Shopping, Melbourne Style

Melbourne is one of the great shopping cities, famous for its flourishing design scene, friendly service and the quality, range and diversity of fashion and merchandise on offer in quirky, opulent and intriguing locations.

High End Retail

The 'Paris end' of Collins Street is a roll call of glittering luxury brands and includes the retail arcades at The Grand Hyatt and The Westin.

Located on the Yarra River, the Crown Entertainment Complex specialises in high-end temptations, such as luxury lingerie, perfume and international fashion labels.

Step inside to see the refurbished Louis Vuitton store, which includes the first private salon in Melbourne. Next door, Southgate offers home wares, gourmet food supplies, Australian art and craft, unusual souvenirs and the opportunity to take a break at a café or restaurant with pleasant water views. Across town, Albert Coates Lane and Red Lane at QV are premium fashion addresses.

Fashion Thoroughfares

Put your navigational skills to the test and discover Melbourne's hidden retail gems in the lanes and arcades of the CBD. Flinders Lane is a design and fashion nexus, extending from designer showrooms and galleries at the top of the city to the laneway boutiques and subterranean arcades in the heart of the CBD. Purveyors of fine fashion, menswear and glamorous accessories line the gentle slope down Little Collins Street to Howey Place and it's worth the walk to Crossley Street for handmade shirts, contemporary jewellery and vintage couture.

The Campbell Arcade located in Degraves Street subway is home to young emerging clothing designers and artisans. Be sure to take a look at the exhibitions at Platform art space, which run throughout the year. Pop into Presgrave Place for a new outfit, or find a great pair of shoes on Degraves Street. Nearby, Centre Place specialises in fashionable trinkets and hole-in-the-wall cafés and eateries.

Hidden Treasures

Wander historic arcades and discover boutiques, specialist stores, local designers and admire the architecture of these popular thoroughfares. Cathedral Arcade, on the ground floor of Nicholas Building, is home to Australian fashion at Alice Euphemia. The other ten storeys of the building are home to artists' studios and specialist outlets.

Take the time to look at the decorative 19th century interiors of Block Arcade, home to the sweet treats at Haigh's Chocolates and the famous Hopetoun tearooms. Watch chocolatiers and confectioners at work as you browse the specialty shops in nearby Royal Arcade.

Glittering Emporiums

Melbourne has added gloss to the convenience of city shopping centres. Melbourne Central combines well known retail brands with entertainment and eating outlets. QV is a popular indoor/outdoor development on an historic site. Melbourne's GPO is three levels of boutiques stocking Australian and international designer labels.

The first department store in Melbourne, David Jones Bourke Street store, has recently undergone a comprehensive refurbishment and emerged a world-class department store in the retail heart of the city.

Myer has recently completed their Melbourne City redevelopment, delivering close to 35,000 square metres of state-of-the-art shopping across nine levels. The Myer Melbourne flagship retains the building's iconic details, including the expansive Bourke Street windows and the stunning Mural Hall (available for events and group bookings) while adding contemporary design and accessibility.

South east of the city centre is Chadstone Shopping Centre - 'The Fashion Capital'. The largest shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere, Chadstone is home to over 530 stores and its own avenue of 12 luxury brands, including Chanel, Jimmy Choo and Prada.

Bargain Shopping

Looking for a bargain does not have to mean a compromise on quality. Direct Factory Outlets (DFO) at South Wharf offers big savings on over 100 Australian and international brands. Call in next door to check out the lifestyle brands available at Homemaker Hub South Wharf. Harbour Town at Waterfront City features two levels of unique laneway shopping with over 120 outlets and 70 specialty stores, as well as food, entertainment and leisure outlets.

Market Culture

Melbourne has a strong market tradition, with one open for business every day of the week. Peruse the souvenirs, fresh produce and exotic fare of the famous and historic Queen Victoria Market, or soak up the atmosphere at a local weekend artist or farmers' market that occupy parks, heritage buildings or local streets. Try the Esplanade Market at St Kilda on Sundays or the Arts Centre market for locally made goods.