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Reverse Garbage

Woolloongabba

Updated: Jan 08, 2026

Hidden up on a hill between a hospital, tunnel and a gaol, Reverse Garbage is a junkyard of creativity that is well worth the effort to track down.

For those with children, forget the toy stores, this is one place where kids and their imaginations can run loose and gather stuff galore without fear of breaking the merchandise or the bank.

Don’t be put off by the dishevelled entrance that resembles a batch of kerbside council pick-ups, because inside is the cheapest range of creative materials under the sun, complete with a gallery/shop to show the imaginatively challenged what can be done.

Drums of foam and felt, fabric and carpet scraps, recycled cards, spools of ribbon, pegs and plastic wire, are sold by the bag or kilo, while anyone who has a minor annoying household repair pending may find their brass castor, a zipper, curtain rod, lock and key, picture frame and even the odd kitchen sink.

If household stuff’s a bore, check out the PA Hospital offloads including surgical gowns and plaster casts of teeth and feet, all going for a song.

And anyone who doubts that this stuff can be turned into objects of beauty should check out the gallery/shop featuring funky handbags made of inner tubes, bracelets woven from old tyre rubber, earrings from recycled computer circuit boards, huge chooky cushions made from fabric shreds and delicate paper light fittings, all for sale.

In addition, they run a variety of environment and waste focused art workshops for kids and adults, as well as educational talks and tours to suit every age group.

More great things to do and see in Woolloongabba HERE

Reverse Garbage

20 Burke St

Woolloongabba

Opening hours

3891 9744

Map

20 Burke St Woolloongabba

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