Central
Business District
Bound by Flinders, Spring, Latrobe and Queen
Streets. Your shopping spree starts in Bourke Street Mall. Try one
of the spectacular shopping centres of Melbourne Central, home to
Daimaru and the Historic Shot Tower, or visit Australia on Collins
and Collins 234 for some younger designer labels. Don’t miss the
Paris end of Collins Street with Collins Place for sheer
indulgence.
Bourke Street Mall
The Bourke Street Mall is located between Swanston
Walk and Elizabeth Street and is a popular spot for artists and
buskers. With its selection of specialty fashion and gift shops,
and major department stores like Myer and David Jones, the mall is
equally popular with shoppers.
Melbourne Central
300 Lonsdale St
 Australia’s largest retail complex has over
170 specialty shops and more are on thir way in. Daimaru, the country’s first international
department store, closed their business in early 2003. The area is
therefore being revamped to host even more speciality shops.
Other attractions include a 100 year
old shot tower encased in glass (see photo), and the world’s biggest fob
watch that strikes upon the hour to reveal native Australian birds
and animals.
Collins Street
The ‘Paris End’ of Collins Street, east of
Swanston Walk, is so named because of its exclusive fashion
boutiques. International labels such as Versace, Louis Vuitton and
Ferragamo are featured, along with Australian designs by Coogi.
Australia On Collins
260-270 Collins Street
An endless selection of unique gift and homeware
ideas are available, along with a range of fashion boutiques, such
as Country Road and Moschino.
234 Collins Street Centre
With clothing stores that feature such labels
as Mollini, Esprit and Kookai, 234 Collins is regarded as the
centre of young Australian and international fashion. The
spectacular interior design, marble floors and etched panel works
add further distinction to this innovative complex.
Southgate
Situated on the banks of the Yarra River opposite
Flinders Street Station, Southgate is in the heart of
Melbourne’s arts precinct. With its innovative art, fashion and
homeware stores, and a variety of cafes, bars and restaurants, the
complex is ideal for serious shopping or a casual browse.
Arcades
Melbourne has many arcades and hidden laneways
which offer a unique shopping experience. While some are filled
with Victorian charm and elegantly appointed shops, others are
more contemporary with inventive gift ideas and fashions.
The Block Arcade
282 Collins Street
An intricate mosaic floor leads shoppers through
traditional tearooms, antique jewellery and designer fashion
stores. This arcade was recently classified by the National Trust.
Royal Arcade
308 Little Collins Street
Australia’s oldest retail arcade offers fine
fashion, giftware and jewellery.
http://www.royalarcade.com.au/
Howey Place
Young independent fashion designs are a feature
of this arcade conveniently located behind the 234 Collins Street
Centre.
Village
Shopping
Vibrant shopping strips or ‘villages’ in
Melbourne offer a unique shopping experience outside of the
central business district.
Toorak Road, South Yarra
Exclusive clothing and footwear boutiques make this
area a must for the fashion conscious shopper. Established
designer labels, and a range of stylish cafes and restaurants may
be found in the area between Punt and Grange Roads.
Take tram #8 from Swanston Walk.
Chapel Street, South Yarra
Chapel Street has been labelled as the fashion
strip of Australia and between Dandenong Road and Toorak Road is
where the most fashionable shops and shoppers may be found. From
clothing and music, to cafes, bars and restaurants, Chapel Street
is a vibrant, youthful and exciting place to shop.
From Swanston Walk, take tram #8 or #72, or a train to South Yarra
Station on the Dandenong or Sandringham lines.
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Bridge
Road and Swan Street, Richmond
This is where to find the best of Melbourne’s
designer factory outlets and seconds shops where garments are sold
at bargain prices. Many of these stores feature the work of young,
independent Australian designers.
For Bridge Rd, take the #75 or the #48 tram from Flinders St, for
Swan St, take the #70 tram in Batman Avenue.
Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
An alternative street of designer clothes, bohemian
boutiques and cafes and bars.
From Collins Street take tram #11 to stop 15.
Sydney Road Brunswick
Sydney Road is the best place in Melbourne to mix
with people and lifestyles from all over the world. Going for a
walk along Sydney Road Brunswick is a little like a treasure hunt.
There are all sorts of terrific surprises to be found.
http://www.sydneyroad.com.au/
Lygon Street, Carlton
The home of mozzarella, caffe latte, pasta and all
things Italian, includes gorgeous designer clothes, shoes and
stylish gifts.
From Swanston Walk take any ‘University’ tram to the end of
the line and walk 200 metres or take tram#1 or 22 direct to Lygon
Street.
Melbourne
Markets
The best of Melbourne culture may be experienced by
a visit to some of the many markets that the city has to offer.
Queen Victoria Market
Cnr Victoria and Elizabeth Streets
Everything from fruit and vegetables, fresh
produce and delicatessen goods to clothing, plants and pets are
sold at this market which covers seven hectares (around 1000
traders) and is renowned as a gourmet paradise with its vibrant
and friendly atmosphere. Its origins date back to 1857 and many of
its buildings have been classified by the National Trust. The
Magical History Tour of the market explores 125 years of history
and allows participants to meet stallholders.
Telephone: (03) 9320 5822
Market Days: Tue & Thurs 6am-2pm, Fri 6am-6pm,Sat 6am-3pm, Sun
9am-4pm. From Elizabeth Street take any tram.
http://www.qvm.com.au/
St Kilda Esplanade Art &
Craft Market
Upper Esplanade, St Kilda
Unique handcrafted gifts are made and sold by stall
holders along this beachfront esplanade. There are over 200 stalls
of quality art and craft items at a range of prices.
Open every Sunday 10am-5pm.
From Swanston Street take #15 or #16, from Bourke Street #96.
The Sunday Market Victorian
Arts Centre
100 St Kilda Road
Ideally located in the heart of Melbourne’s arts
and culture precinct, this market features local artists and
craftsmen who sell their own work.
Open every Sunday 10am–4pm.
Walk from Flinders Street Station across Princes Bridge.
Prahran Market
163–185 Commercial Road, South Yarra
With its fresh produce and wide range of
delicatessen goods, this lively market is frequented by locals and
visitors alike and is just a short walk from fashionable Chapel
Street. New Deli section.
Open Tuesday and Thursday 10am–5pm,
Friday 6am-6pm, Saturday 6am–1pm.
Take tram #8 or #72 to Chapel Street, or a train to South Yarra
Station.
Shopping
Tours:
Shopping Spree Tours
Fully escorted tours of Melbourne factories and
warehouses including a 2 course restaurant lunch and sightseeing
opportunities. Operates everyday except Sunday and public
holidays. Departs 9am and returns at approximately 4.30pm. Central
city hotel pickups.
Telephone: (03) 9596 6600
http://www.shoppingspree.com.au/
Melbourne Ambassadors
Specialist Shopping Tour
Various retail and fashion areas are explored in
this fully guided tour, including the Como Gaslight Gardens in
South Yarra, Bridge Road, Richmond and Chadstone Shopping Centre.
Melbourne Central and Daimaru can also be included in the
itinerary and lunch is included in the cost. The tour runs
from9.30am–4.30pm with departures arranged by appointment.
Telephone: (03) 9639 4044
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