Shopping in Sydney

Shopping in the heart of Sydney is a pleasure compared to the haggling in south east asia and hustle and the bustle of other cosmopolitan cities. Most of the large department stores and shopping centres are within a few blocks of each other and if it's raining you can make your way around under cover using the intricate system of malls, arcades, interconnected department stores, tunnels and overhead walkways that link four blocks of local and international outlets.
Shops are generally open from 9-5pm Monday through Friday (with the exception of Thursday when most stores will open until 9pm), 9-4pm on Saturday and some stores in the city will open on a Sunday but hours vary so it's best to call up and check. Almost all outlets accept the major credit cards like AMEX, Diners, MC, Visa and some city stores will accept JCB cards. You can also use Maestro or Cirrus electronic network debit cards in most stores.

The Queen Victoria Building

The Queen Victoria Building was a purpose built shopping centre opened in 1898 celebrating Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. In more recent years the building was largely neglected and fell in to a state of disrepair until the early 1980's when the Centre was painstakingly restored to its original grandeur. Today the QVB is one of the most stunning examples of Victorian architecture in Sydney. The Centre now houses a superb collection of 190 designer label and specialty stores and excellent eateries. The QVB occupies a full block along George Street between Town Hall and Market Street. For more information visit http://www.qvb.com.au/.

The Strand Arcade

The Strand Arcade is a more hip and groovy version of the QVB. The Strand was opened in 1892 and was almost destroyed by fire in 1976. The resident shopkeepers restored the building which now houses some of Australia's top designer labels, jewellers, boutiques and beauty salons. The Strand extends from the middle of Pitt Street mall through to George Street, a block towards Circular Quay from the QVB. For more inforomation, visit http://www.strandarcade.com.au/.

Centrepoint

At the southern end of Pitt Street Mall you will find Centrepoint which houses over 130 specialty stores and forms the foyer to the 305 metre high AMP tower. Other shopping areas in or close to Pitt Street Mall include the Glasshouse and the MLC Centre which are linked to one another via a covered overpass. Further down towards the Quay is Chifley Plaza, home to a selection of the world's most famous and stylish international brands.
There are also some excellent markets around Sydney throughout the week and every weekend where you can pick up anything from new and preloved clothes and hand crafted furniture to mouth watering home baked food.
Keep in mind that if the feet hurt or you like to play hard ball when it comes to shopping then an organised guided shopping tour may be your best option.

Paddington

Paddington is a trendy inner-city suburb populated by a fusion of high-end clothing stores and vintage boutiques set among beautiful Victorian terraces.

Oxford Street is a mecca among Australian shoppers for its array of designer flagship stores including Zimmerman and Diesel, so be sure to browse the racks for designer outfits at the cutting edge of fashion.
Visit the specialty stores of Australian designers like Collette Dinnigan, tucked away on the slightly less-frequented Glenmore Road and keep an eye out for stylish vintage clothing in neighbouring shops.
Snap up the bargains from emerging designers and pick up vintage pieces at the Fringe Bar Markets. The markets are hosted every Saturday at the popular Oxford Street nightspot.

Don't miss Paddington Markets which are held every Saturday and showcase the best of Australian contemporary art, craft and fashion with 250 stalls.

                                                          by Vivien Lin (42056756)