Forget Sydney or Melbourne for shopping, Brisbane is where it’s at. It’s a great city for retail therapy, highly walkable and easy to get around. The shopping in Brisbane CBD includes a lot of big brands and local legends, so you’re sure to enjoy some really good finds here (and yep, we know what you’re already thinking and your bank account is not gonna be as happy as you with this day plan idea).
Explore some of the city’s best shopping destinations in our must-read guide.
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Best Shopping Mall & Surroundings
If you want to find somewhere to spend some dollies, you’ve got to go to the Queen Street Mall. It’s the largest open-air Brisbane CBD shopping mall, so it’s really easy to spend the whole day there without even thinking twice.
The mall is super easy to walk around and connects several of the city’s big shopping centres. There’s everything there from well known Aussie brands to international names, plus there’s always something happening so it never feels boring.
If you want to stay close by, Oaks Brisbane On Charlotte Suites and Oaks Brisbane Aurora Suites are both great central options. Being this close to the CBD means you can pop in and out of the mall whenever you feel like it. And if you want to enjoy spacious serviced apartments and city views after a long day getting to know Brissy, then you won’t be disappointed with either of them. The hardest part will be picking which one you want to stay.
Queens Plaza
Queens Plaza is the place to enjoy luxury shopping in Brisbane CBD. Think about designer labels, glossy interiors and a slightly quieter and elevated vibe and you’ll get it. It’s definitely the place to go if you wanna treat yourself and you don’t care about how much you’ll be spending. One day is one day, right?
Wintergarden
Casual shoppers will love Wintergarden’s more relaxed feel. There’s a mix of fashion, beauty and lifestyle stores, so you’ll be sure to find what you need. It’s really easy to get around and is a good stop if you want to enjoy both high-street and mid-range brands.
Uptown
Formerly known as the Myer Centre, Uptown is one of the spots that is linked to Queen Street Mall. It’s got a bit of everything, including fashion and electronics. There’s also plenty of casual dining options, so you can grab a bite to eat between shops.
MacArthur Central
You’ll find a different shopping vibe at MacArthur Central. There’s a really nice mix of retail and dining, including famous brands and a few more casual options. MacArthur Central is more unique compared to standard malls, so it’s worth taking a look just to see the beautiful heritage-listed building it lives in.
Streets Surrounding the Mall
It’s very easy to just stick to the mall, but you’ll be missing out if you don’t wander around the nearby streets too.
Edward St is known for its luxury retailers and high-end brands, while Elizabeth St has a mix of popular dining spots, including plenty of Asian eateries, independent boutiques and smaller stores. If you’re wondering where to shop in Brisbane, this whole area gives you a bit of everything within a few blocks.
Shopping districts with cool vibes
Brisbane CBD is one of the coolest in Australia, and shopping is a good way to take it in. There’re some amazing neighbourhoods that bring a completely different energy to Brisbane’s shopping scene. Spend some time exploring them all to help you find your favourite.
Fortitude Valley
Fortitude Valley is easily one of the trendiest areas in the city. You’ll find a mix of local designers, boutique stores and some high-end fashion, along with plenty of cafés and bars to enjoy a nice shopping break while tanning in Brissy’s sun.
Oaks Brisbane Lexicon Suites is really close to the area, so it’s a good shout if you want central accommodation in a sought-after spot. With modern apartment-style rooms and incredible city views, it’s a great base for exploring the Valley without needing to travel far.
Paddington
Paddington is one of Brisbane’s most unique and cool areas. It’s known for its charming streets which are lined with antique shops, bookstores and independent boutiques. Even if you’re not looking for anything, you’ll be sure to come away with something (yep, above all if you’re looking for an unusual souvenir to remember your trip).
Woollongabba
Woollongabba has a laid-back vibe with a bit of a vintage flair. You’ll find homewares, niche stores and enjoy plenty of local businesses too. You can stay at the wonderful Oaks Woollongabba Suites, with a must-see rooftop pool, and enjoy being just a few steps away from the Gabba. If you’re keen to get a feel for local Brissy life, this is the place for it.
Vintage & Thrift Stores
Thrift shopping is in, and you can find some really good thrift stores in Brisbane if you know where to look. Luckily, we’re here to help you find the best ones.
SWOP – West End and the CBD
SWOP has stores in both the West End and the CBD and is one of the best places you could start with because they have pretty much everything there. There’s a fun mix of vintage pieces, streetwear and designer pieces, so who knows what you might end up finding!
Brik Market - West End
You can find the hugely trendy Brik Market in the West End, where you’ll feel right at home in this relaxed spot. You can spend hours browsing for clothes and accessories and even find some cool pieces from independent sellers.
Yesterday's Thrift Shop - Rosalie
Over in Rosalie, Yesterday’s Thrift Shop has a more old-school vibe. You can find everything from clothes to books and possibly find some hidden gems if you’re willing to have a good rummage.
A little planning can make your shopping experience smoother:
- Check opening hours in advance. Most CBD stores are open from around 9am to 5pm, with late-night shopping typically on Fridays.
- Explore local street markets if you’re visiting on the weekend. They’re great for unique finds, handmade goods and street food.
- Use public transport to get around. Buses, trains and ferries all connect the main shopping areas.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be on your feet a fair bit, especially around the CBD.
- Take breaks between stops. Brisbane’s cafe culture makes it easy to pause for a coffee or quick bite.
- Brisbane CBD’s shopping malls have a bit of everything, so if you have limited time to shop, focus on these.
To wrap it up!
When it comes to where to shop in Brisbane, nothing beats the CBD. It’s got everything from major malls to smaller boutiques, while nearby neighbourhoods give you some unique experiences. However, wherever you like to shop, you’ll fall in love with shopping in Brisbane.
