Fossick the Antiques and Collectables Trail in Loddon Valley

Published on 17 December 2015

Treasure-hunters flocked to the Loddon region in their thousands during the goldrush years and the lure of discovery is no less compelling today for lovers of antiques.

There’s a definite European flavour at Septembre Vintage in Eddington, where owners Domenico and Virginie have reinvigorated the town’s former petrol station.

Virginie is French and the couple source some of their varied stock there.

In Tarnagulla, Matilda’s operates in a storefront run continuously as a butcher’s shop from 1862 to 1988.

“I specialise in cute, kitsch and comfy,” owner Frances said. 

At Bridgewater, Helen has opened Tumbleweeds & Toadstools in the town’s former bakery.

“I started collecting egg cups years ago, but when I got to 1,000 I thought I’d try something else,” she said.

Inglewood is fast becoming a Mecca for antiques enthusiasts, with five busy shops.

Fusspots is located in the old Nixon Bros store, with owner Catherine selling vintage homewares, furniture, collectables and curios.

The Allan Nixon Grocery Museum is part of the premises.

Inglewood Emporium owner Denise operates in a building that’s 153 years old.

“We have restored and rustic furniture, vintage clothes and collectables such as corkscrews, rope makers and cast-iron water fountains,” Denise said.

Chris, from Sharp’s Bazaar, has been in Inglewood for eight years after 15 years in Eaglehawk. 

“I like to have dolls and prams here, alongside my range of furniture, collectables, kitchenware and linen,” Chris said.

Liz, of Lizzie’s Vintage Wear and Wares, has been operating for 10 years, selling hippie clothes and vintage clothing, while Christine, of Gypsy Collectables, has notched up 35 years in the trade specialising in “heritage utensils”.

Further north, the Coach House Gallery and Museum at Wedderburn houses a general store displaying goods from the early 1900s, while a cellar contains photos, wheelwrights’ tools and a printing press.

For more information, contact the Loddon Visitor Information Centre on 5494 3489 or visit www.loddon.vic.gov.au