Shopping, Melbourne Style

Melbourne is known as a well-dressed city, where shopping has been elevated to a new art form. Explore dazzling boutiques, street markets, department stores and malls.

High End Retail

A stroll down the tree-lined boulevard of Collins Street, through the retail arcades at hotels Grand Hyatt and The Westin, or into Southgate and Crown Entertainment Complex should satisfy those seeking splendour in international couture and labels. Across town, Albert Coates Lane and Red Lane at QV are premium fashion addresses.

Historic Arcades and Laneways

Wander inner city lanes and historic arcades and discover boutiques and specialist stores, local designers and historic tearooms, and admire the architecture of these historic thoroughfares.

Shopping Emporiums

Department stores and all-in-one shopping precincts offer variety and convenience. Melbourne Central boasts more than 300 stores, including the classic designs of independent Australian outfit Leonard Street. QV is home to an eclectic mix of fashion and lifestyle stores, and the historic GPO building features three levels of boutique stores selling Australian and international designer labels, including Karen Walker, Sass and Bide and Alpha.

Direct Factory Outlets (DFO) at South Wharf offers bargain lovers big savings at some 120 outlets. Harbour Town at Waterfront City features two levels of unique laneway shopping with over 90 discount outlet stores, as well as specialty fashion, food, entertainment and leisure outlets.

South-east of the city centre discover Chadstone Shopping Centre, which has recently opened its own glossy avenue of global brands including Chanel, Jimmy Choo, and Prada. The centre houses 530 shops, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Local Makers

If you want to buy something unique, head to one of Melbourne's specialist design stores for inspiration. Counter at Craft Victoria showcases the best of local contemporary craft and design by local artisans, and you can also ask for corporate gift ideas. Rankin Lane is home to Comeback Kid, stockists of street wear labels, jewellery and accessories for men. Local label Lenko recently moved into the Nicholas Building. Call in for clothing for women and men and children's toys with an innocent, yet cheeky twist.

Market Magic

Melbourne hosts a market every day of the week, from the famous historic Queen Victoria Market to small street markets that sell local produce. Try the Esplanade Market at St Kilda on Sundays or the Arts Centre market for locally-made goods.

Beyond the City Grid - North of the Yarra

Discover the boutiques, music and bookstores and cafés of Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. Nearby, Johnston Street specialises in handmade furniture, and Gertrude Street is dedicated to contemporary design and great eating. Pick up this season's essentials at factory outlets along Swan Street and Bridge Road, Richmond.

Boutiques, coffee spots and bookshops line Lygon Street, Carlton, and Sydney Road, Brunswick, a constantly changing feast of fashion, great pubs, cafés and Middle Eastern fare.

Southside

Chapel Street, Prahran is a strip dedicated to fashion, bars and alfresco cafés. Around the corner in Greville Street art, ideas and fashion reign supreme. Head south to St Kilda for a stroll along Acland and Barkly streets and find vintage threads, great sounds, eclectic gifts and street wear.