Outside of Melbourne, Victoria doesn’t offer much in the way of shopping. However, the state certainly makes up for it in the capital city. From high-end fashion to local designers, Melbourne is the crème-de-la-crème of Australia’s fashion industry. Shopping hours in the capital city are usually seven days a week, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. However, some of the outer suburbs’ shopping centers remain open on Thursdays and Fridays until 9:00 p.m.
One of the best places to go shopping for fashion items in Melbourne is its CBD. There are plenty of malls to speak of, and a plethora of arcades and boutique streets to explore. The Bourke Street Mall will keep visitors entertained for hours. There are not only department stores and independent chain stores located along this pedestrian mall, but there are several side streets that lead to mesmerizing courtyards and historical shopping lanes. Little Collins Street and Collins Street boast some of the most expensive yet more reliable fashion designers from across the globe. Melbourne Central Mall, Brunswick Street in Fitzroy and Chapel Street in Prahran have a range of shopping opportunities for visitors too. The Victoria Markets are another popular shopping area within the center of town, along Elizabeth Street.
Heading further along Chapel Street, in the South Yarra region of Melbourne, tourists will reach more shopping stores, especially some locally made and Australian designed clothes and accessories. Cheaper clothing stores and factory outlets are located in Richmond’s Bridge Road area. Major shopping malls are also found in the suburban districts, including Knox City Shopping Mall, Doncaster Shoppingtown, and Chadstone.