Antique and Homewares Shopping in Bowral and Moss Vale – A Guide

Before our recent trip to Bowral in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, I read blogs, googled, chatted with friends, and engaged with people who knew Bowral locals. Whenever Monty and I are planning a trip, I always research places to eat and shop, to see and experience. I have a passion for shopping in all its forms – food, fashion and accessories, home and garden treasures. The Southern Highlands’s Bowral and neighboring towns offer these experiences in bucket loads. Travelling from Bowral to Moss Vale is literally around 10 mins by car but I recommend spending a few days discovering both towns to fully appreciate all they have to offer. These were my favorites shopping destinations and they’re all within a stones throw of each other.

Dirty Janes – Bowral

I admit this is one destination I have been longing to visit for such a long time. (I follow Dirty Janes‘ Instagram posts for Bowral and Canberra stores). If you love tantalizingly fabulous vintage, antique and pre-loved finds, you’re guaranteed be enthralled by the 80 plus shops whose owners have made this expansive antiques market their home. 13 Banyette St Bowral.

Images below: snapshot of Dirty Janes

Suzie Anderson Home – Moss Vale and Bowral

Don’t get confused because there’s not one but three glorious Suzie Anderson Home stores. Topping my list is Suzie Anderson Home Old Bank Atelier in Moss Vale. Showcasing European antiques and exquisite artisanal interior homewares, this place is beyond my dreams. Full of old-world charm, the ambience is enhanced by lighting strategically dimmed to create a sense of theatre. It’s easy to spend hours discovering the carefully curated items available for purchase. I particularly loved the staircase dramatically chock-full of beguiling portraits from centuries past. If you love superb candles, you’ll be stopped in your tracks by the beauty of the Chateau de Versailles and Trudon collections on display. 396 Argyle St, Moss Vale.

Across the road from the Old Bank Atelier you’ll find Suzie Anderson Home Moss Vale. It’s equally exquisite yet very different to the Old Bank Atelier. Spread across multiple rooms, the Moss Vale store creates an intimate atmosphere similar to visiting someone’s private home. Your eyes will be drawn to the rattan tableware, premium leather goods, sumptuous textiles, custom sofas, luxe lighting, and myriad beautiful home décor items displayed throughout. 409-411 Argyle Street, Moss Vale

Suzie Anderson Home Bowral Shop is equally splendid yet again, very different. Attached to vintage and antiques market Dirty Janes Bowral, this Suzie Anderson store is your go-to for rustic outdoor homewares, garden accessories and lifestyle products. Enter via, Shop 101, 13 Banyette Street, Green Lane, Bowral.

Suzie Anderson Old Bank Atelier (image above – exterior; images below – interior)

Suzie Anderson Home at Moss Vale (below)

Hunter & Gatherer Collections – Moss Vale

It’s hard to imagine that you could find so many stores selling different things yet there’s none of this ‘same-same’ issue happening here in the Southerland Highlands. Hunter & Gatherer is no exception boasting an enticing range of affordable curated homewares sourced from around the globe. Don’t forget to venture beyond the beauties on display and continue through the store’s back door to a secret garden layered with hard-to-resist European urns, earthenware pots and plants. Hunter & Gatherer is perfect for house-and-garden décor lovers. Say hello to owners Ben Gowing and Daniel Percival’s gentle-natured Weimaraner elegantly reclining at the front door awaiting your arrival. 542 Argyle St Moss Vale.

Hunter & Gatherer (exterior image above; interior and garden images below)

The Bowerbird on Argyle – Moss Vale

This store is a surprise; you’ll find plenty to see as you walk into the store’s different spaces. Each space in Bowerbird on Argyle‘s expansive store is themed to inspire your next design project. There’s something for everyone here. You’ll find all sorts of wonders from delicate jewellery to stackable dishes that look like Ming vases to beautiful 100% woollen baby Alpaca throws to must-have pieces for outdoor entertaining to lifestyle products and gardening delights to fabulous products for your pet. Do take note of the various room-defining wallpaper collections available – they’re a standout. 416 Argyle St Moss Vale.

Snapshots of Bowerbird on Argyle below.

Nest & Burrow – Moss Vale

Literally next door to Bowerbird on Argyle is an equally charming homewares and giftware find Nest & Burrow. Although there’s plenty to discover in this softly-lit store, my favourite section was the perfectly exhibited selection of goodies for infants and younger children. It really struck a chord with the child in me, and in all honesty I was seriously tempted to take home many of stuffed toys stacked high on the shelves. 420 Argyle St Moss Vale.

Snapshots of Nest & Burrow below.

Coach House Collective – Bowral

It would be impossible to miss this exciting addition to the Bowral shopping mix. Oversized red doors (and in summer, a blanket of ivy) create the unmissable entrance to this treasure trove of old and new, ornate and simple, collectible antiques, designer jewellery, fashion, gift and homewares, all under one roof. Multiple suppliers make Coach House Collective another one-stop shop if time is of the essence. 379-385 Bong Bong St Bowral.

Coach House Collective (exterior image above; interior images below)

The Bronte Tram – Bowral

Brimming with vintage and decorative furniture and homewares, The Bronte Tram can be easily spotted thanks to its distinctive black exterior and red and white shields adorning the façade. Located next door to Coach House Collective, The Bronte Tram boasts an eclectic collection. Expect to find an original David Bromley painting sitting amongst charming old and cool contemporary homewares. Shop 2/379 Bong Bong St Bowral.

The Bronte Tram (images above and below)

Few & Far – Bowral

Another top spot, also in walking distance from the major players, is Few & Far Bowral. Seekers of hand-picked brass, painted pieces and reclaimed timber items sourced from around the globe will have you transfixed with this store. 351 Bong Bong St Bowral.

Few & Far interior images (below)

Mossy Store – Bowral

If vintage and antique collectibles don’t light your fire, then head to Mossy Store. This design hub boasts myriad handcrafted items from furniture to homewares. You’ll also discover an array of beautiful ceramics and sublime botanical products for your skin and home. Although I ran out of time, The Modern which specializes in new and original Scandinavian-designed furniture and accessories, is another great contemporary interior design destination. 394 Argyle St Moss Vale.

Mossy Store (images: inside and out)

Rug World – Bowral

Although a random inclusion on my list, rugs play an important role in creating a specific “look” or “vibe” in your home. When I wandered into Rug World, it reminded me of our past travels in Morocco. I loved the store’s expansive collection of floor-to-ceiling rugs in all sizes, colours and weaves from around the world. Credit to the young man in charge of the store the day I visited. He impressed me with his knowledge of how and where the rugs were handcrafted. Very tempted indeed. 356 Bong Bong St Bowral.

Images of some of my favourite rugs from Rug World (below)

Good to know:

If you’re staying in Bowral, head to Moss Vale on day one, then on day two make your way around the Bowral shopping precinct. In Moss Vale, Hunter & Gatherer is the perfect place to whet your appetite, then wander down to Nest & Burrow and Bowerbird on Argyle. If you have time while in Argyle Street, pop into That Beautiful Shop, Made BY Others and Country Homes & Interiors. Day two, start your fossicking at Dirty Janes Bowral and while you’re there, wander into Suzie Anderson Bowral (adjoining Dirty Janes Bowral) and The Orangery (opposite Dirty Janes on Green Lane – images below). Grab a bite to eat at Harry’s on Green Lane in Banyette Street. Hunger and thirst duly satisfied, head up to Bong Bong Street and continue your journey searching the equally mind-boggling onslaught of beautiful stores. Enjoy!

Images: Vicki Montague