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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

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.

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.

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.

Tryp by Wyndham

Located in the cultural hotspot of Fortitude Valley, TRYP Brisbane is a boutique hotel that bills itself as the Central Business District’s only street-art hotel. Guests can choose from a variety of art-themed rooms. A small handful include colourful private courtyards and hot tubs. The hotel also features an onsite gym, rooftop bar and lobby-level restaurant.

Metro Hotel

Situated in the heart of Queensland Business District, this hotel provides easy access to all parts of the city, with free Spring Hill and City loop buses that depart from outside the hotel. The building overlooks Wickham Park and its heritage-listed Old Windmill Tower. Standard rooms offer private balconies and free Wifi, among other modern amenities.

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