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Shopping in Brisbane

From the speciality shops and department stores that make up Queen Street Mall in the city centre, to the boutiques of Fortitude Valley and larger shopping centres in the suburbs, Brisbane has a great range of retail options throughout the city and beyond.

Key areas

Head downtown to Brisbane's main shopping precinct for over 700 stores along the Queen Street Mall. The western suburb of Paddington is renowned for homewares and vintage fashion, while Fortitude Valley is packed with charming indepedent stores selling unique items. There are several markets in Fortitute Valley as well.

Markets

There are markets aplenty in Brisbane, from arts and crafts to those geared specifically for tourists. Brisbane's Young Designers Market on Little Stanley street gets going on the first Sunday of every month and is filled with stalls selling creations by up-and-coming designers.

The Powerhouse Farmers Markets take place every Saturday with stalls selling farm fresh produce, meat, fish, plants and flowers, among others, while Northey Street City Farm Organic Markets sell, as the name suggests, certified organic produce and dry goods.

For some seriously delicious street food, the Boundary Street Markets definitely deliver. Opens from 1600-2000 Friday and Saturday, this is the place to gather, taste and share.

Shopping centres

Major retail outlets including international brand stores can be found in the heart of Queen Street Mall. QueensPlaza is home to high-end brands and the department store David Jones. The Myer Centre houses the flagship Myer department store while the historic Brisbane Arcade is the place for designer clothes and jewelleries. The are also more shops on the streets surrounding Queen Street Mall.

Located at 1000 Ann Street in Fortitude Valley, Emporium is home to beauty, jewellery, fashion and homewares retailers.

Opening hours

Shops are usually open Monday to Friday 0900-1730, but close at 1700 on Saturdays and 1600 on Sundays. Late night shopping is on Friday, when shops stay open until 2100.

Souvenirs

112 Queen Street is home of Walkabout Souvenirs, offering a range of Australiana products including boomerangs, stubbie holders and road signs featuring kangaroos and koalas.

Tax information

Goods and services tax (GST) is a broad-based tax of 10% on most goods, services and other items sold or consumed in Australia.

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City Highlight: Brisbane

Glorious year-round sunshine, a packed events calendar, splendid scenery and friendly locals make Brisbane a top destination for backpackers and families alike

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Featured Hotels

George Williams Hotel

In the heart of the CBD, this 103-room hotel makes the ideal base from which to explore the city. Following an extensive A $2.5 million dollar revamp, the minimalist rooms feature colourful artworks, flat-screen TVs and coffee-making facilities. The on-site restaurant, 325 on George, dishes up international fare in a casual outdoor setting.

Capri by Fraser

Billing itself as urban inspired, high tech and intuitive, this is one of the latest additions to Brisbane's vibrant hotel scene. Capri offers 239 serviced studios and one-bedroom apartments, each featuring integrated living spaces and kitchenettes fitted with a microwave and Nespresso coffee machines. Within striking distance from Queen Street Mall and Eagle Street Pier, some of the other highlights of the chic property include living vertical gardens, art installations, and facilities such as a restaurant, an indoor pool, a sauna and 24/7 fitness centre.

Rydges South Bank Brisbane

With a South Bank postcode, this modern hotel is ideally placed for art aficionados and culture buffs. Rooms are elegant without being fussy and the high-end options feature private balconies with views over the Brisbane River and city skyline. There are 304 rooms, including 64 one-bedroom suites. A gymnasium, spa and sauna are among the in-house attractions.

Spicers Balfour Hotel

Spicers Balfour hotel is an Art Deco style boutique hotel, situated in the historic suburb of New Farm but still central enough to get around the city. The hotel also has a rooftop bar for the evenings and does high tea over brunch or in the afternoon. Check the Spicers Balfour website for the best days to book and save some money.

Summer House Brisbane

Summer House is a great accommodation option for those looking to save on hotel rooms, and it's just a 10-minute walk from the Central Business District. Fabulous graffiti style murals adorn the walls and the atmosphere is warm and lively - the perfect place to meet new people to explore the city with. With laundry facilities, free wifi, a rooftop terrace and a TV room, this hostel has all you need during your stay in Brisbane.

Ibis Brisbane

Good sized rooms, friendly service and a perfect central location make the Ibis one of the better moderately priced hotel options in the city. With Wi-Fi facilities, meeting rooms and a restaurant, this hotel is ideal for both business and holiday travellers.

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