Where to go shopping in Brisbane

In Australia, even major cities offer unparalleled access to the expansive backcountry of this continent-sized country. But Brisbane is well known as the most bio-diverse and the greenest city in Australia. Located in the south of Queensland, Australia's tropical state, Brisbane City offers incredible encounters with the flora and fauna that have made Australia famous.

That's enough by itself to make the city a major tourist attraction. But it's not just the natural environment that's worth exploring here. The bustling streets of Brisbane are a great place to get in touch with the cultural life of Australia, and also to do some shopping.

Stylish boutiques offering international luxury brands aren't hard to find in Brisbane. The same goes for traditional shopping centers that combine luxury stores and high-street brands under a single roof. From the independent stores along Edward Street to the unrivaled charm of King George Square, you'll find that Brisbane shopping has more than enough to bring out your inner shopaholic while exploring the city. From fashion boutiques to antique shops, you can shop till you drop, and Bounce can help.

Leave your bags behind at one of our Brisbane luggage storage locations to make your shopping trip easier. With your belongings safely stored, you can focus on enjoying the city and Brisbane's best shopping opportunities.

All you need to know when shopping in Brisbane

Shopping in Brisbane is a blend of modern style and local creativity. Although Brisbane isn't a giant city, exploring different areas will give you a different experience, from the international brands and Australian labels on offer in the inner city to the family-friendly shopping centers of the suburbs. Brisbane is quite easy to get around, so leave your heavy bags behind and check out the retail environment of this charming city. We have storage locations everywhere, from Brisbane Airport to the Central Business District, so you never need to be stuck with your bags.

Shopping architecture

Brisbane’s shopping districts span a mix of sleek malls, outdoor markets, and unique neighborhoods. Depending on what you want to buy, you can probably find an area of the city to suit all your needs. Here are some of the highlights.

• Queen Street Mall: A bustling pedestrian precinct in the heart of the city, offering over 700 stores. This is where most locals come to do most of their shopping, and along with the shops themselves, you'll find plenty of cafés, restaurants, and pubs where you can enjoy some refreshments and some local atmosphere in between shops.
• James Street: A trendy precinct with designer boutiques, independent shops, and upscale dining. If you're looking for the latest in haute couture, this is where you'll find it. And even if your budget doesn't stretch to internationally known designers, you can do some great window shopping here.
• The Collective Markets: Located in South Bank, featuring handmade goods, local art, and unique gifts. This is the place to come for something truly unique, and just visiting will give you a sense of Brisbane's counterculture and independence.
• Chermside Shopping Centre: One of Australia’s largest shopping centers, offering high-street and luxury brands. This is ideal for one-stop shopping, and a great place to stay out of the weather while you buy everything you need in a single location.

Opening hours and seasonality

Most shops in Brisbane operate from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays and Fridays until 9:00 PM. Markets like The Collective typically operate on weekends. Seasonal events, such as Christmas markets and outdoor festivals, add a festive touch to the shopping experience. You'll often find that some of the biggest doors in Brisbane have extended hours during the Christmas season, which of course in Australia is during the summer.

Shop like a local

• Bring reusable shopping bags, as Queensland enforces a ban on single-use plastic bags. In this eco-friendly city, tote bags are a way of life, so if you haven't brought any with you, pick up a few so you can bring your purchases home.
• Use public transport or rideshare options to navigate Brisbane’s shopping districts easily. Brisbane's compact size makes it easy to get around, and you can explore most of the major shopping areas of the city via public transit or by walking.
• Visit outdoor markets early for the best selection of goods and a more relaxed experience. Brisbane enjoys some excellent weather, and outdoor markets run for most of the year, providing a wonderful environment to do your shopping.

Coolest shops in Brisbane

Brisbane is home to a range of unique stores that showcase its creative and coastal vibe. You can enjoy much of what makes the city so special and pick up some unique gifts at these quirky establishments.

Molten Store

A boutique offering sustainable jewelry, accessories, and vintage-inspired pieces, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind treasures. Located in Fortitude Valley, this shop is easy to reach and is well worth making the short journey from Brisbane CBD to see what it has to offer.

Address: Shop 5/50 James St, Fortitude Valley

Scrumptious Reads

A bookstore in New Farm dedicated to food and drink literature, featuring cookbooks, wine guides, and culinary-inspired gifts. Bookshops always offer a unique atmosphere, and if you're a foodie or a chef, there are few better places in the city to go for inspiration.

Address: 92 Arthur St

City Beach

A quintessentially Australian shop offering surf and skatewear, accessories, and beach essentials. Beach life is a part of the culture of Brisbane, just as it is throughout Australia, so head here if you need to pick up beach accessories or just want to capture that coastal vibe.

Address: Queen Street Mall

Paddington Antique Centre

A treasure trove of antiques, vintage clothing, and collectibles housed in a historic building. There are several different businesses in this one location, so you can browse for precious items from the past and check out some of the most interesting stores in the city.

Address: 167 Latrobe Terrace

Memorable shopping experiences in Brisbane

Brisbane’s markets and specialty stores provide a variety of goods, from gourmet foods to handmade crafts. In the markets and other locations of the city, you can not only go shopping but also enjoy the city's culture and atmosphere.

The Collective Markets

Held at South Bank, this vibrant market offers artisan goods, unique crafts, and live entertainment. It’s an ideal spot for gifts and souvenirs. You'll often hear live music as you shop, and you can pick up some great food as well as other items while you explore here.

Address: Stanley St Plaza

Jan Powers Farmers Markets

A local favorite, these markets feature fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade products, offering a taste of Brisbane’s food culture. It's the perfect place for food lovers and anyone who wants to experience the food culture of the city for themselves.

Address: Powerhouse, New Farm

Botanica Real Food

A specialty shop offering gourmet salads, baked goods, and healthy pantry items. This is another must-visit for foodies who want to explore Brisbane's dining scene.

Address: 9/1 Enoggera Terrace, Red Hill

Traditional shopping options in Brisbane

For a more conventional shopping experience, Brisbane has a range of malls and shopping centers where you can get everything you need under one roof. Whether in the center of the city or on the outskirts, these places offer great family-friendly shopping and some significant bargains if you're lucky.

Queen Street Mall

The city’s most popular shopping district, featuring high-street brands, department stores, and independent boutiques. Located right in the heart of Brisbane, this mall is perhaps the easiest place to shop for Australian brands and international high-street favorites.

Address: Queen Street, Brisbane CBD

Westfield Chermside

A massive shopping center offering over 400 stores, including luxury brands and family-friendly attractions. Although it's a little way out of central Brisbane, it is well-connected to the city by the Chermside Interchange, where several bus routes stop.

Address: Gympie Rd, Chermside

Indooroopilly Shopping Centre

A stylish mall featuring high-street fashion, luxury retailers, and dining options.

Address: 322 Moggill Rd, Indooroopilly

Brisbane’s shopping scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. You can find everything here from glamorous international high street brands to quirky stores selling local products by Brisbane designers. Add that to the excellent markets of the city, and you have everything you need for a truly memorable retail experience.

Don't forget to make things easier on yourself by taking advantage of Bounce storage locations like the ones on the CBD or near the Brisbane Train Station. We can look after objects of any size for as long as you need so that you can carry on shopping or go out for the night, knowing your new purchases will be safely looked after until you're ready to pick them up.