Our Tips On Where To Shop in Brisbane

No matter what sort of fashion you prefer, Brisbane almost certainly has somewhere for you to hunt for the latest style offerings. Showcasing storefronts from a bevy of much-loved local designers alongside the world's biggest names, Brisbane offers a range of distinctive neighbourhoods that are perfect for indulging in some retail therapy. Across numerous shopping strips and malls, there's an almost endless array of stylish boutiques and arcades that match the very best shopping experiences anywhere in Australia. From the stunning comfort of your stay at Capri by Fraser, Brisbane, you'll be ideally located to hit the streets as you soak up the city's stellar atmosphere and love for fashion. We've taken a look at some of the parts of Brisbane and beyond that budding fashionistas simply have to visit during their stay within the city.

Queen Street Mall

Undoubtedly the most famous spot on this list, Brisbane's Queen Street Mall is located in the heart of the CBD and central to just about everything that shoppers love here. Situated between Edward and George Streets, this is assuredly where you'll discover the greatest range of clothing boutiques with more than 700 vibrant stores dotted throughout a host of enormous shopping malls. Stretching over 500-metres, this place is considered the capital of Brisbane shopping for a reason as you'll soon come across a plethora of stores that range from discount thrift stores to world-renowned luxury brands.

The Wintergarden Shopping Complex is one of the hottest spots here, and it's hard to miss as it features a 90-metre long three-dimensional metal facade that comes alight with vibrant colour. Home to the latest in upmarket wares, at Wintergarden you'll encounter many of Australia's top designers, plus the likes of Dissh, Crumpler, H&M, Uniqlo and Jurlique among many more. The nearby QueensPlaza is another popular shopping spot offering a similar range of striking shops to explore, plus a few glamorous options that are sure to impress. Pay a visit to lavish retailers such as Burberry, Bvlgari, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Dior, which are each spread across this elegant shopping complex. Don't forget to pop your head into the Brisbane Arcade, which is where you'll get to explore an eclectic range of local fashions surrounded by the building's wonderful design of art deco windows and charming timber walls.

You could easily spend the entire day exploring just these places, but there's still much more to consider. We haven't even mentioned The Myer Centre yet – Brisbane's largest shopping centre – where you'll have five massive levels to wander in search of the perfect gift or item of clothing. Outside of clothing and electronics, there are also a huge variety of eateries including the International Food Court, plus a cinema for when you need to take a break. Head along on Friday nights for a late night shopping experience as most shops stay open until 9pm.

Fortitude Valley

For those visitors to Brisbane who have more eccentric tastes than most, you'll definitely find yourself at home in the trendy suburb of Fortitude Valley. From independent designers to massive international brands, this is where you need to be to experience the cusp of Brisbane's renowned fashion scene. The most popular destination in the area is James Street, a bustling avenue that stars more than a hundred stylish boutiques, not to mention a few special places to grab a bite to eat when you decide to rest your feet. Known to locals as simply 'The Valley', here you'll see the likes of Sass & Bide, Assembly Label and Nudie Jeans, while there are lots of spots to explore besides clothes, including furniture specialists Jardan and The Modern Furniture Store.

Follow along the many nearby backstreets and alleyways and you'll soon make your way onto Ann Street. It's here that you'll have the chance to head inside the Emporium, another chic shopping centre that embodies the city's fascinating creative history. One of the must-visit locations for those willing to put their credit card to the test, the Emporium highlights exclusive high-fashion retailer Alla Moda, jewellery by Margot McKinney and modern European designs at Biffi.

We'd be remiss if we didn't also mention the delightful clothing and foodie experiences found at Winn Lane – perhaps the hippest spot to hang out in the Valley. Once a well-known grungy landmark, these days it's been transformed into a stylish shopping district where you can explore dozens of cool boutiques, buy local art and design, and sit down for a delicious burger or two. With your hands full of shopping bags, you'll find a perfectly made coffee at Cantinho on James Street, while Harveys Bar and Bistro is the place to be for a cool drink in a laid-back setting. Between James Street, Ann Street and Winn Lane, you'll get to experience the very best shopping that Brisbane has to offer.

Paddington

Head outside Brisbane's CBD to the leafy inner-city suburb of Paddington and you'll soon find yourself immersed within a world of vintage clothing stores, antique shopfronts and a collection of ramshackle vendors offering an incredible wealth of knick-knacks and souvenirs. The main place to explore in Paddington is the La Trobe and Given terraces, a series of former worker cottages that have been transformed into a sprawling shopping mecca. Home to a huge variety of op-shops and upcycle stores that have given dilapidated clothing some much-needed love, this is where you'll discover the most unique clothing outlets in Brisbane.

Winding up the side of Mount Coot-Tha for over two-kilometres, these stylish cottages are an awesome place to explore on a sunny afternoon. Tucked away behind each zigzagging corner, you'll come across an eclectic array of new things to discover. From homewares to art, souvenirs and fashion, the terraces of Paddington are where you'll get to explore the local businesses that make this city such a vibrant place. With the sun undoubtedly shining hot and bright, make sure you make time to take a break and taste the myriad of flavours on offer at Rosalie Village, the region's most famous area for restaurants and bars. If sipping down ice-cold cocktails sounds like a tempting plan, then you can't look past the tasty offering found at Kettle & Tin.

Woolloongabba

Woolloongabba might be best known for its world-class stadium affectionately known as 'The Gabba', but it's also a great setting for when you're searching for antiques and vintage clothing. The Woolloongabba Antique Centre is naturally where many charming examples can be found, featuring a huge selection of stalls that provide visitors with some of the best thrifting opportunities anywhere in Brisbane. Inside, you'll also come across a funky 1950s-inspired milk bar where you can rest with a coffee and an old-fashioned snack. Nearby Logan Road also has a wide array of retailers and vintage furniture dealers where you can haggle for a bargain. Just a few of the spots you need to check out include Jubilee Antiques, Absolutely Fabulous, Harrington & Co. and Michael Allen Antiques. Dive into Woolloongabba's huge range of historic buildings and discover why this is one of Brisbane's best places to shop.