They may not be the ubiquitous international brands in huge glossy showrooms, but what they lack in size they make up for in personality, unique offerings, and the ability to supply things you cannot find anywhere else.

Camberwell is renowned for its speciality shops, offering unique and niche products and experiences, guaranteed to surprise, excite and inspire.

And better still, the Camberwell shopping precinct combines the charm and personality of local shops and a thriving market with the convenience of being all in the one location.

Rotary Camberwell Sunday Market

Whether you prefer your music on vinyl, are looking for a specific china teacup, want a retro painting or piece of antique jewellery to complete your collection, you’ll find it at the Rotary Camberwell Sunday Market.

The Rotary Camberwell Sunday Market is a Melbourne tradition, where for generations visitors have shopped for unique gifts, rare collectables, children’s toys and clothing, and vintage fashion and accessories.

If you’ve been looking for that old thing-a-me-bob that was perfect for cutting vegetables, but you’ve never seen it outside your grandmother’s house, or that gadget they stopped making a while back but you can’t live without, chances are they’re waiting for you at Rotary Camberwell Sunday Market. Someone else’s trash is another’s treasure and this sentiment is manifested here in spades.

What’s more, simply visiting the Rotary Camberwell Sunday Market is a unique experience in itself – the market has been operating for more than 40 years and has a vibrant history, and your gold coin donation upon entry has helped raise more than $16 million to help local and international communities.

That’s a market, with a social conscience, worth supporting.

Camberwell shopping precinct

They’re the small stores and independent businesses that give Camberwell its charm, and whose mission it is to offer products and services that stand out from the everyday.

One thing is for certain, you’ll find something special and unique in Camberwell shopping precinct.

For a distinct gift for a special occasion, check out the range of personalised stationery and luxury writing tools at Paper Republic.

Just down the road is Music Junction, which for 50 years has been the go-to destination for Melbourne’s musicians, and carries a huge range of hard-to-find instruments. It’s also the only store in Australia to stock Chapman Guitars.

If your taste buds are particular or fussy, check out Foddies, a speciality cafe and store offering a range of gluten free and other allergy-friendly foods. There’s also Elyros, which serves up traditional Cretan fare, using only free range and grass-fed meats.

Sustainable shoppers love The Source Bulk Foods, which stocks a variety of bulk foods (without the plastic packaging) including flours, nuts, pasta, seeds as well as a selection of organic, paleo-friendly, low sugar and gluten free foods.

If you’re looking for relaxation that goes beyond the traditional massage, check out floatation tank experiences at Elevation Floatation and feel your cares drift away.

Or get the adrenaline pumping 80s style with a round of slot car racing at Race Party. Challenge your friends and family on custom designed racetracks using model slot cars and remote controls, or simply cheer from the sidelines.

From seeking out rare objects to encountering experiences like no other, there is no shortage of speciality and unique finds in Camberwell. The only thing that’s left to do is uncover them.

This article was also published on the Camberwell Shopping website.