Shopping · Brisbane · Australia
Shopping in Brisbane
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Fairfieldstation, Public domain
Quick answer
Brisbane shopping ranges from Queen Street Mall's department stores to designer boutiques on James Street and vintage shops in Paddington and West End. Best souvenirs: Aboriginal art, Macadamia nuts and Australian skincare.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 4
- Markets
- 3
- Top souvenir
- Aboriginal art
Where to shop
Queen Street Mall
The city's main pedestrian shopping street with department stores, arcades and chains.
James Street, Fortitude Valley
Australian fashion labels, homeware and design stores.
Paddington
Vintage clothing, antiques and boutiques along Given and Latrobe terraces.
Boundary Street, West End
Record shops, bookshops and independent fashion.
Markets
Davies Park Market, West End
Saturday morning produce, food and second-hand goods market under fig trees.
Powerhouse Farmers Market, New Farm
Saturday market of local produce and breakfast stalls beside the Brisbane Powerhouse.
South Bank weekend markets
Craft, clothing and art stalls set up in the parklands on Friday evenings and weekends.
What to buy
Aboriginal art
Buy from galleries that work directly with artists or community art centres, such as the QAGOMA shop.
Macadamia nuts
Native to southeast Queensland and sold roasted, coated or as spreads.
Australian skincare
Locally made skincare and sunscreen brands sold in pharmacies and boutiques.
Queensland wine and craft beer
Wines from the Granite Belt and Tamborine Mountain and local craft beers.
Streets and markets worth a wander
Market · Hamilton
Eat Street Northshore
A night market built from shipping containers on the riverside wharves at Hamilton, with dozens of food stalls from dumplings to churros, bars and live music.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- After dark
- Kids
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Tropical fruit, Lamington, XXXX beer and Meat pie. Farmers' markets at the Powerhouse and Davies Park, and greengrocers across the city. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Brisbane CBD | $$$ | Queen Street Mall, sandstone heritage buildings and riverside gardens |
| Fortitude Valley | $$ | Bars, live music, Chinatown and the James Street dining strip |
| New Farm | $$$ | Leafy riverside suburb of Queenslander houses, New Farm Park and the Powerhouse |
| West End | $$ | Bohemian inner suburb of Boundary Street cafés, record shops and a Saturday market |
| Paddington | $$$ | Hilly ridge of painted Queenslander cottages, antique stores and pubs |
| Spring Hill | $$ | Quiet heritage hill above the CBD with mid-range hotels and the Old Windmill |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in AUD. Tipping is not expected in Australia. Leaving about 10% for good table service in a restaurant is appreciated but optional; rounding up taxis is common.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in February–March; the busiest months are the peak holidays.
- May: Paniyiri Greek festival at Musgrave Park (usually May)
- September: Brisbane Festival (usually September)
- September: Riverfire fireworks over the river (during Brisbane Festival)
- December: Christmas lights and events at King George Square (December)
Staying near the shops
$$$ · Best for first-timers, shopping and solo travellers
Brisbane CBD
Queen Street Mall, sandstone heritage buildings and riverside gardens
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Brisbane?
Aboriginal art, Macadamia nuts, Australian skincare and Queensland wine and craft beer.
+Where is the best shopping in Brisbane?
Queen Street Mall: The city's main pedestrian shopping street with department stores, arcades and chains.
+What are the best markets in Brisbane?
Davies Park Market, West End, Powerhouse Farmers Market, New Farm and South Bank weekend markets.