Australia's Gold Coast continues to evolve as a haven for retail enthusiasts with a vast array of shopping options headlined by signature fashion boutiques and larger iconic department store brands.
Australia's Gold Coast continues to evolve as a haven for retail enthusiasts with a vast array of shopping options headlined by signature fashion boutiques and larger iconic department store brands. Retail opportunities have skyrocketed thanks to a host of recent investment, a trend that will continue throughout the region as major projects near completion.
With some of Australia's largest retail centres and most stylish fashion precincts, even grocery shopping on the Gold Coast is an amazing prospect. Browse the generous complexes, take a shopping tour, peruse the boutiques, wander through the piazzas and pay particular attention to the factory outlet precincts. This grand assortment of Gold Coast retail experiences will surely satisfy every taste in fashion.
Among the host of opportunities available to willing travellers are several key shopping precincts, all within easy reach of accommodation, that are an essential feature of the Gold Coast retail trail.
Surfers Paradise is one of Australia's leading retail precincts with shopping until 9pm every night and hundreds of boutique, department or domestic stores to choose from. Tree-lined boulevards shade international nameslike Cartier, Prada, Gucci, Louis Vitton, Fendi, Bally Hermes, Paris and Salvatore Ferragamo. The awnings along the avenues are interspersed with fabulous local fashion and jewellery stores.
Centro Surfers Paradise is the spot to shop, dine. The three level centre has a unique retail offering and alfresco dining precinct, plus one of Australia's largest entertainment areas, incorporating Timezone, Surfers Paradise Ten Pin Bowl, Australian Shooting Academy and Old Time Photos all on the one level.
Broadbeach is at the forefront of Gold Coast style and has developed as one of the city's most cosmopolitan districts. This freshness is reflected in the vibrant shopping and dining precinct that continues to grow amid some of the Gold Coast's most impressive accommodation. The area is just metres from the beach plus all new Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre and is highlighted by the impressive Pacific Fair Shopping Centre which is connected by monorail to Jupiter's Casino and Hotel.
Pacific Fair is one of the Gold Coast's premier shopping destination, with over 270 stores, a 12 screen cinema and the Gold Coast largest Myer department store. Featured among its host of retail options are 130 fashion and accessory stores, personal stylist service, children's play park, child-minding facilities, shop mobility services, plus specialty stores including: Billabong, Rip Curl, Esprit, City Beach, Seafolly, Oroton, Peter Alexander, Swarovski, Crabtree & Evelyn, Florsheim, Events and Country Road.
Main Beach has long been a distinguished favourite for locals and visitors to the Gold Coast. Tedder Avenue is famous for its one-off, ultra trendy local boutiques and classy restaurants. Also in the Main Beach neighbourhood is the stylish Marina Mirage which features international and top Australian designer label clothing, complemented by a string of award-winning restaurants all overlooking the beautiful Broadwater.
The all new Level One, Marina Mirage is "the" address for eclectic collections ranging from innovative cutting edge design, classic iconic styles and the very latest in one off couture. Fashion luminaries Hermes, Lisa Ho, Charlie Brown and Janine Edwards have forged a formidable reputation for Level One and are now joined by Australian designers Tim O'Connor and sister duo Zimmermann, international designer Gail Elliott with her sassy Little Joe label, accessories leader Mimco, luxury fashion stockist Christensen Copenhagen and the ever popular Max & Co. George Gross and Harry Who, another Marina Mirage favourite, has revealed a stunning new store while a revamp for iconic Carla Zampatti and DeLisle Children's Imports have also added to the attraction of Level One.
The lauded new look for Emporio Guardi has also been revealed while other recent Level One additions include Jigsaw, Via La Moda and Harry's Imports. The addition of parking on level one makes access easy. Just a quick dart up the ramp off Seaworld Drive and you will be discovering for yourself, shopping on Level One Marina Mirage really is in a class of it's own.
Robina Town Centre is fun for the whole family with a diverse range of shopping, entertainment and dining experiences to choose from. Having recently undergone a $300 million overhaul - making it the largest shopping centre in Queensland - Robina Town Centre is home to the Gold Coast's only David Jones department store as well as Big W, Target, Kmart, Coles, two Woolworths Supermarkets and more than 300 specialty stores. The centre is home to a new world class fashion mall featuring some of Australia's most iconic brands, boasts a massive seat Food Atrium with a choice of 14 dining options, event cinemas plus an array of restaurants ideally located alongside the picturesque lake which adjoins the centre.
Harbour Town is Australia's first purpose-built brand direct/factory outlet shopping centre. Discover more than 120 outlet stores selling quality brand fashions, home wares "on sale every day" in a colourful and vibrant shopping destination. Explore chic avenues lined with stores selling popular fashion labels and designer brands at heavily discounted outlet prices - Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Bendon, Tommy Hilfiger, French Connection, Espirit, Converse, adidas, Oroton, Jag, Lisa Ho, Levis and Calvin Klein Jeans just to name a few.
Discover the world of outlet shopping with quality names in homewares and gifts like Villeroy & Boch, Royal Douton, Crabtree & Evelyn and Sheridan. Meander through a shopping mecca of the latest retail concepts and designs where value and delights abound, al-fresco dining, shady boulevards, open plazas and leafy landscaping create a traditional high street shopping atmosphere.
- Tamborine Mountain and Springbrook
Tamborine Mountain and Springbrook hinterland villages offer truly unique local arts, crafts and produce. Make plans for a half or full day trip to the hinterland and be rewarded by some of the regions freshest and most interesting shopping experiences. Particular interest should be paid to the districts jewellery, gems, wine, cheeses and chocolates.
Combining the rainforest beauty of Mt Tamborine and the emerald countryside of Albert River and Canungra, Gold Coast Hinterland wine region features many cellar doors, vineyards and boutique wineries producing a diverse range of award winning wines. Fancy liquor aficionados should head to the Tamborine Mountain Distillery where over 60 liqueurs, schnapps and spirits will ensure your taste buds are in a spin. Discover antique shops plus more wineries and restaurants on Gallery Walk. Sweet lovers will find a wide assortment of gourmet fudge at places like Granny Macs, Fudge Heaven, and Mt Tamborine Fudge and delicious award-winning fine chocolates at Mayfield Chocolates.
Look out for other local products including gourmet spice blends, local honey and home-made jams. Mt Tamborine Brewery and Witches Chase Cheese Co are two local operations where you can try and purchase both locally brewed beer and award wining cheese. Dine there at the Liquid Amber Bistro and Grill. Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery at North Tamborine has a cellar door which specialises in premium Queensland wines with 14 wineries from across the south east of the state represented. Enjoy award-winning wines and lunch on the verandah of an historic Queenslander homestead at O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards.
Watch for roadside stalls selling everything from honey and rhubarb to lemons and organic avocados. Visit the country markets at Mt Tamborine, held second Sunday every month, or one of the many concerts and events held at individual wineries on Mt Tamborine, as well as "Springtime on the Mountain", held at Mt Tamborine in October. Places to dine include The Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery, The Polish Place, Heritage Wines, Mt Tamborine Vineyard and Winery. Tamborine also is home to the multi-award winning Songbirds in the Forest Restaurant which is set on a 50 hectare rainforest property.