Wallsend and Islington  are two examples of  Op Shop meccas in Newcastle.

Now Southern Lake Macquarie, and the North end of the Central Coast, has its very own  Treasure Trail, made up of chic boutiques from Toronto down to Toukley.

With such a great variety, why not get a group of friends together or organise a bus trip or car pool with your community group and see what bargains and treasures you can find.

Vinnies Toronto, set in the main shopping thoroughfare just down the road from picturesque Lake Macquarie, sells quality second hand donated goods, focused on clothing, accessories, bric-a-brac and jewelry  at an affordable price.

Like every Vinnies store on the Treasure Trail, Toronto  has a collectable cabinet containing everything from fine china, quality crystal and jewelry to hats, bags and  collectable items.

"We sell an eclectic mix from designer labels through to bespoke and retro," spokesperson Ken Hill said. 

"We take deliveries of fresh stock two or three times a week, so there's always something fresh. We also offers men's and children clothing at great prices."

Increasingly Ken is seeing groups exploring the Op Shop Treasure Trail.

"People make a day of it, exploring the Treasure Trail shops in Toronto, doing lunch on the lake, before moving on to other stores.

"It's fun to do with friends and can be very productive.  Sometimes you can find a fashion item worth hundreds new going for a bargain price."

Savvy searchers can source a trove of items at the following shops on the Treasure Trail: Lifeline Shop Toronto, Vinnies Toronto, Allira Op Shop Toronto, Lake Macquarie Tender Centre (Moria Park Road, Morisset), Vinnies Morisset, All Sorts At Morisset Op Shop  (Industrial Estate), Allira House Op Shop (Morisset), Sonship Op Shop (Morisset Industrial Estate), Vinnies Budgewoi, All Sorts At Budgewoi, Vinnies Toukley and Allira Op Shop (Toukley).