After 16 years of turning driveways into treasure troves, Australia's biggest festival of secondhand stuff is throwing one final double weekend event and Parkes Shire Council is calling on local residents to make it the biggest hunt yet.
Over two big weekends on 7-8 and 14-15 November 2026, households, schools, community groups and local businesses across Parkes Shire will join thousands of Australians for the final national Garage Sale Trail before the iconic sustainability initiative closes its roller doors for good.
Since it launched in 2010, Garage Sale Trail has grown into a massive national movement boasting 134,000 garage sales, 4 million cumulative participants and over 7.2 million items saved from landfill. Along the way, the program has generated $52 million for local households and community groups, while sparking more than 2 million new neighbourly connections.
Mayor of Parkes Shire Neil Westcott said participating in this final year is a fantastic way for local residents to clear out clutter, make or save some extra cash and celebrate community spirit one last time.
We've loved being part of the Garage Sale Trail over the past 2 years. It has shown our community just how valuable the circular economy really is. As the Trail takes its final victory lap in 2026, we want to see Parkes Shire go out with a bang, whether you're hosting a driveway sale, visiting a community sale or bargain hunting down your street," Mayor Westcott said.
Garage Sale Trail Director Barbara Gill described 2026 as the ultimate celebration of how far secondhand selling and shopping has come.
"We're thinking of 2026 as a victory lap," said Ms Gill. "We started Garage Sale Trail because reuse was a no-brainer; a win for your wallet, a win for community connection and a win for the planet. Sixteen years on, that's still very true and thankfully it has become mainstream with the secondhand economy now thriving."
"This will be the final year the event is delivered by the Garage Sale Trail Foundation. Having built an event with millions of participants, we know the movement is far bigger than us. We are officially opening expressions of interest for a new custodian, brand or organisation to carry the Garage Sale Trail forward for years to come. Who knows what the future brings, but we know one thing for sure. This year we're going out with a bang."
How to get involved in Parkes Shire
- Host a sale: Registration is free. Sellers receive tips, promotional materials and more to help make their sale a success.
- Shop the Trail: An interactive national map is available at garagesaletrail.com.au/sales allowing bargain hunters to plot their trail across Parkes Shire
Last year, 2330 residents in the Parkes Shire took part, with 33 local sales and stalls, and the average seller making $761.
To register a sale or search for local events on the trail, visit garagesaletrail.com.au or www.garagesaletrail.com.au/ParkesShire
