The Barossa Valley is famous for its wineries and beautiful scenery, but if you are also an Op Shop lover you can combine your passions and make a day of it.
If you are heading up through Gawler don't forget there are seven op shops you can visit there too. You can read about them
here.
From Gawler it is an easy, pleasant drive up Calton Rd to Williamstown.
Williamstown Little Shop of Treasures
The book room at Williamstown Photo: L. Parsons
Abbeyfield Australia's "Little Shop of Treasures" is located in an old house in the main street, Queen St. Opposite the Police Station, this is a wonderful shop. Lots of quality items, all well organised and in good repair. Each room in the house is used for a different type of goods. Children's wear is in one room; another is full of a wonderful collection of crockery and collectibles. Book lovers will be in heaven! Who doesn't love an op shop where the books are all organised? This shop is even open 7 days. Mon – Fri 10-4 and Sat & Sun 11-3.
Leaving Williamstown you can either detour to Kersbrook to the Soldiers Memorial Park Community & Sports Club Inc op shop in Glover St, or you can continue on to Lyndoch.
Lyndoch Anglican Op Shop Photo: L. Parsons
It is a short, pleasant drive from Williamstown to Lyndoch, the gateway to the Barossa Valley. "The Anglican Parish of the Barossa" op shop in Lyndoch is open 6 days. Located in Gilbert St this is a long, narrow shop with clothing, books and bric a brac and well worth a look. Open Mon, Wed, Thurs 11 – 3.30, Tues & Fri 11 – 4, Sat 9.30 – 2.30.
Leaving Lyndoch it is 19km to Nuriootpa via Rowland Flat, with its avenue of wine glass shaped trees, and Tanunda. Off the main street in Tanunda you will find the "Great Revival Shop" in Kavel Arcade.
Tanunda Community Helpers op shop Photo: L. Parsons
Further along the main street, Murray St, the Tanunda Community Helpers Shop is located next to the Foodland supermarket. With plenty of car parking this is a large shop with lots of bargain racks outside. It is open Mon & Tues 9 – 4.30, Wed, Thurs & Fri 9 – 5, Sat 9 – 1.30
Nuriootpa Carers Link Warehouse Railway Tce Photo: L. Parsons
It is only a few minutes drive from Tanunda to Nuriootpa. Before entering Nuri itself, if you turn right at the roundabout just past the Council Chambers building, you will find the Carers Link Warehouse store at 35 Railway Tce. Opposite the disused watertower, it is a veritable Aladdin's cave of bric a brac, toys, furniture, kitchenware and books. This is a huge shed packed literally to the rafters. The volunteers here will even collect your saleable goods too. There is no clothing in this shop. The warehouse is open Mon – Fri 8.30-3pm and Sat 8.30-12.
Nuriootpa Treasure Chest op shop Photo: L. Parsons
Heading into the Nuriootpa main street there are two op shops near each other at the entrance to the town. To visit both these shops it is advisable to use the carpark at the rear, as they are both near busy intersections.
Nuriootpa Senior Citizens op shop Photo: L. Parsons
The Treasure Chest at 10 Murray St is open weekdays 9 – 4 and Saturday mornings 9 - 12. You can enter from the front or back of the store. This light filled store is a pleasure to browse in.
Almost next door is the Senior Citizens Friendship Club shop at 24A Murray St. It is open Wed – Fri 9-3 and Sat 9 – 11.30. There are also public toilets next to this shop and a delightful park at the front.
Op shopping can be a lucky dip affair but there are no bad apples in the Barossa with all the shops worth visiting.
Why not pack a picnic lunch or check out one of the many fine bakeries? You could even take a quick three km detour from Nuri to enjoy the magnificent sweeping views from Menglers Hill. It is also best to set out early as many of the smaller shops close at 3pm or 3.30.
Scenery and bargains, what a great combination!
For a comprehensive list of Op Shops in SA visit
www.opshopssa.com
