Shopping · Gold Coast · Australia
Shopping in Gold Coast
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Tristanb ( talk )., CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Shopping on the Gold Coast centres on large malls and outlet centres, plus surfwear and boutiques in the beach suburbs. Best souvenirs: Australian surfwear, Macadamia products and Aboriginal art.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 4
- Markets
- 3
- Top souvenir
- Australian surfwear
Where to shop
Pacific Fair, Broadbeach
One of Queensland's largest shopping centres, with department stores and dining.
Harbour Town Outlets, Biggera Waters
Outlet shopping for Australian and international brands at discounted prices.
James Street, Burleigh Heads
Boutiques, surfwear and homeware alongside cafés.
Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Small fashion boutiques and cafés in a quieter setting.
Markets
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
Evening market along the beachfront with crafts, clothing and souvenirs.
HOTA Farmers Markets
Sunday morning produce and food market at Home of the Arts in Bundall.
Miami Marketta
Street-food and live-music market in Miami on selected evenings.
What to buy
Australian surfwear
Boardshorts, wetsuits and beachwear from Australian surf brands.
Macadamia products
Native Queensland nuts, roasted or as spreads and chocolates.
Aboriginal art
Buy from galleries that work directly with artists and communities.
Local skincare and sunscreen
Australian-made sun-care products designed for strong UV.
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Mango, Local craft beer and Lamington. Supermarkets, greengrocers and farmers' markets from about November to February. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Surfers Paradise | $$ | High-rise beachfront, Cavill Avenue bars and the evening beachfront markets |
| Broadbeach | $$$ | Polished dining precinct with a patrolled beach, the convention centre and Pacific Fair |
| Main Beach | $$$$ | Low-key upmarket strip of Tedder Avenue cafés between Surfers and The Spit |
| Southport | $$ | Broadwater-side business centre with parklands and the light rail hub |
| Burleigh Heads | $$$ | Headland national park, a famous point break and the coast's best café scene |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in AUD. Tipping is not expected in Australia. Leaving about 10% for good table service is appreciated but optional.
- Cover up with a shirt and shoes when you leave the beach for shops and restaurants.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in February–March, May–June, August and October; the busiest months are December–January.
- May: Blues on Broadbeach music festival (usually May)
- September: Swell Sculpture Festival on Currumbin Beach (usually September)
Staying near the shops
$$$ · Best for families, couples, shopping and food lovers
Broadbeach
Polished dining precinct with a patrolled beach, the convention centre and Pacific Fair
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Gold Coast?
Australian surfwear, Macadamia products, Aboriginal art and Local skincare and sunscreen.
+Where is the best shopping in Gold Coast?
Pacific Fair, Broadbeach: One of Queensland's largest shopping centres, with department stores and dining.
+What are the best markets in Gold Coast?
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, HOTA Farmers Markets and Miami Marketta.