Top 5 Shopping Experiences In Sydney

Shopping in Sydney is as diverse as diverse can get. From techno-looking buildings to those with rustic charm carrying anything from home ware to sports-ware, what more could an avid shopper ask for? Yes, Sydney has its main 'shopping centre' all within few streets apart! Just 3 street names to remember, George, King and Pitt.

Considered as one of Sydney's favorite buildings and built on a 19th century market place, this quintessential shopping doesn't give you a claustrophobic feel that big malls have. Standing gracefully at George Street its Romanesque architecture on its façade as well as inside, you'll be sure to find shopping pleasurable. Whether window shopping or serious shopping, the art galleries or antique shops will not intimidate you. Shops selling unique jewellery and fashion are a must visit. So special is this unique mall, it has guided tours to give you an insight on its history. Just visit the concierge desk for more information.

Whilst still along George Street, drop by The Strand, a Sydney landmark dating from the late 19th Century. Visit shops specialized in Australia's natural gemstone, Opal and be truly mesmerized by the cleverness of its craftsmanship. Craving for some chocolate, head for Haigh's Chocolates store and better yet, they make excellent gifts. Blending old and new, you will find contemporary fashion housed in many shops here. Budding Australian fashion designers get a chance to display their labels at The Graduate Store. Drop by this store for some local support and there may be something there for you too.

Fancy shopping with a difference? Visit The Galleries Victoria for a unique shopping experience. Housing four floors of shopping area, you will mesmerized by beautifully displayed works of work. Incorporating the Sydney School of the Arts, the Arthouse Hotel boasts a bohemian feel for those interested in something unusual. Browse through the vast selection of books at the Kinokuniya Book Store or step into the shops of modern street-wear or formal wear, the offerings are aplenty. If you are here during lunch, why not stop by the Verge & Gallery Bars for lunch and ask for their specials.

For the ultimate fashion conscious but non-monetary conscious, visit the MLC Centre which is located at the corner of King and Castlereagh Streets. Whether looking for Gucci handbags, Ferragamo shoes or Lanvin ties, shopping cant be more luxurious anywhere else in Sydney. What more can a true-blue shopper desire than modern day shopping with a craving for both old and new. This is truly Sydney.

Here are our top 5 shopping experiences in Australia:

1. Sydney
Sydney's most popular shopping precinct in undoubtedly centred around vibrant Pitt Street in the CBD, complete with subways and walkways linking the various shops and arcades. The best place to find designer boutiques and the latest European fashions is the Queen Victoria Building. This historic building was built specifically to house the classier boutiques and has kept its fine reputation over the years.

The Strand Arcade is also worthwhile visiting, with many of Australia's best designers having boutiques here. Outside of the CBD, Double Bay and Mosman (on Sydney's North Shore) are also known for their exclusive boutiques.

2. Melbourne
Melbourne is often considered the place to be for the best of the best - the finest designer fashions, the finest dining and the finest art, music and culture. It's no surprise then that there are several places in Melbourne where you can be assured of finding the latest designer outfits and accessories.

If you want to combine your shopping experience with a touch of celebrity spotting, make sure you visit the designer label boutiques along Toorak Road. Nearby Chapel Street is known as the place to be for up-and-coming Australian designers, although you can also find many of the younger labels at Melbourne Central, a stylish arcade on the corner of Swanston and LaTrobe Streets. You will discover exclusive one-off boutiques and delightful cafés along bustling Flinders Street and in The Walk Arcade in Bourke Street.

The majestic Block Arcade is a magnificent Victorian building in Collins Street where you will find the very best in glassware, leatherwear and upmarket clothing.

3. Brisbane
To experience the best shopping in Brisbane you should begin in the Queen Street Mall in the very heart of Brisbane's CBD. The best shopping can be found in the various arcades that branch off the Queen Street Mall. Head to the bottom end of the mall, away from the casino, to the Wintergarden where you can discover the upmarket boutiques with labels such as Midas, Mambo, Guess, GANT, JAG, Liz Davenport, Carla Zampatti, Liz Ho, Tony Barlow, Kookai and many other exclusive stores. For the best shoes, visit the nearby Broadway and head to Mollini.

Another of Brisbane's most prestigious arcades is the Brisbane Arcade, home to designers such as Kerri Craig, BORA and Maggie Sheppard. Meanwhile Hunt Leater and MARCS designs can be found in the Tattersalls Arcade. Queens Plaza is where you can discover treasures such as Tiffany's, Louis Vuitton, Mecca, JigSaw, David Lawrence, Saba, Max Mara and many more stylish designer boutiques.

4. Perth
If you are shopping for classy, high quality items in Perth then The Colannade, in trendy Subiaco, is the place for you. Often referred to as Perth's Centre of Style, The Colonnade is a chic retail complex that combines the best of the best - the best fashions, food, health and beauty. Here you can indulge in gorgeous clothing from designers such as Versace or Morrissey, along with accessories from Gucci and Moschino. In addition to the best shopping, relax and be pampered at Day Spa at Belen or one of two top hairstylists - Be Ba Bo or Ambyance.

5. Adelaide
For the best shopping in Adelaide, head to Unley Road. This is one of the more upmarket shopping precincts in Adelaide where shoppers can delight in a range of high quality goods, from the latest fashions to precious antiques, modern galleries and gourmet delicacies.

The exclusive boutiques of Unley Street mingle with funky cafés and fine dining alike, and are framed by heritage listed buildings and magnificent mansions. You can be sure of finding well-tailored items for your next business function or outfits that are perfect for staying at a five star resort. For the best in exquisite European antiques, Magill Road in Norwood and Maylands is the place to be while Melbourne Street in North Adelaide is home to many Australian fashion designers' stores.

Whether you live in one of these cities or are visiting as part of a luxury Australian holiday, if you like shopping for quality then you'll like each of these top 5 shopping experiences in Australia.