Melbourne is a major shopping destination for New Zealanders; the 3.5 hour flight from Auckland makes the city an easy weekend break. While the city offers loads of cultural activities and also great day trips to the surrounding areas, it’s the shopping that draws many to the city. So if it’s your first time visiting the city then this is where to shop in Melbourne!
Best Melbourne Shopping Centres
Chadstone Shopping Centre
Chadstone is a huge shopping centre on the outskirts of the city centre but don’t fret…they offer a free shuttle bus from the city centre making it easily accessible if you don’t fancy hiring a rental car. The shopping centre offers stores for every taste bud and wallet…it’s light and bright!
Address: 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone VIC 3148, Australia
Melbourne Central is a great shopping centre in the CBD so if your accommodation is located within the city then this is where to shop in Melbourne when you first arrive as you have most brands under one roof with heavenly air conditioning…there is a vast array of eating options available as well.
Address: La Trobe St & Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Shopping in the Melbourne Factory Outlets
If you’re into Outlet Shopping then the DFO shopping malls offer fabulous discount shopping; great if you’re on a tight budget, these outlet shops are the perfect place for shopping in Melbourne. Not all the big brands are within these malls so it can be a bit hit and miss if you’re looking for a particular item or brand.
There are 6 DFO sites around Australia including 3 in Melbourne –
- DFO South Wharf – Address: 20 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
- DFO Essendon – Address: 100 Bulla Road, Essendon Fields VIC 3041
- DFO Moorabbin – Address: 250 Centre Dandenong Road, Moorabbin Airport VIC 3194
Lisa is a huge Alannah Hill fan and guess what, the Clear It Online Outlet Store stocks Alannah Hill and they have bargains galore. I won’t tell you how much someone spent inside this shop!
Address: 188-192 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Best Shopping Streets in Melbourne
Brunswick Street in Fitzroy has amazing shopping options including some of the best vintage shops in Melbourne…I tried on a few tops and almost bought a vintage handbag but I restrained myself!
The area is very funky and if you’re looking for sustainable brands then this is the shopping street for you…there is also one of the best vegan restaurants if you get a bit peckish.
^^ HunterGatherer was my favourite vintage shop in Melbourne!
Address: Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Lygon Street located in the Italian area of Melbourne was a spot that I enjoyed strolling around as it wasn’t so busy with tourists…it’s a lot more relaxed with great dining options that all looked rather tasty.
Address: Lygon St, Melbourne VIC, Australia
The Best Things to Buy in Melbourne Australia
Australia is famous for UGGs…now UGG are a style of sheepskin slipper / boot that is famous around the world. Now this is where it can be a bit confusing…UGG isn’t a brand but a style…there are a number of suppliers of UGGs; I’m used to the American branded version of UGG but if you want to buy local then check to make sure it has a “Made in Australia” label.
There are numerous stalls selling UGG style slippers / boots throughout the city…trust me, you will trip over about 500 stores when shopping in Melbourne.
Wool clothing…I like to buy quality over quantity and I did pick up a rather dashing bright blue merino wool jumper which was on sale as it was the previous seasons colour. Merino wool is a great staple item if you’re building a long lasting capsule wardrobe.
The Best Clothes Shops in Melbourne (well my favourites anyway!)
Witchery and Country Road are my two go to brands in New Zealand due to their classic styles and good quality use of fabrics….they’re also available in Australia. I had to buy a black work blazer for interviews (some twat didn’t bring back their workwear) and it worked out to be $100 cheaper with the tax rebate and Country Road cash backs vs New Zealand.
SABA is a brand that I’d never heard of it until shopping in Melbourne and while I didn’t buy anything from the store; the classic styles and simple colours were just stunning.
Lisa adores Alannah Hill…it’s a very girly blingy brand and extremely fun!
Claiming Tax Back on Your Purchases
You can claim your tax back (approximately 10%) on purchases of over $300 in one store on any one day…just make sure you have the purchases in your hand luggage as you need to produce them at the airport after you clear security.
If you purchase any items over $1000 then make sure the invoice has your name and address printed onto the receipt by the store…failure to do this means you won’t be able to reclaim the tax on your purchase.
Remember, Remember
Wear comfortable walking shoes otherwise you’ll end up with sore tootsies!
Where are your best places to shop in Melbourne? Looking at flying to Australia for a holiday…read all my Australia posts here.
xx
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