Melbourne: Shopping

Think Melbourne. Think shopping. The rest of Australia does. For decades, the city has been known as the country’s shopping capital. Fashion, of course, is part of the appeal but there’s plenty more besides. While choice is a big attraction, the joy of shopping in the city is also about atmosphere. The web of narrow streets, beckoning lanes, wide boulevards and lovely old arcades make shopping a pleasure.

Melbourne is home to leading fashion houses and the country’s top designers including Joseph Saba, Bettina Liano, Scanlan and Theodore, Alannah Hill, TL Wood, Georgia Chapman, Kirrily Johnston and Arabella Ramsay, all of whom have made their mark on the national and international fashion scene.

City

Walking is the best way to shop. Start at the “Paris end” of Collins Street between Spring and Russell streets for international labels. Then head to Little Collins Street, where you will find many boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Don’t miss Flinders Lane between Elizabeth and Russell streets. The big department stores Myer and David Jones are located on the Bourke Street Mall. At the GPO, QV and Melbourne Central shopping centres you will find a mix of clothing, accessories, handbags and more from local andinternational designers.

Chapel Street

Chapel Street in South Yarra is one of the swankiest shopping destinations in Melbourne. Here local designers mix with the international set. Another stretch of sophisticated shopping is at Toorak Road, which intersects the north end of Chapel Street.

Brunswick Street

If retro home ware and funky jewellery and clothing are more your style then head to Brunswick Street in Fitzroy. There are also many good cafes to watch the eclectic crowd go by. It is especially worth a visit at weekends. Drop into Gertrude Street for cutting-edge fashion, books, retro gear and industrial furniture emporium.

Bargain Hunting

Bargain-hunters get your wallets ready. Factory outlets offer the best brands at hugely discounted prices. Shop on Bridge Road and Swan Street in Richmond for jeans, swimwear, trainers, tops and bags at heavily reduced prices, and the Spencer Street DFO in the city centre offers a huge array of bargains. For something different, Melbourne’s Meet me at Mike’s provides vintage wear for those of you who don’t want to just follow the crowd.

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Melbourne City Skyline and the Yarra River. Courtesy of Tourism Australia

Melbourne CBD viewed from Federation Square. Courtesy of Tourism Australia

Melbourne Skyline. Courtesy of Tourism Australia

Melbourne Dining, Lygon Street. Courtesy of Tourism Australia

Federation Square. Courtesy of Tourism Australia

Melbourne CBD viewed from Federation Square. Courtesy of Tourism Australia