Antique trails and quirky finds: Where to fossick for treasures in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt

Alley Cat Trading – Add a touch of whimsy and fun to your homewares with a visit to Alley Cat Trading. With a range of new and used pieces, the store regularly updates its antique and vintage finds, meaning there’s something else to explore with each visit. Staple items that fly off the shelves include cast iron garden hooks, rustic kitchenware, flower vases and natural beauty products.

Garden’s Galore – Warwick’s largest garden centre is also home to a popular café, gift shop, women’s fashion boutique and gelato shop. With every element elegantly curated, you’ll fall in love with beautiful homewares, clothing, shoes and accessories in the Amapola boutique. Pick up some of Warwick’s famous rose bushes or seedlings, then dine outside amongst the gardens.

Trésor Maison – Trésor Maison, meaning ‘Treasure House’ in French, sets the scene of yesteryear. The weathered timber building with corrugated iron roof gives little indication of the treasure trove housed inside, however, upon entering, you will find wall-to-wall collections of handpicked French provincial finds. In between browsing for armchairs and bookcases, mirrors and paintings, fine china and garden ornaments, you can chat with the lovely owner and curator, Shirley.

Little Shop of Books & Retro Wares – Forget your rechargeable devices and instead pick up a classic comic or book from this hidden book haven. Every theme is covered from 1970s original superhero comics (most in original plastic packaging) to Western adventure novels. The perfect accompaniment for your weekend away by the fire with a glass of wine? A novel, of course.

Glengallan Homestead markets – Built in 1867, the solitary sandstone mansion at Glengallan Homestead is a time-warp experience – the kind usually associated with ghost stories and stories of boom, gloom and ruin. However, on the first Sunday of every month, the homestead is very much alive as it hosts over 60+ market stalls of artwork, garden wares, fashion, toys, jewellery, locally-made condiments, leatherware, candles, fresh produce, honey and much more. Wander the local wares and then enjoy some scones and tea in the homestead – a history lover’s must-see.