Shopping Down Under

The Australian shopping experience offers a vast range of both imported and locally-made goods.
Local products include the inevitable toy koalas, kangaroos and wombats. But many local fashion designers are making names for themselves. In tune with the laid back ‘Down Under’ lifestyle, Aussie designs tend to be more casual and comfortable than those from Europe. Notable local brands include Sass and Bide, Carla Zampatti, Jag, and Adele Palmer.

Locally-mined opals are one of the best buys in Australia but you really need to know what you’re doing when shopping for any kind of gemstone.

And of course if you’re after serious Aboriginal art or just a boomerang or didgeridoo, Australia’s the place to go.

Shopping In Sydney

Downtown Sydney is home to the standard retails outlets. For department stores, the two major names are David Jones and Myer. David Jones is the largest, selling goods ranging from the latest fashions to designer furniture.

For more individual wares you have to head to Paddington, Glebe and Newtown, home to distinctive boutiques showcasing the threads of local designers, along with jumble shops...