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Shopping in Sydney

Shopping in Sydney offers a broad range of choices when it comes to spending or splurging.

Key areas

Pitt Street in the heart of the city has something for everyone: major Australian department stores, a series of smaller shopping arcades and a range of international brands, and just a short stroll from the beautiful Queen Victoria Building. The traditional fashion epicentre of the city is undoubtedly between Oxford Street and Glenmore Road, in Paddington. Here boutiques from some of Australian’s top designers jostle for space with vintage stores and achingly hip pavement cafes. Darling Harbour, Chinatown and The Rocks historic district are teeming with souvenir and craft shops.

Markets

There are weekend markets at Balmain (Saturday), Paddington (Saturday), Glebe (Saturday), Bondi Beach (Saturday and Sunday), and The Rocks (Friday to Sunday) but perhaps the one with the strongest local flavour is the Sydney Fish Market in Pyrmont (daily). Paddy’s Markets in Haymarket (open between Wednesday and Sunday and public holidays) in the city centre is great for a souvenir or bargain.

Shopping centres

The city's flagship department stores are David Jones (Castlereagh Street), and Myer (George Street). There are shopping malls galore with the palatial Queen Victoria Building (also known as QVB) being the most popular.

Opening hours

Shop opening hours are generally Monday to Saturday 0900-1700, with late-night shopping until 2100 on Thursday and regular Sunday trading hours 1000-1600.

Souvenirs

If the memories of your trip aren’t enough to remind you of your visit to Sydney, you can buy a range of souvenirs - sheep skin boots, opal jewellery, Aboriginal art and artefacts, stuffed kangaroos and koalas, and the usual t-shirts, caps, glasses and fridge magnets adorned with Sydney’s many sights. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better souvenir of Sydney than a professional photo of the Opera House and/or Sydney Harbour Bridge, especially one taken at night as the ferries move in and out of Circular Quay.

Tax information

There is a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is included on the price tags. There are several duty-free shops in the city centre, as well as at the international airport.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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