Ultimate Guide to the Best Shopping in Sydney

Sydney is one of the best shopping destinations in Australia.  

Sydney’s diverse shopping precincts offer a wide range of experiences, from high-end fashion to unique boutiques and everything in between. 

This is your guide to exploring Sydney’s most popular shopping hotspots, where you can indulge in retail therapy and find everything from the latest trends to one-of-a-kind treasures. 

Queen Victoria Building  

In the heart of central Sydney, the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) offers five levels of shopping and dining in a grand building first opened in 1898. 

From the outside, the QVB is a striking and iconic Sydney building, located alongside Sydney Town Hall. The inside of QVB is just as impressive, from the tiles to the archways, the stained glass windows and the refurbished cage lifts. A statue of Queen Victoria sits at the Town Hall end of the QVB. 

The shopping is focused on a premium experience featuring both Australian and international brands. Visiting Australia from overseas? For something special to remember your trip, don’t miss Aboriginal Art Galleries on level 2, Australian designer Gorman on lower ground 2, and R.M. Williams on ground level for quality goods inspired by the Australian outback. 

Whether you come for the shopping or the architecture, a visit to QVB is a must on any Sydney itinerary. There’s also plenty of cafes to enjoy a coffee and lunch during your shopping trip.  

Strand Arcade 

The Strand Arcade is another of Sydney’s iconic buildings, constructed in 1891. Head to the top level of this three storey building to get the full view of this impressive building.  

The shopping here is designer and specialty with fashion retailers, jewelers, and chocolatiers.  

If you’re visiting Australia and looking for something unique to take with you from your trip, don’t miss the jewellery, homewares, and gifts at Dinosaur Designs on level 1.  

If you’re looking for hotel near Strand Arcade and the Queen Victoria Building, Swissôtel Sydney is a great option, ideally located just moments away on Market Street in the centre of Sydney. 

Broadway Sydney 

If you’re after a shopping experience without travelling to far from Central Sydney, you’ll find Broadway Sydney located on Broadway near Glebe. This multi-level complex has a movie theatre and over 140 stores including retail and dining. 

You’ll find all sorts of local and international shops including fashion stores, electronics, homewares, lifestyle, beauty, and grocery stores too. Broadway Sydney also has both a Kmart and Target. 

Westfield Bondi Junction 

Another multi-level shopping complex in Sydney is Westfield Bondi Junction, located across the road from Bondi Junction train station, making it easily accessible if you’re staying in Sydney CBD. 

This shopping centre is open daily and has just about every type of shop you could hope to find under one roof. 

Pitt Street Mall 
Located in the heart of Sydney, Pitt Street Mall is the pulse of the city’s shopping scene. This bustling pedestrian zone is lined with a variety of major international brands and flagship stores and connects with Westfield Sydney which is a multi-level shopping centre that houses both high-street labels and high-end designers, providing options for every taste and budget. 

Not to be missed are the department stores with everything from fashion and food to homewares and electronics. You’ll find Myer in Westfield Sydney, and David Jones on nearby Elizabeth Street.  

At Pitt Street Mall you’ll find internationally acclaimed brands alongside local Australian labels, allowing you to take a piece of Sydney style home with you. 

But the allure of Pitt Street Mall extends beyond its retail offering. This open-air mall is a cultural microcosm of Sydney itself — with street performers providing live entertainment and the hustle and bustle of shoppers creating a lively atmosphere. 

After a long day of shopping, you can unwind at one of the many cafes for coffee and cake or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants. 

Oxford Street, Paddington 
For those who appreciate artful curations and high-end fashion, the stretch from Paddington to Woollahra is a must-visit.  

Oxford Street in Paddington is famous for its Victorian terraces that have been transformed into stylish boutiques. These boutiques offer a curated selection of Australian designer wear, bespoke jewellery, and handcrafted homewares, inviting shoppers to immerse themselves in a world of fashion and style. 

As you continue your journey to Woollahra, the shopping experience becomes even more refined. This affluent suburb is known for its exclusive galleries, antique stores, and couture shops. These are nestled among charming cafes and gourmet delis, providing a wonderful backdrop for a leisurely shopping spree.  

The tree-lined streets and beautifully preserved heritage buildings add to the charm of the area, making it a destination in its own right. 

The Paddington to Woollahra route offers a blend of heritage charm and modern sophistication, catering to discerning shoppers who appreciate quality and craftsmanship. 

Each boutique and store in this area tells a story, reflecting the creativity and passion of their curators. So, whether you're a fashion aficionado or a lifestyle enthusiast, this shopping precinct offers a unique retail experience, making it a must-visit on your Sydney itinerary. 

Bay Street, Double Bay 

Continuing your shopping experience in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, about a 20 minute walk from Wollahra you’ll find yourself in Double Bay.  

Bay Street in Double Bay is home to retail and lifestyle boutiques as well as dining. Spend a morning browsing the upscale stores before enjoying lunch at one of Double Bay’s restaurants or cafes.

If it’s a nice day, you might like to take your coffee to go and visit the harbourside Steyne Park where you can take the ferry back around the Circular Quay in Sydney CBD. 

Hall Street and Gould Street, Bondi 

Situated by the stunning shoreline, Bondi is a celebrated spot not only for its world-fame beach but also for its lively retail scene.  

A heartbeat away from the crashing waves, the streets of Bondi Beach are a vibrant mix of boutiques, each showcasing a unique facet of Sydney's fashion scene. From iconic surf brands that epitomise Australia's laid-back lifestyle to promising local designers pushing the envelope of fashion, Bondi is a treasure trove for those who appreciate fashion and style.  

Particularly worth mentioning are Hall Street and Gould Street. Here, you can discover a wide range of swimwear, vintage collectables, and fashion-forward clothing, perfect for your beach escapade or city stroll. 

And if you have an affinity for the unique and the handcrafted, Bondi Markets, held every weekend, are a must-visit. Local designers and artisans come together to display their wares, ranging from handmade jewellery, vintage clothing, and locally produced goods.  

Newtown 

Newtown, a melting pot of alternative culture and diverse community spirit, is the undisputed heartland of vintage and retro shopping in Sydney.  

King Street, the vibrant centre of Newtown, is graced with a range of thrift stores and vintage boutiques. These stores, brimming with nostalgia and charm, offer everything from pre-loved designer pieces to inventive recycled fashion, and even rare vinyl records. 

Extend your exploration beyond King Street into the side streets and hidden alleys. Here, you’ll find the true essence of Newtown with some of the suburb’s most quirky and unusual shops. These tucked-away gems, filled with a treasure trove of vintage curiosities, are a testament to Newtown's rich cultural fabric and eccentricity. 

But Newtown’s allure doesn’t stop at shopping. Once you’ve navigated through the vintage collections, immerse yourself in the suburb's cultural landscape.  

The streets are an open gallery, adorned with street art and cosy cafes providing a sanctuary to rejuvenate while still enjoying the atmosphere. As night falls, Newtown transforms with a variety of bars, live music venues, and street performances. 

Grand Days Woolloomooloo 

Grand Days sells a range of pre-loved designer and vintage fashion as well as records and books, lovingly curated. For a taste of what’s on offer, check out Grand Days on Instagram for regular updates.  

You’ll find Grand Days tucked away on William Street, not far from the iconic Coke sign at Kings Cross. 

Zoo Emporium Vintage Surry Hills 

Zoo Emporium Vintage is located on Campbell St which is close to Oxford Street in Surry Hills – a 10 minute walk from Pullman Sydney Hyde Park, which is a great place to stay if you’re visiting Sydney for a weekend of shopping. 

At Zoo Emporium Vintage you’ll find a treasure trove of designer and vintage fashion. If you’re looking to pick up something truly unique during your Sydney shopping experience, this is a great place to start. It’s been a local favourite for over 30 years.  

The Wayside Op Shop Bondi and Kings Cross 

How’s this for a feel-good shopping experience: when you shop at The Wayside Op Shop, not only are you giving pre-loved clothes a new lease on life in your wardrobe, you’re also supporting The Wayside Chapel.  

The Wayside Chapel is an organisation that provides care and support to those who need it from showers and toiletries, clothing, meals, and community.  

You’ll find Wayside Op Shops in two Sydney locations, Roscoe St in Bondi and Hughes St in Potts Point. 

Rozelle Collectors Market 

The Rozelle Collectors Market are open every Saturday at the Rozelle Public School in Sydney’s inner-west.  

These open-air markets have pre-loved and vintage fashion, art, and other items as well as artisanal food stalls. Located on Darling Street, when you’re finished digging through the antiques and collectibles, there’s plenty more retail and dining along Darling Street throughout both Rozelle and into Balmain.  

If you’re visiting during summer, you might even like to cap off your shopping with a swim in the nearby Dawn Fraser Baths or a walk around The Bay Run, a scenic shared path around Iron Cove.  

Birkenhead Point 

Located harbourside at Drummoyne, Birkenhead Point is home to Sydney’s best premium brand outlet shopping experience. 

You’ll find retailers for Australian and international brands including home and lifestyle stores including Adairs and George Jensen, women’s retailers including Country Road and Cue, men’s retailers including M. J. Bale and Politix, outdoors brands like Kathmandu and Macpac, and so much more. 

When you’ve had your fill of shopping, there’s relaxed harbourside dining to enjoy.