Precinct All roads lead to Freshwater on Sydney’s northern beaches
WE REVEAL AUSTRALIA’S MUST-VISIT SHOPPING DESTINATIONS AND UNCOVER THEIR HIDDEN GEMS
Freshwater or ‘Freshie’, as it’s fondly referred to by locals, is the quintessential NSW coastal village. The laid-back vibe and surfside position has attracted sun-seeking crowds for decades – long before the suburb changed its name from Harbord. Today, the bustling shopping strip – about a five-minute walk from the sand – is home to numerous creative talents and independent retailers who provide year-round validation for a visit. And the best part? Footwear is optional.
STOP 1 | Freshwater House
Name anything you might require in the homewares department, and you’ll find it in a distinctly coastal flavour in this prominent corner store, arranged conveniently in colour-coded displays for easy and eyecatching browsing. Owner Mae says the range in her family-run emporium “epitomises the northern beaches lifestyle”, and includes everything from side tables and napkin holders to floor cushions and chandeliers. Local artists’ works are in the mix, as are Lifestyle organic skincare by Salus, and candles and diffusers by Raine & Humble.
Must have: Horgans hand-painted ceramic mugs, from $11.95 each.
Open: Mon, 10am-5.30pm
(in winter 11am-5pm);
Tues-Fri, 10am-5.30pm
(in winter 10am-5pm); Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 10am-4pm.
Visit: 1/48 Lawrence Street,
(02) 9938 5541.
Bookmark: instagram.com/ freshwater_house.
STOP 2 | Wild Forager
New on the scene, sisters Sophie and Sarah have swiftly made a name for themselves in local circles as a creative duo to watch. Combining a distinctive and artistic approach to floristry with a discerning eye for unique treasures for the home, their expanding customer base has the store bookmarked as the go-to gift shop when seeking something decidedly special. Vintage artefacts from Indonesia sit alongside shell-inlay mirrors, while fascinating finds from India are reincarnated into useable and unique pieces, all complemented by market-fresh botanic beauty.
Must have: Repurposed candle stands, from $319 each.
Open: Mon-Fri, 9am-5.30pm; Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun, 10am-4pm.
Visit: 26 Lawrence Street,
(02) 8041 9712.
Bookmark: instagram.com/ wild_forager.
STOP 3 | Mrs Jones The Baker
Leave your calorie counter at the door, because the Mrs Jones The Baker goodies have a reputation for being utterly irresistible. Owners Lucy and Barry Jones each have resumés that read like a Masterchef ’s wishlist, having worked around the globe crafting edible exquisiteness for the likes of Sylvester Stallone and
The Savoy, London. Here, at their local hub, the focus is on handmade goods with honest and organic base ingredients. Artisan breads are two days in the making, single-origin Colombian coffee is freshly ground, gelato is handmade and those spectacular sweet treats (opposite, top right) include dietary-sensitive options.
Must have: Lemon meringue tarts, $6 each. Open: Mon-Sun, 7am-5pm.
Visit: 16A Lawrence Street,
(02) 9939 1736.
Bookmark: mrsjonesthebaker.com.au.
STOP 4 | Zamia Homewares
A local stalwart in the village since 2001, owner Mia stocks shelves with her eclectic selection of gifts and homewares, guided by a keen eye for individuality.
“I’m drawn to the slightly unusual and exotic things for the home that other stores might not have,” says Mia, who also offers homestyling services and a gift registry in-store. A suite of styles is well catered for, with a range that varies from Hamptons-inspired blue and white ceramics to a variety of canvas prints, such as black and white palm artworks. Set aside some time – the store may be small but there’s plenty to see.
Must have: Ginger jars, from $29.95 each.
Open: Mon-Wed, 10am-5pm; Thurs-Fri, 10am-5.30pm; Sat, 9.30am-5pm; Sun, 10am-4pm.
Visit: 18 Lawrence Street,
(02) 9939 8173.
Bookmark: facebook.com/zamiahomewares.
STOP 5 | Silverblue
Spilling onto the sidewalk, Silverblue’s range is a happy marriage of women’s fashion and homewares, both with a focus on natural fibres, in an eclectic array that reflects owner Sue’s broad and beloved travels. Stock up on summer essentials from labels such as Elk, M. A. Dainty and
Binny, and team it with jewellery from northern beaches jewellers Kirstin Ash and
Linda Tahija. Items for the home appeal to a coastalinspired lifestyle and include beautifully selected framed prints, baskets, throws and indoor and outdoor rugs.
Must have: Ahoy Trader tiles, from $49 each.
Open: Mon-Sat, 9.30am-5pm; Sun, 10am-4pm.
Visit: 15 Albert Street,
(02) 9905 9932.
Bookmark: silverblue.org.au