In Melbourne the battle you will have to fight is not what you can buy but what you can’t buy! For decades this has been known as Australia’s shopping capital. Every turn you take it reveals diverse a different shopping space with its own personality. From large department stores such as Myers, shopping centers such as Collins or the Melbourne Central to smaller networks of lanes and arcades. You are lost for choice on where to shop.
Most stores are open seven days; many stay open late on Fridays to 9pm. As a general rule trading hours for the City shops are; Saturday to Wednesday: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm. Thursday: 10:00 am to 07:00 pm. Friday: 10:00 am to 09.00 pm.
Whether you are working with a student budget or in search of the latest in any designer line, all are catered for. From Armani to Dior to Banana Republic all the way through to Zegna, name it, you will find in Melbourne. Not to name the biggest range of specialty shops found in the middle of the city. Any kind of shopping you may be seeking to do, you will be able to accomplish that in Melbourne. Even for groceries, you are lost for choice. The biggest food mall of all is at the Queen Victoria Market where the freshest fish is still swimming in the sea. It doesn’t get better than this. Does it?
Here are some of the major shopping venues in Melbourne
QUEEN VICTORIA MARKETS
This is the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere. This historic landmark was officially opened in 1878. It has over 1,000 stalls selling just about everything. The market buildings sell meat products and everything else is sold in the open from vegetables, fruits, clothing, shoes, baggage, toys, pets, jewelry, and souvenirs all at bargain prices. Operates Tuesdays and Thursdays from 06:00 am to 02:00 pm, Fridays from 06:00 am to 06:00 pm, Saturday from 06:00 am to 03:00 pm and Sunday from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm. It is located 513 Elizabeth Street, Corner of Elizabeth Street and Victoria Street, Melbourne.
FEDERATION SQUARE
This is the meeting place for Victoria’s finest; fine art, fine hospitality, fine flora, fine design, great events. It is a unifying landmark for the different cultures. Its very well marries the exquisite gardens, innovative architecture and engineering. Neighboring it is the Ian Potter Centre incorporating the National Gallery of Victoria, ACMI, the Australian Thoroughbred Racing Museum, SBS, Melbourne Visitor Centre, cafes and restaurants.
SUNDAY’S MARKET at the ARTS CENTRE
This market parades over 150 stalls of Victoria’s finest artisan’s work. The sellers are selected after passing strident examination for the quality and diversity of their work. It is situated at the Corner St Kilda and Southgate Roads, Southbank. This is where artists of every genre from painters to sculptors to visual artists to musicians to thespians all converge.
CROWN CASINO & CROWN ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
This is a genuine ‘Las Vegas’ in the gambling sense. It is one of the largest gaming facilities in Southern Hemisphere. It parades 350 gaming tables and 2,500 slot machines. There are also restaurants, up-market boutiques, nightclubs, two hotel towers, a cinema complex, and floorshows. Open 24 hours except Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day when it is closed from 04:00 am to noon.
ROYAL ARCADE
This is the oldest shopping mall in the city. It was built in 1869. Though it has been altered a few times it still retains a graceful elegance and authenticity lacking in many modern malls. Inside there are great features such as the statues of Gog and Magog, the mythical monsters that toll the hour on either side of Gaunt’s Clock.
THE BLOCK ARCADE
This is Melbourne’s main shopping arcade. It was built in 1891. Has huge ceiling murals and intricate mosaic floors. The Block is famous for its arcades. It is built based on models in Paris, London and Milan.
CHINATOWN
Here you will get Chinese medicine, music, restaurants, gold and jewelry, unique and exotic gifts, cinema, events and festivals, the museum and karaoke.
BOURKE STREET MALL
Melbourne’s main department stores are located here along with street performers and buskers performing throughout the mall area.
DOCKLANDS
This is a new shopping mall with a great variety to choose from as well.
SOUTHGATE PLAZA
These are three level shops, cafes bars and restaurants that may be reached from the CBD by an arched footbridge located behind the Flinders Street Station.
SOUTHGATE LEISURE PRECINCT
Whether you are an overseas visitor, a city worker or day-trippers, this is a place where you will find everything you need. It’s a major spot for scenic walking being especially vibrant with throngs of people including many street theatre performers.
Tags: Chinatown Melbourne, Federation Square, Shopping in Melbourne