Friendly ladies working here and the customers were real honest how expensive clothes are on Darby…read morestreet. One of my favorite shops on Hunter Street. I bought a cute mustard tunic dress and a fun flow floral dress. Unique items made in India. Boho garments and home decor. Awesome sales, 5 dollar rack and 50 percent off items with a pink sticker. Next time in Newy, hitting up this place again.

This carefully curated bits and bobs store is a must-stop on my travels to Newcastle. Perched at…read morethe top end of one my favourite Newcastle precincts, Darby Street, Betty Mim is a balanced combination of homewares, women's clothing, stationery (think the kind you'd find on Etsy or at a seasonal Finders Keepers) and other knick-knacks. I've picked up many a piece of great quality jewelry at prices that make you stop, take a second look and wonder how they could be that cheap ($10 for a pair of earrings). If you're looking for a gift for someone else, a gift for yourself or a gift to adorn your home - Betty Mim has your back.

I absolutely adore Lorna Jane. I have purchased quite a few items over the years and they have…read morelasted through countless workouts for several years and are still the most comfortable clothing I own. I was devastated when all the brick and mortar stores in the states closed down. I can still purchase their products online but there is something to be said about trying different fits before purchase, especially when you're under 5 ft tall (59 inches) and do not have an "off the rack" body shape. I was super excited to find this store in Newcastle, in fact I nearly broke my neck when I walked past. The sales rep, I wish I'd caught her name, was so helpful and accommodating. She was able to look at me and tell me which sizes I would need and she was spot on. I ended up purchasing 4 pairs of pants and 4 sport bras and I was shocked at how much more affordable it was to purchase them here than in the U.S.

I have used Cirila's to get my alterations done to my clothing since I moved to Newcastle 2 years…read moreago. I have always got my clothing back the following day and I have always been impressed how you can not tell they have been altered. Its always fun looking through the recycled clothing when I drop off alterations to see what they have got in. I picked up a groovy fur coat which I still love.

It's a store full of some of my favourite internet finds. Kip&Co bedding, paddy wax candles, Mister…read moreMoss. Suffice to say it's a little slice of home heaven that got me giddy the moment I walked past on the Queen's Birthday public holiday. I made a mental note to return and earned more motivation upon learning they had 30% off Kip&Co this week. The stock is carefully curated and there's not great quantities of everything. To me, this is part of the charm and wonder of a store that stocks such niche Australian brands. The staff are as warm as the pops of neon colours across the ranges and were only too happy to put a few towels on hold for me til I could make it back to the store. They do sell online as well but why would you when you can grab a coffee from Glee Roasters and stroll down to the physical store and play in a world of homewares heaven?

Where else could you purchase locally made jewelry that's been crafted from locally mined coal?…read more Okay, fair point, given its Newcastle, probably a few locations, but Studio Melt remains my one-stop-shop for local gifts, prints and jewelry. There's a few larger brands thrown in for good measure but it's easy to tell they've been carefully selected to compliment the local ranges. Located on the ever revived Hunter St Mall strip, it's easy to combine your morning coffee with a quick shop in Studio Melt. In fact, I'd highly recommend it!

Great gift shop with a good range of items.....mostly kitchen and dining related. It's only small,…read morebut very full. You'll always find something when you're shopping for a gift.

A perfectly manicured little bookshop with a large kids section. Everything is a little cramped…read morethough and if you are as pregnant as I am, would probably have trouble walking past another person in there. There is everything for kids to adults and a nice little range of costumes and stuffed toys as well. The staff are super friendly, they are in a cute little location next to a Gem shop and I would definitely recommend a browse. Price are a little bit dear, but so are prices for pretty much everything touristy in the Hunter Valley. Worth a check out.