Rare shops you can only find in Melbourne

Gikomba Market

A little time capsule of '50s Melbourne, Campbell Arcade has been restored to its former glory. Follow the pink tiles down the stairs from Flinders or Degraves Street to find a cool hidden spot called Gikomba Market. This tiny store is packed to the rafters with rare men's fashion. Fossick for vintage then visit the other new boutiques in the arcade.

Wunderkammer

A store of curiosities, Wunderkammer stocks fossils, taxidermy, minerals, medical instruments and antique scientific equipment. It’s inspired by the “Cabinets of Wonder” from 16th-century Europe. You’ll find a crocodile skull next to a Roman coin or a vintage microscope. It’s the strangest and most beautiful shop in the city.

Wall covered with framed bugs — Wunderkammer

The exterior of a shop entrance in an art deco building. — Wunderkammer

HoMie Emporium

Shop for streetwear with purpose at HoMie. This Melbourne-owned label has found a new home on the lower ground floor of Emporium Melbourne. Find everything from everyday comfies and trackie sets to logo hoodies and oversized knitwear. And the best part? 100% of profits go towards supporting young people affected by homelessness or hardship.

Keshett

This 47-year-old Melbourne jewellery store has had a facelift at its two city locations. Find Keshett at the iconic Block Arcade and Little Collins Street. The family-run boutique has nearly five decades of experience sourcing and selling rare jewellery. Here you’ll find antique pieces, engagement rings, hard-to-find gemstones and more. And if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind treasure, speak to the team on creating your very own bespoke commission.

A display case at a jewellery store lined in green velvet there is a small table with a bottle of whisky an glasses next to it. — Keshett Block Arcade

The inside of a jewellery shop with green velvet curtains, a table and chairs and an arched window overlooking the street. — Keshett Little Collins Street

The exterior of a jewellery shop inside the Block Arcade — Keshett Block Arcade

Song of the Mute

This ultra-trendy shop feels more like an art gallery than a fashion store with its sleek design and modern fittings. Seek out Song of the Mute at QV Melbourne and browse the racks for your next special purchase. The carefully curated selection of items includes both men’s and women’s wear. Look out for limited-time collaborations with the likes of Adidas and Birkenstock.

Iroha Photo Lab

It's pretty tricky to find film in Melbourne, but Irohas Photo Lab has you covered. This underrated laneway gem hidden along McKillop Street stocks all sorts of 35mm and 120mm varieties. You can also pick up rare vintage cameras and equipment. Or grab a cheap and cheerful disposable camera for some point-and-shoot fun. Then when you've finished your roll, return to the store to get it developed.

Inside a film developing shop there is a glass cabinet filled with film and above it is a neon sign saying irohas photo — Irohas Photo Lab

The exterior of a shop in an old building. There is a sandwich sign saying Irohas Photo Lab and a painted sign on the wall saying Margaret Webber. — Irohas Photo Lab

Paint n Powder

This Royal Arcade icon has been around for an impressive 60 years. Discover Paint n Powder and browse the shelves for all sorts of goodies. Upgrade your perfume collection with a new fragrance or shop for special gifts like scarves and jewellery. And while you're there, why not book in a pampering appointment at the salon?

Queen Victoria Women's Centre Shop

Queen Victoria Women's Centre Shop sells work by women and gender-diverse makers across Victoria. You’ll find jewellery, ceramics, zines, books, prints and homewares. It’s inside the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre on Lonsdale Street. Sales support local creatives and keep the shop’s community programs running.

A woman is browsing in a gift shop she is looking at a green vase — Queen Victoria Women's Centre Shop

A woman is browsing in a gift shop — Queen Victoria Women's Centre Shop

A selection of books in a shop with titles like Truth Bomb, Boys Will be Boys and Fight like a Girl — Queen Victoria Women's Centre Shop

Metropolis Bookshop

Metropolis specialises in books on art, design, architecture and photography. It also has rare and hard-to-find books on music, culture, fashion, feminism and film. The shop is hidden upstairs at Curtin House on Swanston Street. You can easily lose a whole hour browsing here so make sure to give yourself time.

Ngali

Ngali is a First Nations-owned clothing label that works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to create wearable art. Each piece features designs licensed from visual artists and comes with background on who made the work. The Docklands store also stocks beautiful accessories.

Two friends are browsing clothes inside a women's clothing store — Ngali

Amplify Bookstore

Australia's only bookshop dedicated to titles by BIPOC authors is located right here in West Melbourne. Created by two women of colour, this indie book store will help you diversify your book shelf. Drop in and browse titles by people of colour, Black and Indigenous writers.

Saloon Store

Tucked inside the third floor of Curtain House, Saloon Store stocks Australian and international designers with a focus on modern interiors, fashion and low-key luxury homewares. Brands include Arnsdorf, Baserange, Lemaire and Marle. The space is sleek and minimal, with a small but considered selection. Think everyday pieces made to last.

Two women browsing in an aesthetic clothing boutique with a large paper floor lamp. — Saloon Store

Two women browsing in an aesthetic clothing boutique — Saloon Store

Racks of clothing at a clothing store — Saloon Store

Dungeon of Magic

Melbourne’s longest-running fantasy and tabletop game shop is hidden below street level on Little Collins. Dungeon of Magic sells Magic: The Gathering cards, Dungeons & Dragons books, dice, miniatures and accessories. There’s also space to play in-store. It’s a home base for fantasy fans.

Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller

This historic bookstore near Melbourne Town Hall feels like stepping into a library from another time. It sells rare and collectable books on every subject you can think of, from medieval poetry to signed first editions. The space is quiet, lined with timber shelves and small sculptures of owls. You can browse or talk to staff about tracking down a special book.