The general store is an enduring relic of yesteryear, still stocked with everything from fuel to homemade jams. Here are 13 of the best in Australia.

The humble general store wears many hats. A post office. A fuel stop. A cafe. A deli. A watering hole. A time capsule that steers you tenderly into the past. But above all, it’s a neighbourhood hub that brings people together. 

These charming general stores in Australia are the beating heart of their communities, representing all the things we love about small regional towns. At the same time, they’re evolving – offering new reasons to stop in from community art spaces to wine dens championing local makers. 

And we think it’s about time someone made a hit list. 

Wollombi General Store, NSW

Part of Hunter Valley village since the 1850s, Wollombi General Store has long been a place to swing by for a chat, drop off post and trawl antiques. Now, the much-loved bolthole is doubling down on its creative heritage by opening the Artisans Collective – a working space in the old barn behind the store where visitors can converse with local artists while they work. Mosey on in for coffee on the verandah or a scoop of gelato, or to scan shelves filled with local goods. 

Address: 2886 Wollombi Rd, Wollombi NSW 2325 

Yum Yum Angourie Cafe & General Store, NSW

The Yum Yum Angourie Cafe & General Store was, as the name suggests, originally in Angourie. But owners Chris Todd and Morgan Bramwell-Baker have since moved five clicks away to their new premises, an original Art Deco home in the centre of Yamba. Today, the general store stocks more than staples, with everything from beautifully designed camping gear to candles, books and backpacks. Patrons are a mix of holidaymakers and locals who, thanks to the recent addition of a liquor license, also stop by for a bottle of plonk or a six-pack of local ales. Find them on Instagram at @yumyumangouriecafegeneralstore. 

Address: 29 Coldstream St, Yamba NSW 2464 

Glenlyon General Store, Vic

While the exterior of the historic 1870s Glenlyon General Store is all timber and tin, the interior is full of treasured photographs that pay homage to Australia’s colonial past – making it one of the top general stores in Australia. Although it’s ostensibly a cafe, the historic store is still a purveyor of everyday items such as bread, fruit and vegetables, honey, pasta and panettone, as well as little luxuries like wine and chocolate. Do clock the community noticeboard, which constitutes a form of sightseeing, as locals promote their colourful side hustles.   

Address: 63 Barkly St, Glenlyon VIC 3461 

Harcourt Produce & General Store, Vic

Harcourt Produce & General Store is one of the most beloved general stores in Victoria, and you’d be silly to think otherwise. The community institution, cafe and wine bar not only sells gourmet goods (think preserves from the kitchen garden) to take home but plates up seriously good Danish pastries and pies, making it an obligatory coffee-run destination. For those looking to quench their lunchtime thirst, there’s also craft beer and cider on tap. Follow @harcourtproduce on Instagram for updates.

Address: 115 Harmony Way, Harcourt VIC 3453 

Merricks General Wine Store, Vic

A heartfelt seasonal menu and cellar door stocking nearby Elgee Park and Baillieu wines are the beginning of what you’ll find at Merricks General Store, tucked away on the Mornington Peninsula. While wine is their bread and butter, make sure to check out Traders Retail Store for local wares and lifestyle pieces. And Merricks House – where you’re sure to leave with a stash of tea towels, fig nut paste, spiced nuts, cuvées bruts and full-bodied olive oils. 

Address: 3460 Frankston – Flinders Rd, Merricks VIC 3916 

Watervale General Store & Providore, SA

This true-as-they-come general store in South Australia’s Clare Valley wine region makes your everyday post run a delight. Find fresh bread, books, tasty tucker and juices, along with eclectic goods and biodynamic produce from Penobscot Farm at the Providore.  

Address: 29 Main N Rd, Watervale SA 5452 

Bowhill General Store, SA

You could arrive by horse and cart if that’s your jam. But Bowhill General Store on Chucka Bend Road also offers easy access by road or river (the mighty Murray no less). Those enjoying a houseboating holiday can pop in for fuel or emergency cans of baked beans and bottles of booze. Road-trippers can also refuel on coffee and cake while sitting in the sun-drenched courtyard. The general store is old school in its offerings – fuel, gas, ice, beer, spirits and fishing gear – but also up to the minute with its sleek, modern design. Find them on Instagram at @bowhillgeneral. 

Address: 28 Chucka Bend Rd, Bowhill SA 5238 

The Hearth of Chudleigh, Tas

With its original floorboards, exposed beams and fireplace, the Hearth of Chudleigh doffs its cap to its storied past. The store has been quietly chugging along in Chudleigh since 1886 and, 139 years on, remains a community mainstay as an emporium selling everything from books to antiques. At the centre of the Hearth of Chudleigh is a theatrette space that doubles as a stage fostering local talent and live performances. While you may no longer be able to pick up pantry items for a penny, the mixed business in the ‘Village of Roses’ sells specialty goods such as jam made using locally sourced rosehip.  

Address: 60 Sorell St, Chudleigh TAS 7304 

Morris Store, Tas

Should you find yourself in Tasmania’s coastal town of Swansea, do make sure to drop into Morris Store. This self-proclaimed ‘IGA store with a whole lot more’ has been open since 1838, when John Alexander Graham – the man who wrote the good part of the Tasmanian Local Government Act – established a trade site for his wares. Nowadays, visitors can pick up daily essentials and view relics of the past in the store’s display room. 

Address: 13/15 Franklin St, Swansea TAS 7190 

Kandanga Farm Store, Qld

A visit to the Kandanga Farm Store in the Sunshine Coast hinterland is quintessential when on a road trip around Queensland. The farm store doubles as a roadside attraction serving customers from all walks of life, from local farmers to interstate visitors in search of vitamin D. While there are some wares you might expect on the shelves – such as eggs, honey and bread – you will also find specialty goods like locally roasted coffee and organic beef. Van life never looked so good.  

Address: 93 Main St, Kandanga QLD 4570  

Myalup Beach General Store, WA

Hit the waves, then head to Myalup Beach General Store, the ideal post-surf pit-stop. Located on Myalup Beach Road opposite the Myalup Beach Caravan Park in WA’s Harvey Region, this is where local grommets and weekender families come for trusty takeaway bites, creamy milkshakes and coffee. While you’re at it, stock up on fruit and veg, and bait – the guys at the till dish out some great fishing advice, too, if you ask ’em. 

Address: 15-17 Myalup Beach Rd, Myalup WA 6220 

General Store Melville, WA

At the crack of dawn, the good people at the General Store Melville are up and ready to open shop at 6am so early-rising locals can get their fix of barista coffee and the freshest farm produce delivered that morning. The shop is best known for its stacked rolls and refreshing açai, with premium fruit and veggies available too. 

Address: 6/446 Marmion St, Myaree WA 6154 

Tharwa Country Store, ACT

After being owned by the Jeffery family for a century, Tharwa Country Store is soon to welcome an era of new ownership with the family ready to pass on the baton. The weatherboard building along the Murrumbidgee River at the base of Mt Tennent, around 30 minutes out of Canberra, has serviced the local community for generations, along with being a popular stop for road-trippers, day-trippers and motorcyclists. Help keep this village landmark alive by stopping in for an ice cream or old-fashioned lolly bag.  

Address: 11 North St, Tharwa ACT 2620

Looking for your next nostalgic Aussie find? Check out the oldest pubs in Australia.