Queen Victoria Building, SydneyCredit: Destination NSW
Shoppers in Queen Victoria Building in Sydney's CBD.
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Sydney is known for its distinct neighbourhoods, and each brings with it an equally individual appeal when it comes to shopping. From beachside suburbs that feature laidback boutiques channelling surf and sand, to the city centre’s mega-malls and historic arcades, and the inner-west’s retro curios and vintage finds, here are nine destinations to indulge in retail therapy across the city.
Queen Victoria Building (city centre)
Spanning an entire block in the heart of the city, the historic 1898 Queen Victoria Building is as applauded for its fantasy of elaborate Romanesque architecture as it is for its diverse shopping experiences. Take home something made in Australia (from Haigh’s Chocolates to R.M. Williams clothing), peruse boutiques from big-name brands, then end your expedition with champagne high tea at the legendary Tea Room.
Westfield Sydney (city centre)
Set on a pedestrian-only strip of Pitt Street in the heart of the city, Westfield Sydney mall hosts some of the world's most exclusive and luxurious brands, from Fendi and Coach to Givenchy and Chanel. To match the big names are high-end services, such as valet parking and personal styling. But you don’t have to max-out your credit card shopping here — there are more than 280 retailers over four levels, which means you’ll also find plenty of streetwear labels, homewares stores, beauty and even high-end restaurants.
Mosman (North Shore)
The well-heeled precinct of Mosman on Sydney’s North Shore has a bustling village feel, the neighbourhood’s leafy streets lined with upmarket boutiques, rainbow-hued florists and cool cafés. Discover premium Australian and international womenswear labels at Fox & Dove, feminine slips and skirts at Flannel, and eminently covetable homewares and fashion at Pond.
The Intersection, Paddington (Eastern suburbs)
If you’re after a collection of high-end Australian designer boutiques all in one place, The Intersection is a must. Where Glenmore Road meets Oxford Street in the inner-city suburb of Paddington, this chic enclave is where you’ll find outlets from Lee Mathews (for voluminous shirt dresses and printed maxis); beauty emporium Mecca Cosmetica (for hard-to-find make-up and fragrances); Ginger & Smart (for ethical fashion and accessories); and Zimmermann (for sophisticated pieces with a colourful flair). In between, pop in to galleries and cafes, for well-earned refreshments.
Bondi Beach (Eastern suburbs)
The inner-east suburb of Bondi may be known for its surf and sand, but away from the water the area’s streets are dedicated to brunch and boutiques. Pick up on-point fashion and accessories at Tuchuzy, a favourite haunt among locals. Then peruse Commune, for homewares and styling tips that will have your abode looking like the pages of a glossy magazine. Playa by Lucy Folk, meanwhile, sells a select range of beachworthy bling, alongside sunglasses and bags to turn heads.
Westfield, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family shopping in the Sydney CBD.
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Westfield, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family shopping in the Sydney CBD.
Commune, Bondi Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Friends shopping for handmade homewards at Commune, Bondi Beach.
#ilovesydney
Commune, Bondi Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Friends shopping for handmade homewards at Commune, Bondi Beach.
Newtown (Inner-west)
Bordering the University of Sydney and home to live-music venues, theatres, bookstores and some of Sydney’s best restaurants, inner-west Newtown has a distinct bohemian vibe. King Street is one of the quirkiest shopping strips in the city, lined with independent stores like All Buttons Great and Small, packed with more than 15,000 buttons. The Social Outfit is known for its colourful clothing and ethical employment opportunities (it offers free training to refugees), while U-Turn is a mecca for vintage and pre-loved clothing.
Westfield Parramatta (Western suburbs)
A major commercial hub in the west, 25km from Sydney’s centre, Parramatta is home to one of Australia’s largest shopping complexes. Welcome to Westfield Parramatta, packed with just about every well-known retailer in the country — think David Jones, Kmart and Myer — alongside specialist domestic brands including Honey Birdette (luxury lingerie), Oroton (fashion essentials) and Mimco (luxury accessories).
Birkenhead Point, Drummoyne (Inner-west)
Sydney’s answer to the premium shopping outlets across the US, Birkenhead Point unites 160-plus top brands under one roof — with everything discounted, of course. It’s a 15-minute drive from the city centre, or you can arrive via water taxi or join a bus tour, then make the most of the free nanny service while you indulge in a little retail therapy.
Cronulla (Southern suburbs)
Some 30km south of the city centre, Cronulla’s relaxed beachside vibe also filters through its flourishing shopping scene. On Surf Road, drop in to Roar for statement pieces and bespoke accessories from a curated collection of Australian and international designers. Fair trade and sustainable homewares from around the globe are a highlight at Ur Place, in Caringbah, a five-minute drive away from the beach, while Inbetween Tangerine on Surf Lane stocks beach-to-bar sundresses, jumpsuits and accessories.
Shopping, Paddington Credit: Destination NSW
Signage for Australian jewellery designer Kerry Rocks store on William Street, Paddington.
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Shopping, Paddington Credit: Destination NSW
Signage for Australian jewellery designer Kerry Rocks store on William Street, Paddington.
Birkenhead Point, Drummoyne Credit: Destination NSW
Boats docked at Birkenhead Point Marina, Drummoyne in Sydney's Inner West.
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Birkenhead Point, Drummoyne Credit: Destination NSW
Boats docked at Birkenhead Point Marina, Drummoyne in Sydney's Inner West.
More Inspirational Stories
Art Gallery of New South Wales, SydneyCredit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
Come alive with the possibilities as you delve into Sydney’s dynamic arts scene and cultural institutions. Feel moved as you immerse in striking contemporary artworks at public and private galleries, and take in cutting-edge performances and exhibitions across the city.
Be moved by must-see cultural landmarks
Marvel at the ‘sails’ of the Sydney Opera House as you approach this iconic performing arts venue, then join one of several fascinating tours on offer here. Discover the building’s unique history and construction on an Architectural Tour, or go behind the scenes on a Backstage Tour. See a show from an ever-changing program of theatre, dance and music in one of the venue’s many impressive performance spaces, then head to the Opera Bar to take in the front-of-house harbour view as you enjoy seasonal fare and a refreshing drink.
Appreciate the striking art deco façade and waterfront location of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), across the water from the Sydney Opera House at Explore the diversity of Australian modern art as you view highlights of a collection of more than 4,000 works, including a significant body of works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Take time out and digest the wonderful works you’ve just seen as you enjoy panoramic views across Sydney Harbour from the museum’s rooftop café.
Feel far away from the bustle of the city centre as you enter the Domain parklands next to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and make your way to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the leading museum of art in the state. Step back in time to view colonial and 19th-century Australian works and European masters, as well as a dedicated gallery of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Then explore Sydney Modern, the AGNSW’s dynamic new addition, to discover site-specific works by leading Australian and international artists.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoy a tour in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoy a tour in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, The Rocks Credit: Destination NSW
Friends arriving outside the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in The Rocks, Sydney...Artwork: Moon in a Dew Drop.Artist: Lindy Lee
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Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, The Rocks Credit: Destination NSW
Friends arriving outside the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in The Rocks, Sydney...Artwork: Moon in a Dew Drop.Artist: Lindy Lee
Immerse in art in cutting-edge galleries
Lose track of time as you explore a myriad of inner-Sydney art galleries. Delight in a dip into one of the world’s most significant collections of Chinese contemporary art at the White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale, on the fringe of the city centre. Be intrigued by the selection from philanthropist Judith Neilson’s collection of almost 3,000 works created in China since 2000 by around 750 artists, before taking in the tranquil vibe at the gallery’s Teahouse as you snack on handmade dumplings and fine Chinese and Taiwanese tea. (You can also plan ahead and enter the ballot for tickets to cutting-edge performances at Phoenix Central Park, Judith Neilson’s risk-taking cultural centre a short walk from White Rabbit Gallery.)
Lean into the grand scale of Carriageworks, a multi-arts centre housed in expansive former railway workshops in Eveleigh, a five-minute drive or around a 15-minute walk from White Rabbit Gallery. Keep an eye on Carriageworks’ events page for visual arts exhibitions and new performance works.
Take your time exploring the many art galleries dotted around the hip inner-city suburb of Surry Hills. Enter the fascinating world of significant Australian artist Brett Whiteley at Brett Whiteley Studio, tucked away in a side street off Crown Street, one of the main streets running through Surry Hills. Take in the singular atmosphere of the late artist’s former home and workplace, with its unfinished paintings, art equipment, books and graffiti wall of quotes and images, and view one of the changing exhibitions of the artist’s works.
Find yourself challenged and stimulated by the conceptual and design-driven art at independent Surry Hills gallery China Heights, then take the short walk under the train tracks to 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art in Haymarket. Learn about the Asian diaspora in Australia via contemporary art at this fascinating gallery run by the non-profit Asian Australian Artists’ Association Inc.
Thrill to a sense of discovery as you find leading commercial art galleries tucked away in the leafy streets of Paddington in Sydney’s inner east. Roam the side streets of this fashionable suburb to find the likes of Saint Cloche, where gallery director Kitty Clark fosters the city’s emerging artistic talents; Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, one of the most influential commercial art galleries in Australia; and Olsen, founded by Tim Olsen to represent the late John Olsen, one of the country’s greatest painters, and showcase contemporary Australian artists.
White Rabbit Gallery, Chippendale Credit: Destination NSW
Women walking through an exhibition at the White Rabbit Gallery, Chippendale.
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White Rabbit Gallery, Chippendale Credit: Destination NSW
Women walking through an exhibition at the White Rabbit Gallery, Chippendale.
Brett Whiteley Studio, Surry Hills Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW
Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
Brett Whiteley Studio, Surry Hills Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW
Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills