Support the Bush: Our regional shopping guide

IN THIS NEW REGULAR FEATURE, WE SCOUR THE COUNTRY TO FIND UNIQUE, MUST-VISIT STORES IN REGIONAL AREAS.

ACT Bison Home

For the last 22 years, Brian Tunks has been designing his much-loved ceramic and glassware. The beloved Bison Home milk bottle is a firm favourite for many, inspired by handleless jugs at his grandmother’s home. The studio in Pialligo, where until just a few years ago all the products were made, is the perfect stripped-back space to peruse the collection. “I’ve always equated Pialligo to the ‘green lungs’ of the ACT,” says Brian. “Orchards and nurseries dot the streets and, although it’s not far from the airport, it has that sense of being removed from the urban landscape.” Plenty of parking, other studios, great restaurants and vineyards nearby make it a worthwhile daytrip destination. Be sure to check out Brian’s blown glass and his range of porcelain pendants and lights. 6/8 Beltana Road, Pialligo. (02) 6257 7255; bisonhome.com

QUEENSLAND The Bungalow & Basket

If the artfully styled window display doesn’t lure you into The Bungalow & Basket, the smell of freshly baked treats might do the trick. The store’s enviable corner position in downtown Toowoomba means it’s bathed in sun for most of the day, so it’s a popular stop for locals and regulars. Place your coffee order and browse a colourful, well-priced range of gifts and homewares, including a stand-out selection of lifestyle books. The best part? The team will gift-wrap your purchases while you eat cake (follow @thebungalowandbasket for what’s in the oven). On our shopping list? Organic Australian mum and baby products from Willow by the Sea, and fun journals by Axel & Ash. 4/400 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba. (07) 4564 9283.

Clo Studios

Stray a little off Hastings Street and discover the white-washed paradise that is Clo Studios. You’ll find islandluxe furniture with tribal rugs and linen favourites by In Bed and Hale Mercantile. Gifts and homewares are carefully curated, including candles by Gascoigne & King and sumptuous botanical body products from Leif and Bondi Wash. The sea of neutrals is punctuated by the bold, beautiful works of local artists Lisa Morgan and Stanislas Piechaczek. Clo Studios is owned by interior designer Trudy Tozer and her daughter, Chloe, a jewellery designer. Walk through to the adjoining Vanilla Food for wholesome bowls and nourishing smoothies. 3/10 Lanyana Way, Noosa Heads. (07) 5455 3310; clostudios.com.au

NSW The Holding Yard

Stretching your legs on the drive between Sydney and Melbourne just got a whole lot more interesting. The Holding Yard has taken up residence in the old butcher’s shop at Holbrook, selling clothes, homewares, books, vintage one-offs and more. Owner, Bridie Heriot, wanted to create a platform for rural women to showcase their talents. And she’s done just that. Among her stylish collection are Bow & Arrow jumpers, plus framed Rachael Lenehan photographs. The team at Little Triffids Flowers created an installation that hangs from the existing butcher’s rail, and there’s always a candle burning in-store, making it a pleasure to wander through. “I feel we’ve reached a moment in time where consumers want to slow down, shop small and help local communities grow,” says Bridie. 116 Albury Street, Holbrook. 0498 279 976; instagram.com/theholdingyard

Dowry

Stumble across this treasure trove in Moruya and there’s a good chance you’ll emerge a long while later. Filled with eclectic handmade pieces, many stitched from vintage and discarded textiles, it’s truly one-of-a-kind — the perfect place to find gifts for hard-to-buy-for friends. Dowry stocks its own label of clothing, kid’s products and homewares, plus a beautiful collection of artisanal brands, including Sarah Murray Ceramics and Metta Melbourne. Keep an eye out for re-upholstered chairs and ottomans, linen aprons, hand-sewn children’s bears and wonderful pantry chooks made with bay leaves, cloves and rosemary. 18 Ford Street, Moruya, (02) 4474 2816, dowry.com.au

SA Binny

Fans of the South-australian fashion label will be in on this little secret — there’s one standalone Binny store in the beachside destination of Robe. Housed in a white weatherboard former butcher’s shop, it’s tiny and a little tricky to find. The shop is frequented by locals and savvy holiday makers who snap up designer Belinda (Binny) Watson’s new-season samples as well as often heavily discounted end-of-season stock. With their traditional fabrics (think broderie anglaise and gingham), signature prints and fine finishes (button details, ribbon trims and careful stitching), Binny’s designs sing of her rural upbringing. As the daughter ofa passionate wool grower, she feels suitably proud that her 100 per cent merino wool designs carry the Woolmark. Sign up to Binny’s e-newsletter to see her first resort collection, which includes swimwear. 10 Elizabeth Street, Robe. binnywear.com >

VICTORIA Bowerbird

As the name suggests, this cosy shop takes inspiration from the outside and brings it in. Alpine-style homewares, lighting and furniture have been sourced to embody the town of Bright, the scenic village at the base of Mount Buffalo. With moody tones of leather and navy, Bowerbird stocks cow hides, reindeer hides and sheepskin, along with the kind of furniture you might find in a ski chalet. Austrian-designed David Fussenegger throws and cushions team with the mountain theme, as do antlers, rustic ceramics in natural blues and greens, and popular framed prints of wild animals. 11 Barnard Street, Bright. (03) 5755 5131; bowerbirdbright.com.au

Found

There’s a feeling of warmth as you step into this shop from the streets of Daylesford — perhaps it’s coming from the open fire, with its calming crackle, or maybe it’s the sense of history behind every piece. Found’s unique collection of vintage treasures, including everything from intricately carved French armoires to marble mortars and dear little antique sugar bowls, is curated by Helen Curtis and Alexandra Box. This mother-daughter duo like to keep their one-of-a-kind ‘finds’ just as they are — no polishing or preening, just plenty of original charm. Keep an eye out for Found’s twice-yearly online art events, when Helen releases her thoughtfully collected range of antique art. 119 Vincent Street, Daylesford. 0457 234 616; found.style

NT Magpie Goose

Buyers are initially drawn to the bright colours and bold prints of Magpie Goose clothing, but really fall in love when they learn the story behind each garment. Aboriginal artists are commissioned to design and hand screenprint their works onto natural fibres, which are then made into skirts, dresses, shirts and shorts in classic, wearable cuts. Founders Maggie Mcgowan and Laura Egan wanted to showcase the beautiful Indigenous art they were exposed to during their time spent in remote communities of Australia. While creating economic opportunities in these areas, their goal was also to give more people (who may never visit) the chance to connect with the rich Aboriginal art and culture that exists there. “Each print tells a story of the artist’s country, family, or dreaming; about the place they live, the bush food you can hunt for; the seasons or the landscape,” says Maggie. Find Magpie Goose (and the details behind each fabric) online, in select stores across the country and from Darwin stockist Lulu & Daw. magpiegoose.com

WA Merchant & Maker