Melbourne Shopping

You won’t get much argument from Australians about Melbourne’s status as the fashion capital. The gliterazzi set in Sydney may lay claim to fashion success stories like Collette Dinnigan and Akira Isogawa, but the southern city of style gave birth to fashion icons beyond the catwalk like the colourful resin jewellery of Dinosaur Designs, swish retro-style handbags from Olga Berg and the delicate handmade paper of Il Papiro.

So, don’t leave Melbourne without your share of memorable buys. There are goodies galore to explore – sprinkled across the intimate laneways and under the bright lights of the city department store.
Melbourne is just bursting with local talent and cosmopolitan chic – from designer garb and unique trinkets to funky homeware and vintage music. We show you where to get your retail therapy in Melbourne, in a city that lets your credit card dance some serious chi-ching.

Shopping hot spots in Melbourne's CBD

Melbourne Central
With 300 stores to explore – including swish retailers like local men’s label Calibre and organic beauty brand Jurlique – Melbourne Central guarantees you an entire day’s worth of shopping pleasure. Located in the CBD on the corner of LaTrobe and Swanston Streets, the giant retail precinct was recently renovated to create more ambience and entertainment options for both city dwellers and tourists. Those who appreciate architecture may enjoy visiting the Melbourne Central Shot Tower Museum, which describes the historic Shot Tower enclosed in a transparent cone, which was retained by Melbourne Central in its design plans. For those travelling by train, take the city loop and alight at Melbourne Central, then window shop your way across several shopping levels, including the pampering precinct of Menzies Place.

GPO
What could you possibly do with an old city post office? Create a seriously sophisticated fashion hub, of course. Situated right next door to department store Myer on the corner of Bourke and Elizabeth Street, is the lavishly renovated GPO – home to some of the city’s finest fashion labels. Built in 1864 during the opulent days of Victoria’s gold boom, the stylish character remains in this dandy shopping complex, resplendent in gleaming white. Acquaint yourself with Lisa Ho, Zimmermann, Mimco, Rodd & Gunn, Wayne Cooper, Metalicus, Georg Jensen and Akira. Stop for a latte at Federal Coffee Place, sushi at Kenzan and a glass of bubbly at Juliet’s Champagne Bar.

QV
QV in Melbourne’s CBD carves a path of European splendour across its charming laneways and impressive piazza. The gritty, urban precinct, filled with designer labels and hip eateries, is one of Melbourne’s most exciting meeting points. Along the open-air fashion strip of Albert Coates Lane you’ll experience the glamorous fashion of Christensen Copenhagen, Paablo Nevada and Wayne Cooper. Find high-octane street, sport and surf labels across the urban energy of Red Cape Lane. And for beer with a difference, the Three Degrees bar brewery in QV Square beckons with a glass-encased microbrewery and 10 beers on tap. For the final indulgence, try Max Brenner Chocolate by the Bald Man – where you’ll discover the sweet bliss of chocolate made from the finest Venezuelan cocoa beans.

Little Collins Street
Don’t be caught dead in your gym gear down Little Collins Street. It’s the one shopping strip in Melbourne you’ll need to look smart for. After all, you’re competing with fashion favourites like Alannah Hill, Kenzo, Sarti, Declic, Leona Edmiston and AG. Those with a shoe fetish will love the collections at Zomp, Giallo and Dolci Firme. For after dark antics, choose from the sassy lingerie at Smitten Kitten and Sabi. Little Collins Street is also home to Canturi, jeweller to the stars, who designed the 134-carat diamond neckpiece worn by Nicole Kidman in the film Moulin Rouge.