Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is Australia's most active platform for second-hand goods. Search "[Your City] free stuff" — Australians frequently give away perfectly functional furniture, microwaves, printers, and kitchen equipment. Filter by: Free, within 10km.
Gumtree.com.au
Australia's equivalent of Craigslist. Beds, desks, washing machines, bicycles all available at 10–30% of retail price. Many listings from departing international students who can't take furniture back home.
Op Shops (Opportunity Shops)
Thrift stores in Australia (Vinnies, Salvos, Lifeline) sell donated goods at very low prices. Expect to pay AUD 5 for a shirt, AUD 15 for a desk lamp, AUD 30 for a bedside table. Quality varies — inspect carefully.
End-of-Semester Goldmine
The best time to find free/cheap furniture is at the end of each semester (November and June), when departing students leave items on the street or post them for free pickup. Time your setup needs accordingly.
What to Buy New
It's worth buying new: mattress protector (hygiene), pillow, cooking pots/pans (Kmart has functional sets for AUD 20–40). Everything else — buy second-hand.
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