Take the road less travelled and step back in time in some of the quaint antique and Bric-a-brac stores and community markets in the Volcanic Lakes and Plains. Journey through the ancient volcanic landscape and find your own (not so) ancient treasure to take home with you. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and there’s something to be found for everyone — you just have to look.
If you are into antique stores, if you are into time travelling, you cannot drive by the Pombo Mart. The iconic yellow shed on the highway is unmissable, and once you walk in you will be overwhelmed by the ‘shedload’ of collectables and salvaged treasures. While away some time checking out the antique dolls (not for the faint hearted), the obligatory Nana and Pop’s record collection, plus plenty of mid to late 20th century home adornments and furniture. There are some lovely examples of the historic stone walls this area of Victoria is known for right by the Pombo Mart.
Take a detour to the Lake Edge Cafe for some charming country hospitality to fit with the theme of the day — located on the shores of pretty fish-filled Lake Purrumbete. Watch the birds or the boats over a homemade farmhouse style lunch or cake.
The town of Camperdown will transport you to another era with its beautifully maintained early 19th century buildings and retail facades. The clocktower in the centre of the town dominates the landscape. You can climb inside to the top on a tour by arranging at the Courthouse Camperdown located adjacent to it.
On the first Sunday of each month, don’t miss the Camperdown Rotary Market — which takes place along the tree lined avenue of Manifold Street.
Stay at Lake and Craters Holiday Park, which is a few kilometres out of town next door to the Camperdown Botanic Gardens, which are lovely to explore any time of year.
Spend the morning exploring the wares in the antique stores of Camperdown. Make sure you include Vintage Gnotuk, Element Bazaar and a visit to Oakbrook Collectables.
In Mortlake you will find several likely places to grab a snack and take to picnic by pretty Tea Tree Lake. Then stop in at Steptoe and Mrs Mortlake’s to for another chance to find the coveted special souvenir you’ve been searching for. Indoors and outdoors, there is a fine collection of antiques here, from toys and games, to jewellery and beautiful furniture.
Don’t miss the Mortlake Market on the second Sunday of each month.
Stay at the Mortlake Caravan Park (camping) or Mac’s Hotel
Other community markets to check out in the area re the Skipton Market — on the second Saturday of each month, and the Terang Market on the first Saturday of every month.
Sign up to get the latest deals, tours & events along the Great Ocean Road
Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
