Shopping Surfer’s Paradise: A Guide for Serious Sartorialists
Surfer’s Paradise is renowned around the world for its theme parks, beaches and night life, but what many visitors forget is this city boasts some of the best shopping and factory outlets in the country – a great opportunity to get yourself or someone special some fantastic gifts! So when next visiting Queensland, it’s as easy as booking a flight and being ready to shop ’til you drop!
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
With 130 fashion and accessory stores, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre offers the Gold Coast’s only Meyer department store, as well as a range of brands you know and love. With stores ranging from home and specialist electronics stores, through to major designers, you’re sure to find something to suit your budget and your style.
Harbourtown
Harbourtown is a unique, outdoor factory outlet centre comprising hundreds of shops and some of the biggest brands on offer – at some of the lowest prices. A short taxi ride from the centre of Surfers Paradise, you will need at least a day to work your way through the stores, picking up your Billabong and Quicksilver bargains, and trying on stunning designs at Cue. Grab lunch at one of the many cafes, and then back to it, sorting through clothing, shoes, accessories and homeware – at a fraction of the usual cost!
Centro Surfers Paradise
Centro is the city’s largest shopping centre, boasting hundreds of specialist stores and situated opposite Surfers Paradise beach. While the shops themselves are not to be missed, the area also presents the opportunity for great alfresco dining, and entertainment. Located close to hotels, restaurants and a range of activities for the whole family, why not let the kids play at Timezone, while you pick up the latest fashion for yourself!
Beachfront markets
If the hustle and bustle of shopping centres is not what you’re after, while on your holiday, the beachfront markets offer a range of shopping and taste-testing experiences, combined with a great atmosphere. On Wednesday and Friday evenings, the Esplanade comes to life with more than 100 market stalls – and with a history two decades long – even if markets are not your thing, this Surfers Paradise shopping and cultural staple is not to be missed.
With stores offering everything from clothing, art and craft, and homemade gifts, to jewellery, toys and accessories, the markets have something for everyone of all ages.
Art and Craft markets
Complimenting the shopping and markets scene in Surfers Paradise, are the art and craft markets, held 8am – 2.30pm, beachfront on Sundays.
While the sale items themselves are unique and offer you the opportunity to purchase something different, the location of the markets has its own unique approach. Making its way around Surfers Paradise over the course of a month, markets are held in Broadbeach on the first Sunday of the month, Coolangatta the second Sunday, back to Broadbeach the third Sunday, rounding the month out at Burleigh Beach on the final Sunday of the month.
The markets feature more than 200 stalls and are a perfect place to get your hands on mementos, souvenirs or that something special.