Melbourne is without doubt Australia’s fashion capital. The options for shopping in Melbourne are endless from the high-end, luxury fashion labels at the Paris End of Collins Street to the thrift shops in your local suburb. The only limit is your imagination. Hop into your Kangaroo Rental car or people mover to bag a designer outfit or an unbelievable bargain.
Melbourne CBD Precinct
Melbourne Central
Here you will find 300 specialty shops bringing together both Australian and International retailers, including Gorman, Nike, Forever New and Calibre to name a few. You can shop, dine or take in a movie. If you are in the mood for pampering take time out to visit the Self Centred Medi Spa or take a beauty break at Sephora or Mecca Maxima.
Melbourne Central is an architectural gem. Listen to the hourly rendition of “Waltzing Matilda”, our very own iconic Australian anthem, each hour as the giant marionette Watch strikes the hour. Melbourne Central is designed around the historic Coops Shot Tower built-in 1889. It has been reimagined for today, with a stunning Glass Cone designed by the Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. This is now one of Melbourne’s most recognisable landmarks.
If you decide to bring the kids, there is a parents’ retreat that gives you the opportunity to chill out for a while. The kids can take advantage of the Little Book Exchange, which is free.
Melbourne Central has everything you need for a great day’s shopping, the space to meet friends for a meal or just a place where the unexpected might happen. Enjoy!
Bourke Street Mall
Bourke Street Mall is for pedestrians only, but do watch out for the occasional tram as it rattles through the centre. While in Melbourne you must make sure you visit this vibrant shopping mall. Find top brands at Zara, Myer, H&M and David Jones. Before you go take a few minutes to wander through the beautiful arcades to shop or just admire the Victorian architecture.
Melbourne Emporium
Here you will find some of our most popular and impressive international brands. Lacoste, Camila, Calvin Klein, H&M, Armani and more. You can experience shopping at its best here at Melbourne Emporium. Easy to find between Lonsdale Street and Little Bourke Street. This centre is one of Melbourne’s newest additions for an upmarket shopping experience. Style, elegance and personality who could ask for more?
Collins Street
Head to the Paris End of Collins Street to find the home of Australia’s luxury shopping. A beautiful tree-lined street, stunning heritage buildings, inspiring theatre and delicious dining all at your fingertips.
Gucci, has its own three-story recently refurbished shop. You might have to line up before being allowed to enter but it’s worth the wait to step into this shoppers’ paradise.
For Valentino, Saint Laurent and Tom Ford head to Harrolds. If making your own personal scent is something that you would love to do find your way to MetaScent. Make your own bespoke fragrance at this exclusive perfumery. You can also book into one of their weekly workshops to discover just what it takes to create a perfume.
Treat yourself to the indulgence of spending time in the Paris End of Collins Street.
Chadstone Shopping Precinct
A 30minute drive from the CBD you can find Chadstone Shopping Centre, known as the Fashion Capital. Chadstone is a super-regional complex and has something for everyone. This shopping centre claims to be the biggest in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere!
Chadstone is an awesome spot to shop. A wide range of shops caters for different tastes, shapes, sizes and budgets. The complex is well designed and easy to find your way around. There’s plenty of parking too.
From Designer labels, food courts and the movies you can do it all at Chadstone.
Chanel, Prada and Louis Vuitton sit comfortably with Myer, David Jones, Target and Kmart. For those wanting something more specialised there’s Aesop, Country Road and Seed.
For the more technologically-minded you have the option of Apple or JB HI-FI just to name a couple.
There’s even a LEGOLAND for the kids!
If you are after a satisfying day of retail therapy, head to Chadstone.
I forgot to mention that the parking is free. Now that’s a bonus!
Prahran Precinct
The Prahran Precinct is iconic in Melbourne known for its fashion, food and fun.
Take your time to visit Greville Street or you’ll never forgive yourself. This was once the centre of the Bohemian culture in Melbourne and still keeps this vibe to the present day. Greville Street shows you a quieter, laidback side to the Prahran shopping sector. You will discover the village feel and meet artists who share their creations at small, specialised boutiques, away from the hustle and bustle of Chapel Street. This could be your first visit to Greville Street, but it won’t be your last.
The Como Centre is a refined, elegant shopping experience. This destination is perfect to shop, dine, relax and unwind. Here you can explore a huge range of both local and international designer stores. The feeling here is very European and luxurious.
Markets
Queen Victoria Market has been operating since 1878 and is a true gem in the landscape of Melbourne. Known to most as the “Queen Vic” or the “Vic Market” it has been a vibrant and busy inner-city market for over 140years serving the people of Victoria and thousands of visitors to our city.
Here you can find just about everything you need from clothing, imported goods and souvenirs to gourmet delicacies to local produce. A great place to explore and be surprised.
There is a seasonal Night Market, which is open on a Wednesday night, this is seasonal so check the dates. It’s a fabulous place to bring your family and friends for delicious food and a huge variety of multicultural entertainment.
You can also book your Ultimate Foodie Tour to fully appreciate the best Queen Vic Market has to offer.
Factory Outlets – Sale! Sale! Sale!
DFO South Wharf has over 120 retail outlets and all at up to 70% off! You can find Australian and international brands all under one roof. There are the latest fashions for men, women and children, sportswear, footwear, travel goods, lingerie, homewares and more. Great places to stop and sit to sip a coffee before you venture to find more surprise buys. Take advantage and grab a bargain at DFO South Wharf.
Crown Casino Shopping Complex
If you love night shopping Crown Casino shopping is the place for you. In fact, it has some of the best shopping hours in Melbourne, usually stores trade until 9:00pm, but some are open until midnight.
The luxury labels are all here, Paspaley, Rolex, Prada, Bvlgari, Omega, Ferragamo and Salvatore. You can also find options such as Guess, Mimco, Peter Alexander, G-Star Witchery and Politix. Something for everyone.
There is also a range of branded Crown Casino merchandise that you might like to take home to your favourite casino fan.
Pran Central
Pran Central sits peacefully on Chapel Street. This stunning heritage-listed Edwardian beauty is home to two apartment towers and a multitude of shops to cater to your every need. Fashion, food, health and beauty and so much more. Take the trip and discover Pran Central for yourself.
If you are looking for a stylish place to eat while you are in Chapel Street try one of the many and diverse eateries. Always a treat!
Toorak Village Shopping Precinct
you can find the Toorak Village in the heart of Toorak. The people are friendly and shopping is a fabulous experience.
The Toorak Village is home to 270 shops and businesses and is known for its fashion boutiques, bright, light street cafes, upmarket fine dining and gorgeous beauty salons.
Parking at the Village is free. A beautiful, elegant and serene place to shop.
Bridge Road Richmond
Bridge Road Richmond is a vibrant, busy shopping strip where you will find hidden treasures and fabulous bargains.
Starting at the Punt Road end make your way down the street and explore the many retail outlets and grab yourself a bargain. Your walking shoes are a must for this shopping expedition.
Brunswick Street and Smith Street Brunswick
You will find these streets in the inner suburb of Fitzroy. Here you will find a mix of designer and retro clothes, galleries, bookshops, cafes and restaurants.
Brunswick Street has a character all its own. Beautiful public street art sets the scene for this eclectic community. You can pick up a bargain at one of the recycle or retro stores or fall in love with a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery. Enjoy the Pop Culture or browse through the many weird and wonderful bookshops.
A block away from Brunswick Street you will find Smith Street. This has a very interesting and diverse multicultural identity. Smith Street is very popular for the number of vegetarian and vegan options available. You can find fine dining, budget-friendly meals or take your pick from Asian, Greek, Moroccan, Mediterranean or other Middle Eastern restaurants just waiting for you.
For a completely different experience make your way down to Johnston Street and enjoy Melbourne’s Spanish Quarter. Tapas and flamenco bars are definitely on the menu here.
Pran Market
Pran Market is a top-notch market. You can find this delightful market in South Yarra on Commercial Road, just a short walk from Chapel Street. It’s a Foodie heaven!
The atmosphere is buzzing with food vendors selling their wares and offering samples along the way. No matter what takes your fancy, food-wise, you can find it at this market. Italian, Greek, Turkish, or Asian the list just goes on! Multicultural Australia, on show.
There is a huge range of fantastic fresh fruit and vegetables, mostly grown sustainably and organically, in Australia.
The outer edge of the market is ringed with eateries and when you step inside the rainbow colours of the fruit, flowers and vegetables combined with the symphony of people give you a sense of pure happiness.
South Melbourne Market
South Melbourne Market is a treasured inner city Melbourne landmark and has been since 1867. You will find this market in Coventry Street, South Melbourne. It has a village feel and welcomes you with its friendly vibe. The market has been recently renovated and it’s easy to find your way around.
The South Melbourne market is a place to shop, eat and take your time to wander around the stalls, You will be welcomed with a smile and meet the outgoing vendors who are genuinely happy to see you.
There is a wonderful mix of merchandise and services from clothing, homewares, delicious, super fresh local produce and a fabulous fish market. There’s even a hair salon!
If you love to shop and listen to music the South Melbourne market is for you. Live music is also a regular feature.
There’s plenty of parking. The market is open from Wednesday to Sunday until 4:00pm
The South Melbourne Market believes in Real Food for Real People. A happy place to spend a few hours, on your own or with family and friends. Who knows what you might find at the remarkable South Melbourne Market?
St Kilda Esplanade Market
St Kilda Esplanade Market is world-famous as a showcase for the high-quality work of local artists with a passion for art and craft.
A stroll along the St Kilda Esplanade gives you the chance to enjoy the idyllic seaside location while browsing the unique and individual works of art. Jewellery, organic skincare, handmade clothing and stunning artworks are all here for you to admire.
The market is open every Sunday from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Find the unexpected while you explore a true Melbourne icon. Take a stroll down Acland Street when you are done and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants.
DFO Essendon
DFO Essendon is only a short 20minute drive from Melbourne CBD and has more than 100 stores. There are bargains to be found here at up to 70% off. Leading brands, Polo Ralph Lauren, Converse (Authentic Factory Outlet), Oroton, Fossil, Country Road, G-Star and many more. You can find great items at surprisingly cheap prices from shoes to clothing for the whole family.
Spencer Street Outlet
Spencer Street Outlet is smaller than other DFO outlets and conveniently located next to the Southern Cross Station.
There are plenty of great retailers, including Peter Alexander, Converse, Kaiser Craft and The Book Grocer.
For ease and accessibility, Spencer Street Outlet is a winner.
Parking is complimentary so no headaches there. You can shop to your heart’s content. There are cute cafes where you can sit and relax for a coffee break. Maybe you could sample one of your delicious chocolate treats from the Lindt Shop to help you through your day too.
Brand Smart Designer Outlet Mall
Brand Smart Designer Outlet Mall is in Nunawading about a 20minute drive east of Melbourne. You can find designer brands and exclusive items, all at extremely lovable prices. Discounts range from 25% to 70% depending on the store. Tirelle, Florsheim Shoes, Sheridan Manchester and Simone Perele give you access to their much sort after luxury goods along with many more stores to explore.
There is plenty of parking and it’s free. A couple of cafes for your much-needed shopping break and you can even have a massage after a great day’s shopping.
Brand Smart Designer Outlet is open daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
Melbourne is definitely the fashion and shopping capital of Australia.
Take your Kangaroo Rental car or people mover to discover all the places you need to go. From exclusive high-end fashion boutiques to retro and vintage treasures to everyday fashion stores to thrift shops. The possibilities are endless. Melbourne shopping? Got to love it!