On the Gold Coast, shopping is as big a thing as swimming, surfing or sunshine. Whether you’re on the hunt for high-end clothing by Australian and international designers, or a vintage bargain at a local market, you can find it. Here’s your guide to the best shopping experiences on offer. Fair warning: you’re bound to leave the Gold Coast with a boot full of bags.
FOR SIZE: PARADISE CENTRE
Paradise Centre is the biggest shopping centre in Surfers Paradise. Spend hours wandering among more than 90 shops, then break for coffee and lunch at an open-air cafe or restaurant with stunning water views.
The shops specialise in beachside beauty therapy, fashion, footwear and gifts. So you can nab some new swimmers and sandals, before treating yourself to a facial or massage. Meanwhile, among the eateries, you’ll see a bunch of familiar names – from Wahlburgers and Lord of the Fries to Gelato Messina and Boost Juice.
FOR SURPRISES: ART AND CRAFT ON THE COAST MARKETS
You never know what you might find at Art and Craft on the Coast Markets, which runs every Sunday on the beachfront in Paradise Point. It’s the longest running market on the Gold Coast.
The stalls offer a cornucopia of original, Australian-made creations, from fashion and jewellery to skincare and homewares. Plus, to keep you going in between buys, there’s plenty of freshly cooked food powered by local produce, as well as live music.
FOR ENTERTAINMENT: CHEVRON RENAISSANCE SHOPPING CENTRE
Chevron has it all – a wide range of shops, fabulous beauty services and incredible entertainment. Start your day with a new outfit at Paparazzi Fashion or Collezione, and order custom-designed jewellery at Ordekian. Then hit Yum Cha Renaissance for an authentic-style Chinese lunch or Bar Italia for an Italian feast.
Come afternoon, indulge in a treatment at Coco Beauty Lounge or a massage at Healing Bay. That’ll have you ready for a challenge in the Eclipse Escape Rooms or a walk-through the spectacular Infinity Attraction, which takes you through 20 environments, featuring illusions that seem to go on forever, as well special effects, soundscapes and aromas.
FOR SALES: HARBOUR TOWN PREMIUM OUTLETS
Find the bargain you’ve long been dreaming of at Harbour Town Premium Outlets. It’s the biggest outdoor outlet centre in Australia. More than 220 retailers call it home, and they stock a massive range of brands – from Coach, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein to Oroton, R.M. Williams and UGG Australia. Discounts of up to 70% are on offer every single day.
In between shopping, grab a bite to eat at Harbour Town Eats, which is packed with cafes and restaurants, or catch a movie at Reading Cinemas, where tickets for new releases start at just $12. And keep the kids busy at iPlay.
FOR VARIETY: CARRARA MARKETS
Carrara Markets is the biggest marketplace in Australia. Every weekend, more than 300 stalls open, selling everything from secondhand books and antiques, to pet accessories and football insignia, to original artworks and designer sunglasses. There’s literally something for everyone.
Also onsite is a bunch of fun, family-friendly attractions, including a roller skating rink, a mini-golf course, pony rides, a baby animal farm and a butterfly house. Carra Markets is open every Saturday and Sunday from 8am till 3pm.
GETTING TO THE GOLD COAST
The Gold Coast is an hour’s drive south of Brisbane, nine hours’ drive north of Sydney and 17 hours’ drive north of Melbourne.
Don’t have time to drive a long distance? Make the most of your trip by flying to the Gold Coast Airport, then pick up a SIXT car rental. If you’re keen to travel with a light eco-footprint, make your car hire an electric vehicle (EV).
