The malls in Melbourne have grown into lifestyle destinations from once being simply shopping hubs. Collectively hosting millions of visitors each week, these shopping and entertainment centres house high fashion and speciality stores, convenience and regular retail outlets, cinemas, food courts and fine dining institutions and even art galleries and play zones to keep kids entertained. We bring you our curated list of the top shopping and dining centres in Melbourne to help you make a choice the next time you are in the city.
1. Melbourne Central
A stylish inner-city destination for dining, shopping, and entertainment, Melbourne Central is one of the largest malls in Melbourne. It boasts one of Victoria's heaviest foot traffic and is situated above Melbourne Central train station. Characterised by a distinctive and contemporary architectural setting and spreading across two city blocks, visitors will find nearly 300 outlets ranging from high fashion and jewellery, sports and electronic brands, retail clothing and more.
There are two large food courts serving daily commuters on the go. The third level features a HOYTS cinema complex, a pin bowling centre, the Melbourne Central Lion Hotel and various bars and restaurants.
Timings: 10 AM to 7 PM (Saturday to Wednesday)
10 AM to 9 PM (Thursday and Friday)
2. Bourke Street Mall
Bourke Street Mall, connecting Swanston and Elizabeth Streets, is one of Melbourne's main shopping areas occupying the street which is its namesake. Only accessible by tram and on foot, the area consists of many department stores and retail outlets of various brands. Street musicians will entertain you as you wander down the street, and the renovated 1864 postal building of the Bourke Street Mall that now houses H&M will leave you amazed. Additionally, there are sizable David Jones and Myer stores that provide a fantastic high-street fashion shopping experience.
3. Chadstone Shopping Centre
The Chadstone Shopping Center is around 15 kilometres southeast of Melbourne's central business district(CBD). When it officially opened its doors in 1960, it was Victoria's first freestanding shopping centre. It is currently the largest retail centre in Australia and among the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, with approximately 550 outlets. From fashion to retail, it is home to some of the biggest brands in the world.
With a free shuttle bus connecting Chadstone Shopping Center to Melbourne's CBD, the centre has grown into a city within itself. For more than a decade, it has been referred to as "the fashion capital" among the various Malls in Melbourne.
Timings: 9 AM - 5:30 PM (Monday to Wednesday)
9 AM - 9 PM (Thursday to Saturday)
9 AM - 7 PM (Sunday)
4. Eastland Shopping Centre
Nearly 25 kilometres east of the Melbourne CBD is where you'll find the Eastland Shopping Centre in Ringwood. Characterised by its unique and striking architecture, it is a popular family shopping destination. The centre has recently undergone renovations and remodelling and currently has around 235 retail stores across two floors, including some of the biggest brands in the world. The top floor houses a 12-screen cinema and a large food court with numerous eateries and cafes serving a wide range of cuisines.
Timings: 9 AM - 5:30 PM (Monday to Wednesday)
9 AM - 9 PM (Thursday to Saturday)
10 AM - 5 PM (Sunday)
Timings may vary on holidays or on short notice at the discretion of management
5. Emporium
Opened in 2014, Emporium in Melbourne is among the most opulent malls in Melbourne and is a prime haute couture shopping destination. Spread primarily across seven floors housing 224 outlets, including luxury fashion brands, designer stores and a large food court. We recommend visiting the outlet of Gorman, an entirely Australian high-fashion brand that is delightfully vibrant and clashy.
Timings: 10 AM - 7 PM (Saturday to Wednesday)
10 AM - 9 PM (Thursday and Friday)
6. The District Docklands
Formerly known as Harbour Town, District Docklands is a lifestyle and shopping destination. With stores located both in indoor and outdoor arrangements, this shopping centre in Melbourne includes some of the biggest brands, such as Uniqlo, Dan Murphy's Woolworths, and Costco, among others. Apart from shopping, there is a skatepark and an outdoor venue for live music and cultural performances.
The open-air market lane is where small traders sell fresh bakes and other fresh food is quite popular among locals. When visiting with kids, be sure to catch the latest release at HOYTS and even check out the 3D art at the ArtVo immersive gallery.
Timings: 10 AM - 6 PM (daily)
7. The Walk Arcade
8. Spencer Outlet Centre
The only outlet shopping centre in Melbourne's Central Business District, Spencer Outlet Centre, is easy to reach, as it is located right next to Southern Cross Station. Housing over 100 speciality and convenience stores, shoppers are sure to find a bargain on their shopping lists. There is also a food court offering a variety of cuisine and items, including Chinese food, sushi, muffins, pizza, and sandwiches.
Timings: 10 AM - 7 PM (Saturday to Wednesday)
10 AM - 6 PM (Thursday and Friday)
9. Westfield Doncaster
Located 20 minutes from Melbourne's Central Business District, in the suburb of Doncaster, is Westfield Doncaster, which now houses 400 stores and retail outlets. One of the largest malls in Melbourne, there are a variety of speciality stores, electronics stores, and designer clothing boutiques are also available. Additionally, there are numerous massage clinics, nail bars, and hair salons as well. You may watch all of the most recent films in the sizable Village Cinema complex present here.
Timings: 9 AM - 5:30 PM (Monday to Wednesday)
9 AM - 9 PM (Thursday and Friday)
9 AM - 6 PM (Saturday)
10 AM - 5 PM (Sunday)
10. Southgate
Tickle your taste buds at Southgate's many cafes and restaurants and enjoy some merry drinks with friends and family from the choicest of pubs and breweries. Located along the banks of the Yarra River, just opposite Finder's Street, it is a trendy shopping and dining destination in the city set across three levels. Shoppers are greeted by speciality and gift stores, designer boutiques and homeware retail outlets. The icing on the cake is the view of Melbourne that Southgate offers, especially as the sun sets and the night grows older.
11. St Kilda Esplanade Market
Open only on Sundays, St Kilda Esplanade Market is the perfect spot to spend your weekends outdoors and indulge in some self-love and local art and craft shopping. Renowned for hosting vendors selling authentic Australian items of art and craftsmanship, this open-air market has been a favourite for locals since the 1970s. Take your time and leisurely browse the stalls for art, jewellery, natural skincare, health items and vintage items, among other interesting items. Be sure to also visit the food stalls for some sumptuous snacks served piping hot.
Timings: 10 AM - 5 PM (daylight saving hours)
10 AM - 4 PM (other times)
Open Only on Sundays
12. Pacific Werribee
Among the top ten largest malls in Melbourne, Pacific Werribee (formerly Werribee Plaza) is a popular destination offering a modern-day lifestyle experience of shopping, dining and entertainment. This shopping centre is home to over 270 stores ranging from fashion, homeware, convenience and speciality. Village Cinemas Gold Class provides great entertainment for kids, and Urban Diner satiates any hunger pangs that may arise. The newly added 1000-car parking area ensures that bringing a vehicle on your next visit wouldn't be an extra headache.
Timings: 9 AM - 5:30 PM (Monday to Wednesday)
9 AM - 9 PM (Thursday and Friday)
9 AM - 5 PM (Saturday)
10 AM - 5 PM (Sunday)
Some stores operate independently of the operating hours of Pacific Werribee
Shopping malls today are growing more popular than ever. With many options to suit our daily needs or holiday wishlists all under one roof and with an added touch of dining and entertainment, these mega-shopping destinations are an easy choice for most as a long-awaited family trip or leisurely weekend stroll. Our list of the top malls in Melbourne has been curated strictly to fit that criterion, and we are curious to know if you feel the same.