Published: Last Updated:
Readtime: 12 min
Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here.
The best place to go shopping in Melbourne is, well, everywhere. Every nook, cranny and sprawling area of the city has a strip, market, mall or outlet to sink (tap) your teeth (digital wallet) into. Known as Australia’s fashion capital, shopping in Melbourne goes beyond mere retail therapy; it’s a city-wide playground for fashion enthusiasts of all kinds, blending high fashion with grassroots street style. So… keen to find out all of Melbourne’s shopping hot spots? Come, let me show you.
Where to Shop in Melbourne at a Glance
- Best shopping centre/mall in Melbourne: Chadstone Shopping Mall
- Best factory outlet shopping in Melbourne: DFO South Wharf
Best shopping street in Melbourne: Chapel Street - Best luxury shopping in Melbourne: Collins St (Paris End)
- Best budget shopping in Melbourne: Queen Victoria Markets
1. Chadstone Shopping Mall
- Address: 1341 Dandenong Rd, Malvern East VIC 3145
- Hours: Mon-Wed 9am-5.30pm, Thurs-Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 10am-7pm
Chadstone Shopping Mall, affectionately known as ‘Chaddy’, is Australia’s largest and most iconic shopping destination. Located on the outskirts of Melbourne, Chadstone boasts an impressive list of over 550 stores, including high-end luxury brands like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton, as well as popular chains and unique boutiques.
Chadstone is upscale yet accessible, making it a magnet for both local and international visitors. The mall’s design, with its stunning 7,000sqm gridshell roof, creates a light and airy shopping atmosphere.
This, combined with the huge range of retailers, food spots – ranging from quick bites to fine dining – and entertainment options including a state-of-the-art HOYTS cinema complex and the Southern Hemisphere’s first Legoland Discovery Centre, makes a fun shopping day out for all.
2. The Strand
- Address: 250 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Hours: Sat-Wed 10am-7pm, Thurs-Fri 10am-9pm
If you’re weaving your way through Melbourne’s shopping tapestry, The Strand Melbourne is a stop you won’t want to miss. Right in the bustle of the CBD, this spot intertwines the modern with the classic, offering a unique blend of fashion and lifestyle options.
The Strand is a world where high-end fashion meets Melbourne’s relaxed laneway culture. From luxe labels like Acne Studios, to COS, Rag & Bone and lifestyle favourites such as Dinosaur Designs, there’s a store for every shopping taste.
It also offers direct links to both the new Emporium Melbourne and the timeless Melbourne GPO. This makes it not just a place for retail therapy but a destination that connects you to the best shopping in the city.
3. Emporium Melbourne
- Address: 287 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Hours: Sat-Wed 10am-7pm, Thurs-Fri 10am-9pm
Emporium Melbourne is a premium fashion and lifestyle hub in Melbourne’s CBD, integrating seamlessly into the city’s network of laneways. Spanning seven levels, Emporium Melbourne has over 150 specialty stores.
It’s particularly well-known for housing one of Australia’s largest collections of Aussie designers, alongside plenty of international brands, making it a hot spot for fashion aficionados. But there are also more accessible brands, like UNIQLO, Adidas, and Victoria’s Secret.
The architecture of Emporium Melbourne is also pretty noteworthy, featuring a blend of heritage facades with modern structures, creating a spacious and light-filled shopping environment.
4. QV Melbourne
- Address: Cnr Lonsdale Street and, Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Hours: Sat-Wed 10am-7pm, Thurs-Fri 10am-8pm
QV Melbourne features a blend of local and international designer brands, great restaurants, and some of Melbourne’s most reputable retailers. Embracing the charm of Melbourne’s urban style, the QV precinct sprawls across an entire city block and is known for its unique open-air setup, housing over 120 specialty stores along its laneways.
The central plaza also features various arts and events, showcasing everything from live performances to unique art displays, meaning there’s always something new and exciting to experience at QV Melbourne. Oh, and there’s a full-sized Woolworths supermarket on the basement level, a rare find in city shopping precincts.
5. Melbourne Central
- Address: Cnr LaTrobe and Swanston Streets, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Hours: Sat-Wed 10am-7pm, Thurs-Fri 10am-9pm
Melbourne Central is an urban landmark, combining retail, culture, and architecture in the centre of Melbourne. Opened back in 1991, it’s home to over 300 shops across five levels, including a mix of Australian and international fashion brands.
From pop-up shops to regular events, Melbourne Central keeps the energy high. Its design, with natural light and modern street-front strips, aims to make shopping an experience rather than just a task.
Melbourne Central also hosts a range of food outlets across two food courts, plus entertainment options like a Hoyts Cinema complex and ten-pin bowling. Plus, fun fact: the Glass Cone at Melbourne Central is touted as the world’s largest of its type, standing 20 storeys high and featuring 490 tonnes of glass.
6. St Collins Lane
- Address: 260 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Hours: Sat-Wed 10am-6pm, Thurs-Fri 10am-7pm
St. Collins Lane is another great retail destination in the CBD. Initially known as Australia on Collins, the space was reimagined and reopened as St. Collins Lane, aiming to offer a more refined and less confusing layout compared to its predecessor.
Today, the centre is home to a mix of local and international brands such as Cerrone Jewellers, TAG Heuer, and Birkenstock, providing shoppers with a variety of high-end shopping options.
7. Highpoint Shopping Centre
- Address: 120-200 Rosamond Rd, Maribyrnong VIC 3032
- Hours: Mon-Wed 9am-6pm, Thurs-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 10am-6pm
Highpoint Shopping Centre is a significant destination in Melbourne’s western suburbs. It’s the third-largest shopping centre in Victoria and the fifth-largest in Australia. The centre boasts a diverse range of stores and services, with around 500 retail shops.
Alongside shops like David Jones, Uniqlo, and Zara, Highpoint also features sweet treat options such as Koko Black and Max Brenner, food options like Guzman Y Gomez, a Hoyts for entertainment and even a tattoo parlour – Celebrity Ink.
8. DFO South Wharf
- Address: 20 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
- Hours: Sat-Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-9pm
Looking for a bargain? Head to DFO South Wharf. This Direct Factory Outlet centre is a paradise for savvy shoppers and fashion enthusiasts alike, with over 180 stores featuring both Australian and international brands.DFO South Wharf features a wide variety of shops, from fashion and household goods to jewellery and more, with popular brands like Adidas, Armani, Calvin Klein, and Nike.
Once you’ve racked up enough on your card, you can finish your Melbourne day out by enjoying waterfront cafes, restaurants, and bars along the South Wharf Promenade, right next to the shopping area.
Best Shopping Strips & Precincts Melbourne
9. Bourke Street, CBD
- Address: Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Hours: Varying hours
Bourke Street is a hugely popular CBD shopping destination. A pedestrian and tram-only, spot, it’s known for its lively atmosphere and diverse shopping options. Running between Elizabeth and Swanston Streets, it’s where you’ll find major department stores like Myer and David Jones, as well as the historic Melbourne GPO, now home to the fashion giant H&M. For some iconic Melbourne shopping, Bourke Street is where it’s at.
10. Chapel Street, South Yarra–Prahran–Windsor
- Address: South Yarra – Prahran-Windsor
- Hours: Varying hours
Chapel Street is a legendary shopping spot (over 4km!) that stretches through the suburbs of South Yarra, Prahran, and Windsor. It’s an iconic street that’s a melting pot of fashion, food, and fun that you just can’t miss.
Along the South Yarra end of Chapel Street, you’re surrounded by high-end designer shops. But as you walk further into the Prahran and Windsor zones, you’ll find unique boutiques that beckon with one-of-a-kind finds. This end of Chapel Street is where the real magic happens – it’s where the locals flock, and you know that’s always a good sign.
No visit to Chapel Street is complete without exploring its iconic spots – from The Como Centre (South Yarra end) to the creative hub that is The Jam Factory (South Yarra), and let’s not forget the foodie paradise, Prahran Market.
11. Collins St (Paris End), CBD
- Address: Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Hours: Varying hours
The ‘Paris End’ of Collins Street in Melbourne is famous for its high-end fashion stores, upscale dining options, and historic architecture. This area is lined with luxury brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton, making it a great spot for luxury shopping enthusiasts.
Aside from luxe fashion, it’s also known for its impressive street art, historic buildings and churches, adding a touch of old-world charm to the modern shopping experience. It’s a beautiful spot to simply wander about, perfectly blending Melbourne’s history and contemporary culture.
12. Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
- Address: Brunswick St, Fitzroy, 3065
- Hours: Varying hours
Brunswick Street in Fitzroy is the go-to spot for unique and alternative styles (so like, quintessential Melbourne fashion). You’ll find everything from vintage clothing and second-hand books to artisan jewellery and bespoke fashion.
For those who are into vintage and retro, Lost & Found Market is a must-visit, offering a wide range of vintage clothing, furniture, and cool memorabilia. You’ve also got the Rose St Artists’ Market on Saturdays and Sundays for a more upscale market experience.
If you’re looking for something more contemporary, there are numerous boutiques along Brunswick Street showcasing local designers and international brands. From Freitag to Gorman, not-for-profit streetwear label Homie, to popular Small Space Jewellery and so much more, you can spend a whole weekend wandering up and down Brunswick Street.
13. Gertrude St, Fitzroy
- Address: Gertrude St, Fitzroy, 3065
- Hours: Varying hours
Gertrude Street in Fitzroy is a gorgeous strip for those seeking unique and independent shopping experiences – you won’t find many retail chains here. Instead, the street is lined with eclectic stores offering everything from vintage finds and local artwork to handmade and high-quality jewellery and fashion. It blends artistic flair with bohemian charm, making it an essential visit for shoppers wanting to dive into Fitzroy’s rich local culture and shopping scene.
14. Flinders Lane, CBD
- Address: Flinders Lane, Melbourne 3000
- Hours: Varying hours
Flinders Lane in the Melbourne CBD is a treasure trove for those wanting an iconic Melbourne shopping experience in the city. The street is packed with local designer shops housed in beautiful buildings dating back to the gold rush era of the mid-1800s.
This street offers a mix of Melbourne’s best independent retailers – from laneway chic to boutique sleek, catering to lovers of edgy local designs and high fashion. Plus, once you’re done shopping for the day, there are countless upscale bars and restaurants on Flinders Lane to enjoy a cocktail, or fine dining meal in.
Best Melbourne Markets
15. Queen Victoria Markets
- Address: Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Hours: Tues-Fri 6am-3pm, Sat 6am-4pm, Sun 9am-4pm
The Queen Victoria Market, also just known as ‘’Vic Market’ is a significant historical and cultural landmark in Melbourne. Spanning over two city blocks, it’s one of the must-visit destinations for tourists, home to over 600 small businesses offering a wide range of products from fruits and vegetables, to local and imported gourmet foods, clothing and souvenirs.
16. South Melbourne Market
- Address: 322-326 Coventry St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
- Hours: Sat-Wed 8am-4pm, Fri 8am-5pm
South of the river, you’ll find the beloved South Melbourne Market. For over a century and a half, this market has been the go-to spot for locals seeking not just groceries, but a true community experience. With its friendly traders and quality produce, South Melbourne Market is a true community hub.
From high-quality meats to fresh fruit and veg, to tea and coffee, desserts, knick-knacks and unique clothing finds, there’s a little bit of everything here. Not to mention the live music and cultural festivals – basically, there’s always something exciting happening at South Melbourne Market.
Whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for the freshest ingredients or just looking for a place to unwind and explore, this market has got you covered.
Why Trust This List
From the author, Ally Burnie: I’ve written about Australia’s lifestyle scene for over a decade. And, since making Melbourne my home in 2023, I’ve been on a mission – exploring every shopping nook and cranny with gusto (tough job, but someone’s gotta do it). I’ve personally tested many spots on this list, each one adding something unique to Melbourne’s fashion scene. For those I haven’t yet ticked off, they come highly recommended by local fashion experts and backed by rave reviews from fellow shoppers. Overall, this guide is a blend of personal research and expert consensus.
Alternatives to Best Shops in Melbourne
Interested in more things to do in Melbourne? Here are our faves!
Best Restaurants in Melbourne
- Best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne
- Best fine dining in Melbourne
- Best steak in Melbourne
- Best Italian in Melbourne
- Best Greek in Melbourne
Fun Things to Do in Melbourne
- Fun things to do in Melbourne
- Best live music venues in Melbourne
- Best paintball in Melbourne
- Date night ideas Melbourne
You’ll also like:
