Shopping, Melbourne

Since shopping is a major activity for most Melbournians, it would be a pity to not let travellers such as yourself know about the great places to shop in South Yarra, a small suburb outside of Melbourne CBD.

Tons of clothing shops, restaurants, cafes, and discount shops line the blocks of Chapel St., including brand name fashions, and unknown obscure start up businesses.

I love shopping for clothes in Melbourne. I find the women here a lot more fashionable and chic compared to their counterparts in Sydney.

Discovered Satch clothing label. It was the little Sale sign that tempted me to go in as the shop decor and clothes featured looked expensive.

To my surprise, I found 2 dresses that fits me (size 0) which is at 50% off. I got a long beautiful pink silk dress for A$120 (after discount).

So it did not burn such a big hole in my pocket :-)

Little Collins St and its surrounding areas are a shppers' mecca!

Melbourne is the best place in Australia to shop. Since living in Melbourne i have become addicted to the classy but individual fashions that walk the streets. There are so many different boutique stores with one of a kind clothing, plus all of the usual clothing chains.

I have travelled in many places... and have found myself walking for hours... just exploring. But soemtimes there is so little time... so I have slowly become aware of tours that can cut that wasted time in half! in Melbourne I found such a thing.... small group walking tours... and they are about showing you as much as they can, so in the afternoon, you can max out the credit cards in your own time.. which of course i did!... the accessories are amaxing! and stuff you would be hard up to find anywhere else!
Hidden Secrets Tours have had lots of write ups here in Tassie, so I thought I woudl try one of their tours.. and the host we had, Alex, was happy and generous with her time, and added heaps of other info. we did the city tour - lanes and arcades - where we had a fab hot chocolate at Koko Black for the first main stop ( morning tea) and then another hour or so later we stopped in modern restaurant for a glass of wine and lunch... the great thing was we all got a goodie bag, and soem guide book stuff... but this was all focused on shopping, so we didnt have flyers about the penguins, or the drive to the 12 appostles.. shop shop shop one member has already written... sure can... just make sure you stick with a local, as it does seem things change regularly.. so much of the comments in this section are now out of date... the message of the tour... be adventuorus in this town, as most of the best spots are downstairs, around strange corners, or upstaris with no street signage... have fun ! I know we did!...
They have other tours, so check the website... I heard Alex talk of a wine tasting tour... or something.. so will be heading back soon to try that!!

Everyone in Australia knows Melbourne is the place for shopping. Prahan is one of the best places to go for a great atmosphere...and the best selection of shops. You could spend an entire day walking down the street...checking out aussie brands...and stopping at cafes for coffee or eating. A couple favorites are La Sienna for good pizza...Caffe e Cuchina for a romantic dinner...or Angelucci's...a latin american restaurant or Camparis...an excellent 24 hour restaurant..if you're jetlagged or have had a late night!

Take the train to South Yarra Station and step out onto the up market shopping district of South Yarra. Stroll along Chapel Street and Toorak Road and get a glimpse of what the slightly more well endowered (money wise) can spend their hard earned cash on - beautiful clothes like Allan Hill and Cue, shoes, bags, food, The Jam Factory shopping centre, it is just fantastic.

If your aim is to collect as many shopping bags as humanly possible, then head to the city arcades.

Even if you don't want to pull out your wallet, the arcades are a pleasure to wander.

The key arcades are known as the Magnificent Seven City Arcades and are all within walking distance of each other.

The nineteenth century Block and Royal arcades are truly beautiful. they wer inspired by wonderful european design.

Unfortunately on this trip I was not there for the shopping, so I had to steer clear of the arcades unless tempted. Here is a shot from outside!!

Unlike some places in certian parts of the world... Melbourne has great water and safe fruits... its great when travelling with your family or by yourself to have the freedom and confidence to choose fruits from sidewalk stands and know that what you see is what you get. No nasty stomach aches! Not only is this snack healthy and refreshing its delicious too!

Okay, I have just read the other shopping tips and I have some very important ones to add. For amazing funky and eclectic stuff, Acland Street, St Kilda, Brunswick Street Fitzroy; Chapel Street South Yarra for classy, Chapel Street and Greville Street Pharan for more funky up market. Lygon Street Carlton is cool too but has more cafes and resturaunts, also Smith Street Collingwood for groovy/outlets! Bridge Road in Richmond is THE best place to go shopping for clothes in Melbourne at bargain prices, all outlets and cheap warehouses - very dangerous! The further away from the city the more furniture and homewares stores which are cool! All of these streets are accessible from the city by Tram or Train and I highly recommend it - forget Bourke Street Mall!!

Melbourne has some great shopping and lots of great cafe's and restaurants. You can get some great bargains at the Victoria Markets as well as some fantastic fresh coffee and cheeses. The Burke St Mall is ok for shopping, and there is some great food in the ethnic precincts of the city. The tram is a great way to get around, and you can see the city on the free tram that circles around.