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World Travel Guide > Guides > Oceania > Australia > Victoria > Melbourne

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Shopping in Melbourne

Melbourne is a retail haven for those seeking big name department store chains, smaller boutiques or markets.

Key areas

Head for Collins Street for a range of luxury brands and discover the maze of laneways and arcades, such as the Centreway Arcade, that provide an architectural oasis housing a range of stores offering different accessories and boutique goods.

For the latest designer labels, try Toorak Road in South Yarra or Crown Entertainment Complex at Southbank. Or for young, independent designer’s creations, try Chapel Street in South Yarra.

Brunswick Street in Fitzroy is a veritable Aladdin's cave of clothing shops and gift and book stores. The cake shops and bookshops of popular bay-side St Kilda, a traditional German Jewish area, are marvels to behold.

Markets

Historic Queen Victoria Market (corner of Victoria and Elizabeth Streets) is Melbourne’s most outstanding market. Traditionally a place to buy foodstuffs, you can now buy almost anything in the various halls and quaint shops.

For arts and crafts, head to Rose Street Artists Market in Fitzroy or Esplanade Market in St Kilda. Smith Street Bazaar in Collingwood has a great collection of vintage clothing while Chapel Street Bazaar in Prahan is packed full of retro goodies.

Shopping centres

Bustling with a range of fashion, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, home wares and shoppers, Melbourne’s Bourke Street Mall is home to major department stores Myer and David Jones and some smaller Australian retailers.

Melbourne Central (La Trobe Street), The Block Arcade and Royal Arcade (Collins Street) are the spots to find antiques to leatherwear, glassware and designer gear.

Opening hours

Melbourne’s standard opening hours are Monday to Saturday 0900-1700 (or 1730) with late-night shopping on Fridays (and sometimes Thursdays) until 2100. Many major stores and shopping centres are also open on Sundays.

Souvenirs

Australian by Design at the Block Arcade is a good place to learn about indigenous arts and culture, with the opportunity to purchase authentic Aboriginal products; paintings, jewellery, leather products, and ceramics. For classic Australiana items, head to the Australian Geographic shop in Melbourne Central and for some classic cool Aussie surf wear, try Ozmosis, also in Melbourne Central.

Tax information

Australia has a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Price tags always include GST. There are several duty-free shops in the city centre and at the airport.

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Grand Hyatt Melbourne

This central and luxurious hotel has spacious rooms with inviting king-size beds and cool Italian marble bathrooms. Each room sports a sterling city or river view. The top floors are set aside for Executive Suites, which have superior views and allow guests to access the relaxing Grand Club Lounge. Amenities include a swimming pool, fitness club, cafe, food court, bar and round-the-clock business centre.

Grand Hotel Melbourne

True to its name, this whisper-quiet hotel is housed in a magnificent former railway building. The first bricks of the building were laid in 1887 and it served as the railway department headquarters for donkey's years. Located near Spencer Street station, these days it has plush red Pullman carpets in the suites and corridors long enough to drive a train down. This heritage-listed building is one of the most impressive hotels in Melbourne.

Miami Hotel, Melbourne

Located in West Melbourne, with the North Melbourne shopping village close by, Miami Hotel has great facilities for the budget conscious traveller, including wireless broadband, internet kiosks, and free off-street parking. The hotel specialises in group bookings and is described as clean, basic, warm and comfortable through several user reviews.

The Langham

Elegant refined warm and welcoming describes the ambience and room decor in this five star SouthBank Promenade located hotel. The Langham is ideally located on the banks of the Yarra (with stunning views across the river) and features all the best Melbourne has to offer right on its doorstep. With a Chuan Spa exercise facilities and a noteworthy restaurant – The Melba – there is much to savour at The Langham.

Hotel Ibis Melbourne

A reliable budget option located in the heart of Melbourne's Chinatown, Hotel Ibis boasts 121 rooms with comfortable, contemporary and primarily functional interiors. A buffet-style breakfast is served every morning, alongside a 24-hour "Grab it and Go" menu. The hotel also features a fitness centre and an LCD TV in every room.

Claremont Guest House

On the doorstep of trendy Chapel Street, the Claremont Guest House is one of the best cheap hotels in Melbourne. With 24-hour reception, bright and airy rooms, guest laundry facilities, and TVs and phones in each room, you're sure to enjoy your stay. Just 10 minutes from the CBD, and with public transport near the front door, you're never far from the action. It's perfect for the budget traveller with dormitory rooms and shared bathrooms.