Shopping and Markets

In the country town of Marburg, just off the Warrego Highway halfway between Brisbane and Toowoomba, you’ll find one of the most interesting and browse-worthy antique shops in all of Queensland.

Owner Les Birnie has been in the antique trade since 1961 and has run Scotland Yard Antiques for almost three decades.

He likes to specialise in rustic country Australian furniture but at your first step inside this shop, what strikes you is the incredible variety on display. Every era and genre seems to be covered, from large gilt-framed paintings and mirrors to elaborate chandeliers, carved furniture, rustic workbenches and vintage signage.

Scotland Yard spills out to a rear yard full of salvage pieces that also attracts many a fossicker.

Les’s son, Athol, has followed in his father’s footsteps with his own shop, The Black Museum, just a couple of doors along while daughter Emily has Special Branch Collective, a plant and coffee stop, next door.

This trio of unique businesses, sitting across from the popular weekend lunch destination, The Marburg Pub, have helped put the town on the map in recent years.

Scotland Yard Antiques is open daily.