The best fashion and gift stores - Australia in 2024

Practical information : Treat yourself (& others) Australia

Timetable

In Australia, shopping centers and major retailers are generally open on Saturdays and Sundays. Outside major shopping centers, however, some stores are closed on Sundays. In the larger cities, stores generally open from 9-10am to 7-8pm, Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, stores close a little earlier (around 6pm).

Budget & Tips

If you'd like to buy handicrafts, head for the craft markets found in most towns and cities. You'll be able to pick up locally-made souvenirs such as carved wooden objects, pottery and jewelry. This way, you can avoid manufactured goods and focus on short supply chains, all to the benefit of the local economy. It's possible to haggle, depending on the seller you're dealing with. If you're looking to buy a work of Aboriginal art, there are a number of things you should check before you buy: the authentic and ethical provenance of the work, the date it was created, its history (previous sellers or owners), its condition, its format, the status of the artist and the structure of the sale price (artist's, art center's and seller's share). You can also find out more about the artist's status: any exhibitions in art collections, museums or official institutions, as well as artistic prizes and awards (the annual National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award is the most prestigious prize).

What's very local

It's impossible to make an exhaustive list of souvenirs and other trinkets to bring back from your trip to Australia. From leather boots to Akubra hats, boomerangs and didjeridoos, there are plenty of inspirations to choose from, and you're bound to come across some surprising items: bottle openers made from kangaroo testicles, day cream made from sheep placenta or pants made from crocodile skin, you'll be able to opt for original gifts that are very representative of Australia. From Aboriginal handicrafts to local wines and gemstones, you'll be spoilt for choice. If, however, you'd like to bring back something unique from your trip, opt for an Aboriginal painting, an ancestral art form that has become fashionable again in recent decades. Stores are legion, and you'll probably need a few tips to avoid buying at too high a price.

The best fashion and gift stores Australia

ROBINA TOWN CENTER

CARRARA MARKETS

PACIFIC FAIR

HARBOUR TOWN

BEACHFRONT MARKETS

KIRRA SURF SHOP

BILLABONG

ANGUS AND ROBERTSON BOOKSHOP

QUIKSILVER

THE NATIONAL OPAL COLLECTION

MYER

OLD BUS DEPOT MARKETS

OPAL FIELDS SHOP

PADDY PALLIN

RIP CURL

NRM WILLIAMS

THE STRAND

WOOLYS WHEELS

WESTFIELD

THE SHEEPSKIN SHOP

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Practical information : Treat yourself (& others) Australia

Timetable

Budget & Tips

What's very local