Shopping precinct: Wahroonga, NSW
The perfectly manicured lawns, pastel-hued hydrangeas and box hedges of the properties leading to Wahroonga Village hint at the loveliness within the suburb’s stores. The last outpost of Sydney’s upper North Shore, the area has a sense of community that makes it a delight to visit – not to mention a burgeoning coffee scene, picturesque park and oodles of shopping potential.
STOP 1: Grosgrain
Housed in a beautifully restored weatherboard cottage, Grosgrain is a style hunter’s dream: a wander through its three rooms is akin to visiting an elegant and well-travelled friend’s home. Owner Lisa 'loves the imperfection of things', and has sourced a sigh-inducing collection of treasures with vintage patinas.
Open: Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm; Sat 9.30am-3pm.
Visit: 29 Redleaf Avenue, (02) 9489 9915.
Bookmark: grosgrain.com.au.
STOP 2: Road Less Taken
An historian, owner Laura fulfilled her long-held dream of owning a store when she opened her doors in August 2013. “I wanted an eclectic mix of products that you couldn’t find anywhere else,” she says. Bohemian in spirit and style, the range includes ornate carved timber pieces, vibrant upholstered armchairs, ottomans and jewellery.
Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat 9am-3pm.
Visit: Shop 2/29-31 Redleaf Avenue, (02) 9489 5592.
Bookmark: roadlesstaken.com.au.
STOP 3: Butcher’s Block
The Butcher’s Block is seriously buzzing. Everything in the butcher shop-turned-cafe is made strictly from scratch and is truly delicious, from the Allpress coffee to the handcrafted Pepe Saya butter. The setting is equally impressive – a sunny terrace is flanked by planter boxes of herbs, original tiles line the bar and the friendly wait staff sport classic striped aprons.
Open: Mon-Sat 6am-5pm.
Visit: 15 Redleaf Avenue, (02) 9487 8136.
STOP 4: Flower Infusion
This tiny florist shop supplies beautiful blooms for most of the area’s stores – as well as, of course, its residents. Owner Emma sources flowers from local growers where possible – her roses, for instance, are from nearby Dural. Her gorgeous little posies, from $25, draw many fans. “People buy them for little girls’ dance concerts – they make a lovely gesture,” she says.
Open: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm; Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 9am-1pm.
Visit: 2 Railway Avenue, (02) 9489 7515.
Bookmark: flowerinfusion.com.au.
STOP 5: Avenue Luxe
Owner Jane, who clearly has a keen eye for beautiful design, was inspired by overseas style emporium Anthropologie when she envisioned this sprawling store. Vintage prints, sumptuous sofas, jewellery and clothing crowd the space. There’s even a supply of Belle Fleur chocolates in case you crave a sugar hit.
Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm.
Visit: 10 Railway Avenue, (02) 9489 6077.
STOP 6: Culinary Delight
Keen cooks, step this way: Culinary Delight is your one-stop shop for all the kitchenalia you could dream of. Owner Toni – herself a fervent foodie – has everything covered, from appliances to cutlery, baking goods and cookbooks. She also runs workshops during the year.
Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm; Sat 9am-4pm; Sun 10am-1pm.
Visit: 22 Railway Avenue, (02) 9487 2613.
For more shopping inspiration, take a look at our picks of Albion and Red Hill in Victoria, or Coorparoo in Queensland.
