Founded in 2010 by Sydney mates, Darryl Nichols and Andrew Valder, today Garage Sale Trail is Australia’s biggest secondhand treasure hunt. Each year over 400,000 Australians take part, collectively helping extend the life of more than 4 million kilograms of stuff β saving it from landfill and giving it a second chance to shine.
With Garage Sale Trail taking place over two big weekends (8β9 & 15β16 November 2025), you can take part on one day or jump into multiple sales from anywhere in Australia.
You can get involved from anywhere in Australia, and take part on one day or more over two big weekends, 8-9 & 15-16 November 2024. With free registration, how-to guides, sale tips and promotional materials provided, itβs garage sales made easy. Did you know that in 2024:
π©ββ€οΈβπ© Nearly 300,000 Australians shopped or sold at more than 13,000 garage sales and markets nationwide
β»οΈ That meant saving 418 tonnes of stuff in use from landfill.
π° Sellers made over $3.9 million for themselves or local community groups and charities
Join a group sale near you or host from your apartment building.
Did you know there are 8 legal spots in the inner city where you can put up a poster? Not a bad idea to pull out your dadβs best puns here. Youβll get free promo materials when you sign up. You could also whip out the coloured markers and reuse some old cardboard for custom-made signs.
The more mates that come down, the more cash and an all-round great day for you.
Swap balloons and plastic sticky tape for paper bunting, streamers and twine. You could even make bunting from old fabric pieces β that way you can reuse it year after year.
Price things the night before so youβre not scrambling on the day. Wrap smaller goodies in newspaper or fabric and make a 3 for $10 lucky dip.
Gather some old newspaper and cardboard boxes for wrapping breakables and packing bulkier items.Β Encourage your shoppers to bring reusable bags or go bag-free.
Consider selling it online or talk to your local charity about donating. Or check out this guide on sustainable ways to get rid of your old stuff.
Got kids keen to join the action? Kids gardening guru DirtGirl shares tips on how little sellers can run their own sustainable mini-market. Hereβs how to help them shine (and learn about reuse while theyβre at it).
β¨ Bring the party vibe (without the waste)
No balloons needed. Let kids decorate with:
Homemade bunting from old fabric
Streamers from newspaper or scrap paper
Nature finds (leaves, flowers, sticks)
β¨ Fancy dress = yes please
Superhero, pirate, rockstar, garden gnome β anything goes. Bonus points for second-hand or handmade outfits.
β¨ Roll out a βred carpetβ arrival
Use an old rug, painted cardboard or a trail of leaves to welcome customers.
β¨ Try-It-Out Toy Zone
Let kids test toys before buying. It keeps shoppers engaged and gives old toys their moment to sparkle again.
