Travelling can be a mixed bag of experiences—quite literally.

If you have ever wondered what happens to oddball items left behind at airports, wonder no more!

One of Australia's major airports launched a massive event that may quell your curiosities.

The annual Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction is back this year, and it's shaping up to be a treasure hunter's dream come true.

Whether you're a bargain lover, a collector, or just a curious browser, this is your chance to snap up goods while supporting a fantastic cause.

Every year, thousands of items are left behind by travellers somehow in the rush to catch a flight.

Some of the commonly forgotten items are accessories like watches, sunglasses, and jewellery. Image Credit: Sydney Airport

Due to their excitement for a holiday, people manage to forget everything from electronics, designer items, sports equipment and even souvenirs for back home.

This year's auction is set to feature over 2,000 unclaimed items.

All items will have a starting bid of $10, and there's definitely something for everyone.

This year's online catalogue is like a who's who of airport oddities: cameras, gaming consoles, jewellery, watches, perfumes, Kindles, and even a giant teddy bear.

Dozens of handbags, wallets, hair styling tools and sunglasses are up for grabs.

Are you looking for sporting equipment for less?

Bikes, golf clubs, and surfboards are also available for bidding.

If you're after big-ticket items, keep an eye out for laptops, headphones, coffee machines, and even a full Lord of the Rings book collection.

How does the bidding work?

The auction, run by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers, is now live.

It should roll out over five days, with different categories closing between 9 June and 12 June.

Here's the complete auction schedule:

Source: Dailymail, Sydney Airport

So, whether you're after a designer handbag, a kitchen appliance, or a unique collector's item, it's time to mark your calendar and get your bids in.

Why is the Sydney Airport doing this?

Aside from the thrill of the hunt, there's a heartwarming reason behind the auction.

All auction proceeds go towards free swimming lessons and water safety programs for vulnerable families amid the ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

For every $25 raised, another child receives a free swimming lesson.

Sydney Airport kick-started the initiative with a $100,000 donation, immediately funding 4,000 swimming lessons.

The organisers believed that the auction could earn triple the initial pledged amount and help more kids learn life-saving skills.

The Inner West Aquatics team, in partnership with the Royal Life Saving Society, will deliver these lessons.

They also revealed plans to expand the lessons to adults and launch broader community programs in the future.

However, you might be wondering, don't people come back for their things?

The Sydney Airport makes extensive efforts to reunite lost items with their owners.

In 2024, the airport returned more than 7,000 items to its respective owners.

Anything unclaimed after a specific period is either donated to charity or included in the auction.

An exception to this rule, however, is checked baggage, as they are being handled by the airlines.

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers hosted the Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction in 2023.

Casi Prischl, Theodore Bruce Auctioneers's Director, shared that the auction has become a sought-after event.

'Only at Sydney Airport could you pick up a designer handbag and a kitchen appliance in the same lot!' one bidder jokingly shared.

Bidders from all over the country log in to the online auction to see the bargains.

Despite the allure of the sale, Aussies also believe that they are supporting something meaningful.

If you're keen to join the fun, head to the Theodore Bruce Auctioneers website and browse the listings.

The auction is online only, so you can join in from the comfort of your own home.

Interested bidders need to register so their bids come through.

Happy bidding, and good luck finding your next hidden gem!

Key Takeaways

• Sydney Airport's annual Lost Property Auction is live, offering more than 2,000 unclaimed items for bidding.
• All auction proceeds will go towards providing free swimming lessons and water safety programs for vulnerable families, aiming to triple an initial pledge of $100,000.
• The online auction is run by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers and is spread across five days, catering to different categories.
• Before being listed, items undergo extensive efforts to reunite them with owners. Checked baggage, however, is not part of the sale.

Have you ever scored a bargain at an airport auction? Or you've got a funny story about something you or someone you know left behind while travelling. We'd love to hear your lost and found stories or even your best auction tips! Join the conversation and share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

 

[Inferno4256]

what a great idea. We are a country surrounded by sea not to mention so many rivers and waterways yet so many people cant swim. Years ago kids had to be able to swim across a public pool before they could do any other sport in high school. Not now. People from other countries often cant swim either and dont realise the danger of the surf. Good job Sydney Airport

 

[Borto]

Brilliant!

 

[Mummanew]

what a great idea. We are a country surrounded by sea not to mention so many rivers and waterways yet so many people cant swim. Years ago kids had to be able to swim across a public pool before they could do any other sport in high school. Not now. People from other countries often cant swim either and dont realise the danger of the surf. Good job Sydney Airport

In Queensland all school children get free swimming lessons from grade 1. I see the kids as I'm at the pool 3 days a week, sometimes during their lessons, there are a lot of immigrant/ethnic children in those classes. Perhaps it's not the same for the children who arrive here as older kids or teens.