Melbourne : Shopping
Melbourne has many magnificent city arcades. The Block, for example, with its cathedral-like dome and classic Victorian architecture is home to purveyors of elegant leather, glass, couture and dainty afternoon teas. Giants Gog and Magog watch over you in the Royal Arcade and its unique speciality shops. Don't miss the three contemporary shopping levels of Australia on Collins. Fashion, accessories and much more besides. In the city, the main shopping areas include Collins Street for the well-known international names and Bourke Street and Melbourne Central for the larger department stores.
Chapel Street in Prahran is the hip locale of many of Australia 's leading fashion designers. Richmond offers some great bargains from the discount outlet stores of quality labels and brands. Plus , in large suburban shopping centres, such as Chadstone , there's more than 200 stores all under the one roof. If you're looking for some bargains then go to Queen Victoria Market on the Cnr Victoria and Peel Streets. You will find practically everything that you could possibly want amongst its diverse range of stalls. To book a tour around the market call (03) 9320 5822, which can make a great trip out.
Standard opening hours are 0900-1700 Monday to Saturday with late-night opening on Fridays and, in many cases, Thursdays until 2100. Many major department stores and shopping centres are also open on Sundays and a few supermarkets are now open 24 hours a day.
Department stores
Melbourne has some of the biggest and best stocked department stores in the world.
First stop, Daimaru. Under the glass pyramid in Latrobe Street , it combines the best of Australia and Japan , in style, service and atmosphere. Sample, smell, try on and explore five brimming floors. At Melbourne Central (in the same complex as Daimaru), 162 shops cleverly arranged around an airy centre space offer everything from a stainless steel toaster to a complete wardrobe.
Then, cross the skybridge over Lonsdale Street , to Myer, grande dame of Melbourne 's department stores... nearly two city blocks of sheer indulgence. For decades, its advertising catch cry was "value and friendly" service.
Next to Myer, in Bourke Street is David Jones. DJ's (as it's affectionately known) offers its own tradition, its own brand of service, its own unique aura.
New kid on the department store block is the re-born Georges. Once the home of high society shopping, this classic building has been radically reinvented as a showcase of the finest Australian and imported fashion and homewares. Check out The Loft, for cutting edge designer names, or be seen sipping a latte in the chic street-front cafe.
Inner villages
Melbourne is circled by "villages"; concentrated on junctions, or wandering along shop-filled inner-suburban streets. Each precinct has a clear identity and a penchant for something exceptional. And they're all just a short tram ride from the CBD.
Chapel Street
Bold, brazen Chapel Street is the capital of young designer fashion. Journey from upmarket South Yarra 's fashions and homewares, to the "So Ho" end in Prahran and Windsor, where funky designs and recycled wear are the go.
Toorak Road
Chapel Street's more "establishment" sister, Toorak Road stretches from Toorak Village to South Yarra . Giftware, jewellery, homewares, imported fashions, restaurants, tailors and everything exclusive.
Bridge Road
Richmond is the place for shopping on a budget. An eclectic mix of young designer boutiques and factory outlets where you can pick up big labels at small prices.
Lygon Street
Carlton 's Italian flavour appears in everything from gelato to designer fashion. Shoes, handbags, coats and more, plus great bookshops for hours of browsing.
Brunswick Street
Fitzroy. The place for alternative, ethnic and counter-culture shopping, with a smorgasbord of budget ethnic eateries. Fascinating, original shops, handmade jewellers, original art and recycled wares.
High Street
Armadale is famous for gorgeous, up-market homewares, antique dealers, Persian carpets and exclusive designer fashions. Look out for names like George Gross and Anthea Crawford.
Markets
Queen Victoria Market
Cnr Elizabeth and Victoria Streets, Melbourne Australia 's largest market, the Queen Victoria Market has the best prices and the biggest range in town. Open everyday except Monday and Wednesday, you can wander among 1000 stalls of fresh produce, clothing, deli-goods, arts and crafts and more. Experience the atmosphere, sights and sounds of 125 years of heritage. For a behind the scenes view, take a market tour.
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