Shopping, Melbourne Style

Melbourne is famous for its creative local designers, distinctive shopping precincts and the range of fashion and merchandise on offer. A short walk or tram ride from the CBD, Melbourne's idiosyncratic city fringe precincts offer their own retail flavour and style.

Top End Shopping

For boutiques housing international labels, head to the 'Paris end' of Collins Street, between Swanston and Spring streets. For luxury goods and fashion, check out the retail arcades at hotels; Grand Hyatt and the Westin as well as the Crown Entertainment Complex. At QV's Albert Coates Lane, shop for Australian and international designs.

Hidden Laneways and Arcades

Some of the best and brightest of Melbourne retail can be found in the inner city lanes and historic arcades. Explore boutiques and specialist stores, have coffee or take tea, meet the makers, and admire the architecture of these historic thoroughfares.

Shopping Emporiums

Melbourne Central boasts more than 300 stores, QV is home to an eclectic mix of fashion and lifestyle stores, and the historic GPO building features three levels of boutiques offering Australian and international designer labels.

Direct Factory Outlet (DFO) offers lovers of bargains big brands and big savings at some 120 outlets. Harbour Town at Waterfront City features more than 200 shops and outlets, a food and entertainment precinct, a tourist information lounge and plenty of parking.

South-east of the city centre discover Chadstone Shopping Centre with more than 400 stores and the convenience of some 9,000 free car parking spaces.

Market Magic

Every day of the week a market is in full swing, from the famous historic Queen Victoria Market to community street markets. Try the Rose Street Market in Fitzroy for work by local designers, the Collingwood Children's Farm market for organic produce, the Slow Food Melbourne Farmers' Market at the Abbotsford Convent, and The Esplanade Market at St Kilda or the Arts Centre market for locally-made goods.

Beyond the City Grid

Discover locally-roasted coffee, well-stocked bookshops and quirky boutiques along Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. Gertrude Street is home to specialist shops, florists and vintage and cutting-edge fashion. Explore Richmond's renowned fashion and designer showrooms. Pick up this season's essentials at factory outlets along Swan Street and Bridge Road and on Smith Street in Collingwood.

Famous Italian cafés mingle with cinemas and bookshops along Lygon Street, Carlton. Sydney Road, Brunswick, is a constantly-changing feast of local and imported fashion, great pubs and Middle Eastern fare.

Chapel Street is a long stretch of clubs, cafés, fashion and footwear shops, and a place to see or be seen. Nearby, Greville Street offers up local designers, good coffee and great bookshops.

Head south to St Kilda for a relaxing stroll along Acland and Barkly streets and find vintage threads, great sounds, eclectic gifts and street wear.