Sydney shopping & markets

Three women shopping in the Rocks in Sydney

Head to the Rocks for shopping and art galleries. Photo: Tourism Australia

Sydney is the ideal place for retail therapy with an endless selection of boutiques, markets, malls, department stores, shopping centres and factory outlets. It's not a case of how much you can shop, it's all about when do-you-stop!     
 

Where to 'shop 'till you drop'

a couple shopping at Queen Victoria Building in the city
Queen Victoria Building has four floors of shopping. Photo: Tourism Australia 
 

  • Lose yourself in the Queen Victoria Building (QVB), which is on George street. There’s four levels of shops, walkways and arcades linking you to the Pitt Street Mall, the Strand Arcade, Mid City Centre, Sydney Central Plaza, Myer and David Jones. If you're looking for high street fashion, you've just hit the jackpot at all of these locations. 
    TIP: If you want something uniquely Australian, buy a Camilla. David Jones has a stunning selection of Camilla's.

  • In the middle of the city is Westfield Sydney shopping centre. Here you’ll find a broad selection of cutting-edge designs and local brand fashions. There's also plenty of gourmet eateries and cafes so you can refuel between shopping. I recommend dropping by the David Jones Glorious Food Hall which really is a glorious place to be. 

  • If you're after high fashion, head to Castlereagh and Elizabeth Streets for international designers including Chanel, Versace, Gucci, Armani, Jimmy Choo and Tiffany’s.
     

friends doing some retail therapy in Sydney
Do some retail therapy in Sydney. Photo: Tourism Australia
 
  • On the edge of the CBD is Oxford Street in Paddington, where you'll find edgy and innovative Australian designers. The main shopping area is known as 'The Intersection' in Paddington, which runs from Glenmore Road to Oxford Street. The Intersection is one of the world’s most desirable shopping strips and is home to top Australian fashion brands, homegrown talent and emerging fashion labels. Just a few designers include Zimmermann , Scanlan Theodore, Camilla, Bassike, Ginger and Smart, Jac + Jack. Don’t be surprised if you run into a few celebrities….this shopping strip is loved by everyone.

  • If you love quirky, vintage or eclectic, head to King Street in Newtown. Newtown is on the edge of the CBD, and the locals pride themselves on being weird, wonderful and inclusive. If you're a conscious shopper, be sure to visit SWOP, ​a funky clothing exchange filled with affordable, sustainable and unique pieces to complete your wardrobe.

  • Double Bay and Woollahra (in the Eastern Suburbs) are known for beautiful and rare antiques and high-end designers. Mosman (North of the Harbour) has plenty of gorgeous boutiques.

  • Bargain hunters will love Birkenhead Point at Drummoyne, and DFO factory outlet at Homebush which have everything from clothes, shoes, homewares and nik naks. If you don’t want to go it alone, book a factory outlet shopping tour. Pack your patience and sense of humour as you hunt around for designer bargains with your fellow shopping enthusiasts.
     
  • NOTE: Serious shoppers will love browsing and buying in Sydney CBD but to be honest, the suburbs also have major shopping centres ready and waiting for you.


Sydney's art & designer markets

friends browsing for fashion, shoes, jewellery, and homewares at the markets
Head to the markets and find fashion, shoes, jewellery, and homewares. Photo: Tourism Australia

 

  • Sydneysiders love their markets. Whether you're interested in food and farmers markets, art and crafts, upcoming designers selling their wares, and bric-a-brac, you‘ll probably find it hiding at one of the many markets. Just some of the markets to choose from include:

  • The Rocks Markets are on every weekend and are filled with local arts and crafts, antiques and spirited street performers and great food stalls. 

  • Paddy's Markets and market city is Chinatown's flea market. There's more than 1000 stalls selling anything from fruit, vegetables, souvenirs, t-shirts, clothing, CDs, homewares, sunglasses and crafts.

  • Glebe Markets has everything from original design clothing, bric-a-brac, books, arts, crafts, jewellery, fantastic food stalls plus outdoor entertainment so you can combine shopping, music and food.

  • Snap up some up-and-coming designer jewellery, fashion or homewares at the very trendy Paddington Markets. You'll find more than 250 stalls selling fashion, jewellery, paintings, pottery, hats and massages.

  • Bondi Sunday Markets are very Bondi because they sell distinctive designer products that is unique to the local lifestyle.


Sydney farmers markets

Shop at Eveleigh Markets in Redfern for delicious farm-fresh produce
Visit Eveleigh Markets in Redfern for delicious farm-fresh produce. Photo: Tourism Australia
 

If you're a "foodie" you'll love the many markets around Sydney where you can get the best organic produce, just-picked fruit and vegetables, freshly made cheeses, home-made cakes and pies, and much more. Just some of the food markets include:

  • Eveleigh Farmers' Market have more than 70 farmers and artisans selling their fresh and seasonal produce direct to you.

  • The Sydney Fish Markets has a large variety of freshly caught seafood. Take it home or have one of the restaurants cook it for you.

  • Sydney Growers Market near Darling Harbour are on the first Saturday of each month and sell fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, freshly roasted coffee and cakes and pastries.

One of the market stallholders getting more produce for the stall.

Be greeted by smiles from the market stallholders. Photo: Tourism Australia

Choose your inspiration

Stop dreaming & start planning your next getaway. Here's a few ideas to get you started.