Sydney: Shopping

Shopaholics will find themselves in heaven in Sydney, with plenty of shopping options to suit even the most bizarre tastes, while the iconic labels of Gucci and Parada proudly adorning the exclusive shopping district of Castlereagh Street.

Queen Victoria Building and Galeries Victoria

The beautifully restored Queen Victoria Building, or the QVB as it is known locally, is on George Street between Market and Park streets and provides four levels of shopping - ranging from fashion, jewellery and home ware to fresh flowers and patisseries. Underneath the QVB is a network of arcades that takes shoppers through to the stylish Galeries Victoria on Pitt Street.

• Visit the QVB website

Pitt Street Mall and the Strand Arcade

This is one of the city’s key shopping areas. The main department stores of Myer and David Jones can be accessed easily from here and there are numerous specialty shops. Similar to the QVB in architecture, the Strand Arcade, off Pitt Street Mall, is a haven for shoppers seeking designer Australian fashion labels and imports as well as jewellery.

• Visit the Strand Arcade website

Castlereagh Street

Take a walk down Castlereagh Street, from Market Street, for some serious label shopping at international designer stores including Chanel, Yves St Laurent, Hermes, Giorgio Armani, Bvlgari, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Prada. Nearby, discover Chifley Plaza, where more of the world’s most desired brands cluster together, including Tiffany & Co, Max Mara, Pancaldi 1888 and, exclusively to Sydney, Marina Rinaldi.

Paddington and Woollahra

Oxford Street in Paddington is Sydney’s style mile packed with designer boutiques, cafes and Sydney’s cool crowd. Boutiques selling leading Australian fashion designers and international labels sit side by side, along with art galleries, cafes, pubs and restaurants. At Paddington Markets on weekends, you may be able to find leading fashion labels at bargain prices. Up from Oxford Street is Queen Street, Woollahra, known for its exquisite designer-label boutiques, numerous galleries and antique shops specialising in antique jewellery.

Double Bay

Double Bay is famous for everything designer - shops, people and outdoor cafes. Marvel at the exquisite shops In Transvaal Avenue and check out Knox, Cross, Bay and Short streets for the latest fashions and designer trends.

Newtown

King Street, Newtown has been described as bohemian, alternative, and hippie chic. University culture has shaped its eclectic style, with a fusion of retro, recycled, New Age and independent designers, plus specialty stores, from rubber shops to button shops. Handcrafted jewellery and bags complete the fashion experience, and there is plenty of antique furniture and quirky collectables.

Markets

Sydney’s location on the coast means there are plenty of fresh-produce markets. The Sydney Fish Markets at Pyrmont are worth a visit for excellent fresh seafood.

• Photos
• Map

Courtesy of Tourism Australia

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Courtesy of Tourism Australia

Chinatown. Courtesy of Tourism Australia

Courtesy of Tourism Australia

Sydney Harbour. Courtesy of Tourism Australia

Sydney Opera House. Courtesy of Tourism Australia

Courtesy of Tourism Australia

St Kilda. Courtesy of Tourism Australia

Royal Botanic Gardens. Courtesy of Tourism Australia

Light Rail, Haymarket. Courtesy of Tourism Australia

Restaurant, East Circular Quay. Courtesy of Tourism Australia