The Blue Mountains is blessed with several large multi dealer Antique Markets. Here is our guide to the best of them. Note – this article focuses on Markets with multiple dealers rather than individual antique shops. We have a separate list and article of the Best Antique Shops. (coming soon.)
The Three best Antique Markets in the Blue Mountains.
- Victory Theatre Blackheath
- MaCarthur’s Arcade Antiques & Curios
- Katoomba Antique Centre
While I love going to Antique Shops, what I love even more is going to a big Antique Market. The jumble of many smaller different dealers, the ever changing stock and often cheaper prices is appealing.
They also expose you to different things. There are some niche Antique Shops that I would probably never visit more than once, as their specialised stock is not really my thing, put I’ll happily browse those sort of antiques in a Market setting, where I know I can have a quick look and then move on.
In the Blue Mountains we have some excellent Antique markets and some very knowledgeable dealers.
I’ve picked the best 3 Antique Markets in the Blue Mountains for you to explore. Luckily, two of them are within short walking distance of each other and are situated in Katoomba. The other is in the popular destination of Blackheath, slightly further up the mountains.
Katoomba Antique Centre
Steven Archer is a legend in the Australian Art and Antique trade with many decades of experience in the field. This sprawling shop over two levels is full of surprises, showing items from his own stock and a few outside dealers. Make sure you check out the window display.
There’s plenty of Jewellery, China, Glassware, Tribal, Eastern, big furniture, rugs, furnishings & Art. I love the cabinet at the top of the stairs crammed with Religious statues.
You’ll find smaller amounts of Retro & Quirky items at the rear of the lower level.
There is also a small Camera Museum on the upstairs level. There is a small fee for entry to that, currently just $2.
This Antique market is well worth a visit. 116 Bathurst Road.
While you are there also check out the Velvet Fog record shop in the same street for collectable records, posters and audio equipment. It’s another Katoomba institution.
Steven also has an online Facebook Group – Art Antique Valuations. You can get quick valuations of Art & Antiques by posting a clear photo. These are answered sometimes by Steven and others. I suggest you watch the group for a while before posting anything for valuation, there are rules, some unwritten and the comments can also at time be harsh and quite uninformed from some of the other “armchair experts.”
MaCarthurs Arcade Antiques & Curios
From the Railway Station head down the main street past the Carrington on your right and the Paragon Cafe and look out for the tall Macarthurs sign on the left hand side. 84 Katoomba Street.
The window display will keep you busy for a few minutes before you head on in!
There are two levels, the lower level mostly taken up with Mr Pickwicks Bookshop, but there are antiques downstairs as well and there are books upstairs, so explore it all.
This is far more mixed than the Katoomba Antique Centre listed above with less big items, but there is a huge range with many individual dealers represented.
Jewellery, Glassware, China, Retro, Toys, Art and a whole lot more. Quite a lot of space is devoted to vintage clothing.
Pickwicks Bookshop downstairs is huge. We like it a lot and it’s on our list of Top Second Hand Bookshops in the Blue Mountains. Read our Top List article here.
Notable Mention – Katoomba Vintage Emporium
As you come out of MaCarthurs and Pickwicks you’ll see across the road the Katoomba Vintage Emporium. It’s worth a browse, if nothing else but to see the old building which used to house the Post Office.
It’s a tightly jammed, has quite a lot of big furniture and plenty of interesting items. I’ve bought a few things there over the years.
In the Area …
Before you head off to Blackheath, while you are at this top end of town there are quite a few other things to do!
If you need wine or beer, Dan Murphies has a large outlet a bit further on from the Katoomba Antique Centre.
There’s plenty of food on offer up there as well, from Cafe’s to Fine Dining.
Around the corner in Katoomba street you’ll find an abundance of smaller outlets. The Savoy is always pretty good for cafe style.
We also give a big thumbs up Bamboo Box at 50 Katoomba St. Great Malaysian/Chinese and plenty of vegetarian options.
Victory Theatre Blackheath
Last but by no means least is the Victory Theatre in the middle of Blackheath.
It’s located at – 21 Govetts Leap Road, you can’t miss it!
This two level emporium has a large range of individual dealers and several specialists, some of whom have been at the market for many years.
And it’s a very interesting mix.
On the lower level it’s strong on Jewellery, Kitchenalia, Books, Glassware and other smalls.
Upstairs is a more eclectic mix, with quirky fashion, furnishings, Retro, Mid Century, toys etc.
At the far end upstairs is an off shoot of Hat Hill Records, with a large selection of reproduction Art Prints and posters.
The obvious mix of many smaller dealers gives this place a great atmosphere and you never know what you will find has been added to the mix since your last visit. It’s also nice to see this old theatre still full of life.
With a popular cafe at the front, another small antique shop opposite, Gleebooks just down the road, the fantastic Day Gallery on the corner and the famous Blackheath Bakery close by what’s not to love! It’s well worth the trip up to Blackheath to have a rummage.