Treasure hunting within the Scenic Rim: Antique and vintage shopping

If antiques had a crown jewel within the Scenic Rim, it would be The Emporium – housed in the landmark Wiss Emporium building, standing tall since 1909. From homeware and garden treasures to jewelry, clothing, and skincare, this historical building is home to it all. Warning: if you aren’t careful, you might go in for “just a look,” and come out balancing a recycled-wood chair, retro vinyl player, and a set of sustainable glassware on top of the other.

Step into The French Garden and suddenly Tamborine Mountain feels more like the Champs-Élysées, minus the jet lag. Shelves brim with homewares, garden décor, antiques, gifts, and French soaps and candies that will transport you to the streets of Paris. And if you end up leaving smelling of lavender fields and armed with one too many souvenirs… cést la vie!

Vintage Frills delivers fabulous furniture that comes with a backstory. This boutique offers homeware, garden décor, and even wedding day essentials straight out of the pages of a fairytale. Brides to be, this is where vintage-inspired Pinterest boards strut down the aisle. After all, who wouldn’t want their ‘something old’ to be ‘something with flair’.

At Bygone Days, the past doesn’t just sit on a shelf, it practically winks at you! If your taste runs toward elegant and timeless, with a slight sprinkle of quirky, this is your pre-loved pit stop. This is where the past comes to life, stocking the likes of leadlight lamps to silverware and eclectic home décor, proving bygone brilliance can always outshine the trends of today with a little polishing and repurposing. Need somewhere to rest your shopping bags before round two? We’ve rounded up the best places to stay on Tamborine Mountain.

Calling all bookworms, art buffs, and vintage treasure hunters – Canungra Books & Art is your chapter of choice. Find floor-to-ceiling shelves stacked with rare reads alongside antique art and even a curated selection of vintage clothing. Pro pre-loved tip: even little readers can discover the magic of a well-loved storybook thanks to the extensive kiddies corner.

The finds are one-of-a-kind, the selection is plentiful, and the vibes? Think quirky, cute, and full of light. When it comes to lamps and glassware, KD’s Antiques & Collectables shines. Nestled at the foot of Tamborine Mountain (peel off the roundabout in the village of Tamborine, this is the place to hunt for statement pieces – think less cookie-cutter catalogue, more character-filled charmers to light up any life (and living space).  Looking for a bite to eat, or sneaky beverage before your next treasure fossicking location? The Bearded Dragon Hotel is a convenient stroll away.

Duck in for a mix of old-world charm and new finds to fill your cart with. If you have one too many fridge magnets and mugs, Duck Junction is perfect for souvenir hunting with a little more soul. With woven bags, scented candles, handmade cards, and recycled homewares, it’s the perfect place for a quick browse that (surprise) inevitably turns into a basket full of goodies. First time in Boonah? Bookmark our guide to this charming country town.

Kalbar Traders is where pottery and glassware take centre stage. Though it’s smaller than the nearby Emporium, it manages to pack in just as much character into its space, and of course its pre-loved pieces. With a little TLC and a lot of creativity, items discarded through recycling are transformed into must-haves for your dining and living spaces. Shopping and sustainability in one? Count us in!

Our Little Gem is sustainable shopping at its most stylish, proving that one person’s past can absolutely be another person’s prized possession. The name says it all – find all things re-loved, recycled, and refinished in here, and leave with a new little gem to add to the collection.

If you haven’t been to the German Cuckoo Clock Nest, have you really visited Tamborine Mountain? Step inside and time stands still – until the cuckoos start chiming! This local icon showcases an impressive range of clocks that are worth the visit to admire even if you’re not ready to commit to carrying one home yet.

Veresdale Vintage constantly proves they buy with their heart, not their heads – known for purchasing even the most obsolete items to be repurposed and admired in a new home. With a revolving range of furniture and one-off treasures, make sure to follow their socials for updates on what’s waiting for a new owner. Their exclusive limited-edition finds are always in high-demand among vintage-loving visitors, proving treasure doesn’t have to come brand new.

Music lovers, this one’s for you. Scenic Rim Music Cavern has opened in Canungra less than a year ago and is already spinning into the hearts of the locals, because sometimes Spotify just can’t match the crackle of a needle hitting vinyl. The racks are stacked with pre-loved records spanning decades – perfect for collectors or anyone wanting to give their record players, and nostalgia, a good workout.

Do you prefer your vintage hunting with a side of live music, food, and calm country atmosphere? Then The Vintage and Country Brocante should be unmissable on your next market run. Held across multiple scenic spots in and around Canungra such as O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards and the Canungra School of Arts Hall, this market provides the perfect opportunity to dig through the past while soaking up the scenery.

Stay updated on their next stall or event via Facebook.