Whether you’re a bargain hunter, a boutique browser or just in it for the food courts, the Gold Coast has no shortage of spots to flex your shopping muscles. We’re talking mega malls, seaside markets, hidden op shop hauls and even a fudge shop or two in the hinterland. So grab your reusable bags (and maybe your credit card), and let’s go shopping.
Shopping centres
Pacific Fair, Broadbeach
It’s the Gold Coast’s largest – and most iconic – shopping centre for good reason, though the jury is still out on which is better: the old Pac Fair, or the new one. Obviously, the new one boasts a sprawling, sun-soaked layout, 400+ stores and restaurant-quality food options. But the old one had a train. It’s a tough call.
Harbour Town Premium Outlets, Biggera Waters
Pac Fair might be our largest shopping centre, but did you know the Gold Coast is also home to Australia’s largest outlet shopping centre? Harbour Town has over 240 stores, all offering big name brands at discounted prices. There’s also a cinema and an impressive food court, should the rush of bargain hunting wear off (or work up your appetite).
Robina Town Centre, Robina
It’s way less of a tourist hotspot than its counterparts, but locals know that Robina Town Centre is the place to go if you need to tick a ton of items off your shopping list. They have everything: clothing, tech, homewares, toys… not to mention three food courts, with options for whatever you fancy.
Shopping areas
James Street, Burleigh Heads
We may come to Burleigh for the beach – and the food – but more often than not, we stay for the shopping. James Street is just a short walk from the beach, and is packed with stores of all kinds – fun boutiques (Sean Scott Boutique, Dore and Saint Harlowe are some of our favourites), homewares stores and op shops, to name a few.
Gallery Walk, Tamborine Mountain
You’ll be hard pressed finding a more scenic shopping destination than Tamborine’s Gallery Walk. Set amongst the lush hinterland, Tamborine’s main street is sprinkled with dozens (over 70, to be precise) of quaint, quirky shops – clock makers, fudge makers and wine makers alike.
Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Tourists flock to the golden sands of Coolangatta’s beach, but locals know there’s just as much fun to be had a block back from the surf. If you love op shopping, you’re in luck – there are plenty to be found on Griffith Street, along with other retailers. And when you’re done, you can head to nearby Bay Street – the coolest address in Tweed Heads.
Markets
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
There are few more picturesque places to shop than along the waterfront at the Gold Coast’s most iconic beach. On Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the Surfers Paradise Esplanade comes alive with vendors selling all kinds of wares – artisan goods, handmade pieces, artworks and more.
Dusty Rummage, Currumbin
Perhaps the coolest collection of second-hand clothes and accessories can be found at Dusty Rummage. Once a month, on a Sunday afternoon, the Dust Temple’s outdoor space fills with racks of pre-loved goodness, ripe for the picking. What better way to end the week?
Carrara Markets
From the outside, the Carrara Markets looks somewhat unassuming. But on a Sunday, when the cars roll in for the car boot sale and the sellers roll up the doors of their stalls, the space transforms into a bustling bazaar of leather goods, accessories, swimwear and so much more.
