The Thousands

Cleveland’s not the first place you’d think of for a weekend adventure. It’s about an hour east of the city on the bay side, and really, there’s not much more to do than leave for Stradbroke Island. At least at first glance! Peek a little harder and ye shall find the Bayside Antique and Collectibles Centre, just across from the hustle and bustle of Centrelink.

It might not look like much from the front, but this place is huge, and after you’ve explored the antique furniture, jewellery and knick knacks (all at suburban prices), you’d be forgiven for thinking that’s all. But wait, there’s more! This shop just keeps giving and I don’t mean the complimentary instant coffee.

There are so many little alcoves and rooms to get lost in. Further exploration reveals vintage comic books and cameras; war paraphernalia and knives; vintage coins, notes and postcards. What about a cassette player and alarm clock designed to look like a robot? That’s got to be sold by now!

There’s also an upper level where you’ll find vintage clothes, shoes and accessories. This is the kind of place you can get completely lost in, emerging days later laden with tea sets, vintage telephone, distillery equipment, a jambiya, and a 50 million Deutsche Mark banknote from 1923. Wonder what the exchange rate is on that one? It might be a good buy.