, many of which are from female-founded brands. Maximalists, this is the shop for you!

138 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn VIC, 0422 062 024, twitchersemporium.com.au

It was Saskia Sharp’s passion for creative play that led her to launch The Vintage Toy Box online in 2013. Today, with shops in Canberra, Bowral and Orange, Saskia shares her knowledge of classic toys with children all over Australia. But it’s at Christmas time, she says, that the stores truly come to life: “The shelves sparkle with festive treasures, from traditional stockings filled with little surprises, to retro toys and puzzles that bring families together.” Nostalgic tin spinning tops, wind-up robots, wooden trapeze toys and the prettiest paper dolls sit beside enchanting handcrafted music boxes – it’s a refreshing throwback to clever, well-made pieces. They make the perfect gift from one generation to another and with no plastic or batteries in sight, Christmas morning just got a little more magical.

Dirty Janes Canberra, Shop 531, 80 Collie St, Fyshwick, 0411 827 488 (also located in Dirty Janes Orange at 96 Byng St, Orange, NSW, and Dirty Janes Bowral, 13 Banyette St, Bowral, NSW); thevintagetoybox.com.au