Sydney’s flea market scene is well known, but the city’s antique shops are equally worth your time. The antique shops in Sydney range from sprawling multi-dealer warehouses to carefully curated boutique showrooms. Together they offer something for every type of collector, decorator or curious browser. From Mitchell Road in Alexandria to the exotic homewares of Watertiger in Mascot and the contemporary design focus of Composition in Avalon Beach, each destination on this list is distinct. Here are five of the finest.
1. Watertiger — Mascot
One of the most distinctive of all the antique shops in Sydney, Watertiger is an emporium of exotic homewares, antique Asian furniture and eclectic décor from across the world. Founder Kathrin Bruce brings over two decades of experience in the Southeast Asian fashion industry — and it shows in every piece. The showroom occupies 450 square metres in Precinct 75, just 7km from the CBD. Hand-picked for craftsmanship, authenticity and character, the selection refreshes constantly with new arrivals. Additionally, Watertiger caters to both retail and wholesale buyers and operates an online store for those who cannot visit in person.
📍 Where: 70 Robey Street, Mascot NSW 2020
🕐 When: Monday–Wednesday 10:00am–3:00pm | Saturday 10:00am–2:00pm | or by appointment
🌐 Website: watertiger.com.au
2. The Merchants Warehouse (formerly Lunatiques) — Annandale
Lunatiques Renewed — formerly a 3,500-square-metre vintage and design collective in Mascot — has since relocated and rebranded as The Merchants Warehouse in Annandale. All the favourite ex-Lunatiques vendors are now at the Annandale location, maintaining the same community character and eclectic offer that made the original so well-loved. Furniture makers, collectors and designers share a vibrant space covering antique chandeliers, mid-century treasures, vintage clothing, jewellery and industrial items. Trolleys are available for moving larger purchases, and the team can arrange local, interstate and international delivery. As always with a relocated business, call ahead to confirm current hours before visiting.
📍 Where: Annandale, Sydney NSW (call for current address)
📞 Phone: 0475 461 235
🌐 Social: Instagram: @lunatiquesvintage
3. Composition — Avalon Beach
Conceptualised by designer Claire Perini after a self-guided architectural tour of Europe, Composition opened in Avalon Beach in 2020 with a philosophy built on four pillars. These are: Artefact (vintage pieces), Object (new design-oriented products), Interiors (architectural solutions) and Print (rare books and lithographic art). The result is one of Sydney’s most thoughtfully assembled showrooms — Scandinavian and Western European classics sit alongside elements inspired by ancient history, creating a space that is simultaneously a gallery and a working design studio.
In addition to retail, Composition offers interior design consultancy and has forged partnerships with high-end Australian publications and artisans. It is a genuinely considered destination for design enthusiasts.
📍 Where: 45a Avalon Parade, Avalon Beach NSW 2107
🕐 When: Monday–Friday 9:30am–5:00pm | Saturday–Sunday 10:00am–4:00pm | Interior design by appointment
🌐 Website: compositionstudio.com
4. The Design Ark — Surry Hills
The Design Ark’s 500-square-metre showroom in Surry Hills focuses on mid-century modern, vintage, retro and industrial interiors — with a strong commitment to sustainability through repurposing and upcycling. Resident dealers Greenies Gold (retro, antique and contemporary) and From The Boneyard (mid-century modern specialist) ensure variety and depth. New stock arrives weekly, and the monthly newsletter keeps regular visitors informed of arrivals and design ideas. Moreover, the team specialises in transforming industrial items into reimagined pieces for both home and commercial use — a creative angle that sets it apart from more conventional antique shops.
📍 Where: 17 Foster St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
🕐 When: Monday–Saturday 10:00am–5:00pm
🌐 Website: thedesignark.com.au
5. Mitchell Road Antiques & Design Centre — Alexandria
The largest of all the antique shops in Sydney on this list, Mitchell Road Antiques & Design Centre occupies a 2,400-square-metre warehouse in Alexandria — formerly an auction house. Today, 70 independent traders fill it with mid-century modern pieces, lighting, homewares, fashion, toys and jewellery. French provincial furniture and industrial finds also feature prominently. Because each stall is independently run with its own character and expertise, every visit feels like a new discovery.
The friendly, knowledgeable stallholders are a highlight in their own right — many have decades of experience and genuinely enjoy sharing the histories of their pieces. Mitchell Road is a hub for collectors, interior designers, set designers and prop sourcing professionals. Furthermore, for the best selection and least competition, a weekday morning visit is strongly recommended over weekend afternoons.
📍 Where: 17 Bourke Road, Alexandria NSW 2015
🕐 When: Monday–Sunday 10:00am–6:00pm
🌐 Website: mitchellroad.com.au
Looking for flea markets alongside the antique shops? Browse our guide to the best flea markets in Sydney and explore the full Sydney antique and flea market map on Fleamapket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best antique shop in Sydney?
For scale and variety, Mitchell Road Antiques & Design Centre in Alexandria is the standout — 70 independent dealers in a 2,400-square-metre warehouse, open seven days. For specialist Asian antiques and homewares, Watertiger in Mascot is exceptional. For design-focused contemporary and vintage pieces, Composition in Avalon Beach and The Design Ark in Surry Hills are both excellent choices depending on your aesthetic.
Which Sydney antique shops are open on weekends?
Mitchell Road Antiques is open every day including weekends (10:00am–6:00pm). Composition in Avalon Beach is also open Saturday and Sunday (10:00am–4:00pm). However, The Design Ark in Surry Hills closes on Sundays — it runs Monday to Saturday only. Watertiger is open Saturdays (10:00am–2:00pm). Always check individual websites before visiting, as hours occasionally change.
Where did Lunatiques move to?
The original Lunatiques Renewed warehouse at 2 Kent Road, Mascot has closed. Lunatiques is now operating as The Merchants Warehouse in Annandale, Sydney, where many of the original Lunatiques vendors have relocated. Call 0475 461 235 for the current address and opening hours.
Book Your Stay in Sydney, NSW
Sydney’s antique shops are spread across several suburbs — from Alexandria and Mascot in the inner south to Avalon Beach in the northern beaches. Staying centrally gives you the best access to public transport and easy reach of most destinations. Browse the map below for accommodation options across Sydney.