Spectacular arcades, bustling shopping malls, chic boutiques, and quaint marketplaces! You have it all in Melbourne, the ultimate shopper's paradise! Melbourne houses some of the chicest and most high-end fashion labels, quirky designers, vintage pieces, and much more. You can never predict what you'll find shopping in Melbourne markets and streets. The city's thriving markets provide a wide range of deals on everything from antique finds to handcrafted stationery, second-hand books, to incredibly fresh fruit. Although some markets are open during the week, the weekend sees the bulk of the activity.
Here is the list of ultimate must-go shopping places in Melbourne -
1. Queen Victoria Market
As, the locals, call it, 'Queen Vic' holds a regal standing among Melbourne's markets. There is a lot to discover at Queen Victoria Market, with over 700 stalls spanning over seven hectares (17 acres). Although clothing, jewellery, and household goods are available here, the market is primarily known for its incredible variety of food vendors.
Besides the freshest meat, seafood, and vegetables, you may purchase enticing delights like regionally produced cheese and olives. The grilled bratwurst from the Bratwurst Shop & Co. and the hot jam doughnuts of the American Doughnut Kitchen truck are two of the market's tastiest delights! The Europa night market, open on Wednesdays, is also a must-visit. Melbourne's night markets are an absolute rage.
Timings: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday - 6 AM to 3 PM
Wednesday - 5 PM to 10 PM
Saturday - 6 AM to 4 PM
Sunday - 9 AM to 4 PM
2. St. Kilda Esplanade Market
If you're seeking that one-of-a-kind souvenir, head to the Rose Street Artists Market, tucked away down a side street in the fashionable Fitzroy neighbourhood. Some of Melbourne's top up-and-coming artists set up shop here on weekends, including well-known local artist Sophie Perez or the group behind Retro Pop Homewares, famous for their vibrantly printed pillows.
Also, expect adorable tiny earrings, terrariums made of glass and chrome, delicate rose gold rings, bandana bibs, gorgeously moody prints, sturdy Japanese pottery, ropey, delicate ear cuffs, thick-cut, hand-drawn thank you cards, delicate crystal rings, blonde wood mirrors, and much more.
Timings: Sunday - 10 AM to 4 PM
3. Chadstone Shopping Center
Chadstone, Melbourne's Fashion Capital, features over 500 stores, over 35 luxury brands, and arguably the best fashion, dining, and entertainment experience in Australia.
It has evolved from its humble origins in 1960 to become one of the most prominent shopping destinations in the entire globe. The complex houses designer boutiques, high-end retailers, premium brands, and some of Australia's most adored fashion brands. A trip to Chadstone is exciting from the first moment you arrive with its cutting-edge HOYTS Cinema Complex, spectacular cuisine options, Dining Terrace, Legoland Discovery Centre Melbourne, and some of the top global brands.
Timings: Monday to Wednesday - 9 AM to 5:30 PM
Thursday - 9 AM to 9 PM
Fridays and Saturdays - 8 AM to 11 PM
Sunday - 9 AM to 8 PM
4. South Melbourne Market
With so many wonders to discover, getting a little lost in the labyrinthine interiors of this market is not a bad thing. Authentic sellers stand proud and passionately display their goods in every aisle. Behind the counters stand wacky individuals providing traditional customer service with huge grins.
The dining options at Melbourne's oldest market (open since 1864)—include everything from fresh fruit to spicy hot paella to exquisite French pastries. It's a haven for foodies where freshness, quality, and variety are top priorities for all foods, from land to sea.
Timings: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday - From 8 AM
5. Camberwell Sunday Market
For the past 40 years, this market has been the finest spot to discover lavish deals on vintage clothing. The markets are only a block away from Camberwell station, which is accessible by rapid train from the heart of Melbourne. Although to get the best of the deals, you'll need to wake up early. The action starts at 7 AM, and dealers begin packing up by noon. With more than 300 booths to go through, expect antique toys, jewellery, and used books apart from cool vintage clothing.
Part of Camberwell's appeal is the fact that you never know what you will find. Still, you can expect to find items from every era here, whether they are Art Deco lamps or 1960s space-age chairs, 1950s pretty floral dresses or flamboyant hippie-era jewellery.
Timings: Sunday - 7 AM to 12:30 PM
6. Brunswick and Smith Streets
Once you've begun your shopping spree, you must definitely visit the Brunswick and Smith Streets markets. Brunswick Street is famous for its alternative clothing shops and bohemian street vibe. This street, which is constantly bustling with activity, is lined with stores that sell stylish street fashion products at reasonable prices.
These streets are a must-visit location while looking for new places to shop in Melbourne because visitors will notice an extraordinary shift in trends there. Locals in this area wander down the street looking quite chic. The streets here also provide a variety of items to spice up your wardrobe, and this place is brimming with antique finds. These streets will delight you in every manner conceivable before you become confused about which retail complex to pick out of all the places and stores to shop in Melbourne.
7. Bourke Street Mall
Nobody can complete their Melbourne visit without shopping at the legendary Bourke Street Mall, which features historic Victorian architecture and an array of top-tier stores, including David Jones, H&M, Myer, and Zara. Dive into this thriving commercial hub and hours later emerge with arms laden with bags spilling of splendid deals and goodies.
Melbourne's two largest department stores can be found here. David Jones fills three buildings with its enormous selection of goods, whereas Myer towers over them both with nine stories and a store on Lonsdale Street. Come at the end of the year and queue up with eager kids to experience the joy of the beloved Christmas windows.
The 1864 postal building has been beautifully renovated and transformed into a modern shopping destination, housing the flagship of Swedish retail giant H&M. GPO Lane offers wonderful restaurants and Federal Coffee for mid-shop refreshments.
8. Emporium Melbourne
A fusion of glamour, culture, gastronomy, and art can be found at the luxurious Emporium Melbourne, which is home to over 200 stores. The stores, which are flanked by exquisite architecture, offer a mix of Australian and foreign designers as well as cutting-edge concept and flagship sites housing some of the biggest names in fashion, beauty, and leisure.
With various cafes and restaurants, an upscale food court with over 30 alternatives, and a subterranean food court with even more possibilities, those looking for dining establishments are spoiled for choice. Additionally, the building has pedestrian bridge connections to Myer Melbourne and David Jones department stores on Bourke Street.
Timings: The Emporium opens at 10 am sharp every day but closes by 7 PM on most days except Thursdays(9 PM) and Fridays(10 PM).
9. Chapel Street
Chapel Street, which spans through various districts and is around 2-3 km from each side, is referred to as the longest catwalk in the southern hemisphere. It houses outlets that offer designer clothing, top-notch sweets, premium coffee, accommodations dedicated to the arts, and distinctive health and wellness. Capitol Grand, Australia's first international integrated leisure and shopping complex, is also located there.
10. Collins & Little Collins Street
It can be difficult to decide between global couture and native designers, boulevard sleek or laneway charm, but Little Collins Street and Collins Street provide the best of both worlds. Collins Street is perhaps most known for its high-end retailers, historic structures, five-star hotels, elite clubs, and jewellers.
Locals refer to the "upper end" as the "Paris End." For the flagship sites of Armani, Chanel, Dior, Burberry, Versace, Hermes, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and Bvlgari, turn in this direction. Add a local touch to your fashionable attire. For haute couture and hip culture by Melbourne's most intriguing designers, visit Little Collins Street and Howey Place. Shops along the strip between Swanston and Russell Streets offer fantastic clothing for men.
11. Melbourne Central
Melbourne Central is home to a fascinating assortment of Australian and international fashion labels, with more than 300 boutiques spread across five storeys. A sweet retreat to Cupcake Central, beauty breaks at Mecca Maxima, or an exquisite time-out at Self-Centred Medi Spa. No matter where you are up to after-hours—lurking in Knox Lane graffitied by Melbourne's iconic DABS and MYLA or reclining in front of a screen at the Hoyts Lux Cinema—the vibe lives on.
This location, which spans two city blocks, is home to several distinctive architectural features, including the enormous Marionette Watch suspended in Shot Tower Square, which is well-known for playing the Australian national anthem "Waltzing Matilda" on the hour, and the magnificent Glass Cone, which was created in the 1980s by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. Whatever brought you to Melbourne—shopping, sightseeing, a leisurely meal or brunch, or just an impromptu adventure—all await you between Lonsdale and La Trobe.
Timings: Thursday & Friday - 10 AM to 9 PM
Monday to Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday - 10 to 7 PM
12. District Docklands
The District Docklands is the sensory epicentre of the Docklands and is positioned to overtake other lifestyle hotspots in Melbourne. Global brands such as Shop your favourite Australian and international brands include H&M, UNIQLO, Skechers, Cotton On, Kathmandu, Bonds, Miniso, Sunglass Hut, Ozmosis, and more. Witness 3D art at the ArtVo immersive exhibition or take a ride on the famous Melbourne Star for a bird's eye view of Melbourne.
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, O'Brien Icehouse, Chipmunks Play Centre, and Glow Golf Docklands are just a few of the diverse and distinctive attractions you can explore. In addition, HOYTS offers cutting-edge entertainment, lively first-to-Melbourne dining, and a variety of fresh cuisine options for the whole family.
Timings: Monday to Sunday - 10 AM to 6 PM.
The dining and entertainment precincts can be open for longer hours.
Now that we have covered several of Melbourne’s hottest and iconic shopping markets and malls, where do you plan to begin? Food, fashion, or crafts? Antique jewellery? Unique souvenirs? Enjoy shopping in Melbourne and gorge on delicious treats. Get your tickets to Melbourne, make the ultimate shopping map of Melbourne, and visit these top Melbourne shopping destinations.