23 of the best Melbourne shopping spots for a haul to remember

Melbourne has it all if you’re looking for unique gifts, innovative fashion and fascinating homewares.

Melbourne shopping is a masterclass in variety. The amount of innovative local fashion labels, independent boutiques, op-shops, unique design stores and factory outlets make this great city one of the best places for any keen shopper visiting Australia.

The head-spinning amount of choice in and around Melbourne CBD is as diverse as the city’s love of high-end restaurants, breezy cafes, creative bars and fascinating museums.

Melbourne shopping centres are some of the biggest and best in Australia, and you don’t have to walk far to find a factory outlet Melbourne locals swear by. Then you’ve got some of the most diverse shopping streets in the country, often with high-end and mid-range sitting comfortably side-by-side.

Below, you’ll find some of our favourite places to go shopping in Melbourne.

The best shops in Melbourne

1. Savers, Moorabbin

Best for: A great selection of vintage and pre-loved fashion

Melbourne’s best op shops are usually smaller and more focused, but Savers in Moorabbin takes a different approach. This superstore is vintage heaven at the best of times, with great prices and a better range than most of the other Savers stores you’ll find in Melbourne. Take along your pre-loved goods and the staff will give you a discount to use instantly.

Address: Suite 4&5/430 Warrigal Rd, Heatherton

2. Brother of St Laurence, Brunswick

Best for: Eccentric and hard-to-find vintage clothing

If you ask locals what their favourite op shop in Melbourne is, the most likely answer is this hidden gem in Brunswick. Brother of St Laurence has all types of eccentric, stylish and unique clothing for men and women. You’ll find plenty to satisfy any vintage designer lust, plus a selection of hard-to-find vinyl, some furniture and a lot of pre-loved books.

Address: 109 Brunswick Rd, Brunswick

3. Sacred Heart Mission, Fitzroy

the shop exterior of Sacred Heart Mission, Fitzroy — Spot the quaint shop on Brunswick Street. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: Some great op-shop treasures and retro art

You’ll find this Sacred Heart Mission on one of St Kilda’s most renowned streets. Head here for unique designer pieces, accessories and an impressive selection of retro art and cooking books, with stock replenished regularly.

If you can’t make it to the store in person, visit their online store. While it is a little pricier than shopping in its brick-and-mortar stores, it’ll save you from having to trawl through racks (though that is where a lot of the fun happens).

Address: 433 Brunswick St, Fitzroy

4. Il Papiro, CBD

a stationery store at Il Papiro, Melbourne — Pick up new writing materials at Il Papiro. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: Premium stationery and design-forward writing accessories

Head along to Degraves Street to find the colourful Il Papiro, a stationery store and one of the most imaginative in Melbourne. Inside you’ll find a rich stock of leather-bound journals, boxes, inks, paper, Venetian glass pans, wax seals and stamps to prove the art of physical writing is far from dead. The staff import all their goods from Florence, so artisanal quality is guaranteed.

Address: 10 Degraves St, Melbourne

5. Fazeek, Fitzroy North

wine and cocktail glasses at Fazeek, Fitzroy North — Fazeek offers colourful wine and cocktail glasses. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: Stocking up on interesting glassware and tableware

Wavy, colourful glassware that looks like nothing you’d find in any department store. Fazeek is the best shop in Melbourne if you want fascinating wine or cocktail glasses, or other unique tableware. Even if you don’t walk away with a new set for your next dinner party, the collections are so bright and attractive that window shopping at Fazeek is a popular local sport.

Address: 27-29 Best St, Fitzroy North

6. Third Drawer Down, Bulleen

items on display inside the Third Drawer Down, Bulleen — Shop for unique gifts and homewares at the Third Drawer Down. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: Unique gifts and homewares for design lovers

Third Drawer Down is one of the most popular stores in Melbourne for unique gifts and homewares. The store, located within the Heide Museum of Modern Art (there used to be another in Prahran but it’s now closed), is a light-filled hub of high-quality design at affordable prices. Inside, you’ll find high thread-count linens, pillowcases, tea towels, fabric swatches, and even socks from local and international artists.

Address: 7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen

7. Cibi, Collingwood

a Japanese homeware store at Cibi, Collingwood — Cibi is a must for those searching for Japanese homewares. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: Artisanal ceramics and homewares with classic Japanese accents

One of Melbourne’s best cafes, Cibi, also doubles as a platform for beautiful Japanese-inspired design goods and homewares. Melbourne’s most ravenous hipsters could never get enough of this immaculate cafe and store, where the retail element is found up the back and stocks incredible ceramics, homewares and furniture.

Address: 33-39 Keele St, Collingwood

8. Lightly, Collingwood

a shop selling homewares at Lightly, Collingwood — Find boho-inspired homewares and locally made pottery. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: Pieces from famous Melbourne designers made from natural materials

Lightly is another one of Collingwood’s most exciting homewares stores and an easy sell for any design lovers scouring Melbourne for unique pieces. The range you’ll find here is mostly made locally from natural materials, showcasing various Melbourne-based designers and owner Cindy-Lee Davis’ work.

Address: 3 Glasshouse Rd, Collingwood

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

9. Fenton & Fenton, Prahran

colourful homewares at Fenton & Fenton, Prahran — Fenton & Fenton sells chic and colourful homewares. (Image: Dave Kulesza)

Best for: Vibrant and colourful furniture and homeware

One of the most attractive shops on High Street is Fenton & Fenton, a Melbourne-based interiors label that was revived recently by investment from the Berkowitz Furniture group. Creative Director Lucy Fenton is still steering the ship, curating an incredible collection of vibrant furniture, linen, fashion, artwork, jewellery, rugs and even some taxidermy. Any homeowner in Melbourne makes this a regular stop.

Address: 471 High St, Prahran

10. dot COMME, CBD

Best for: High-end Japanese fashion

Great bars and up-and-coming bands aren’t the only reasons to head along to Melbourne’s heritage-listed Curtin House. Clothing retailer dot COMME is also a resident of the Palazzo-style building, showcasing high-end men’s and women’s fashion from the likes of Commes des Garcons, Issey Miyake, Junya Watanabe, Yohji Yamamoto and Bernhard Willhelm.

Address: Curtin House, Level 4/252 Swanston St, Melbourne

11. Hill of Content, CBD

the Hill of Content book shop Bourke street, Melbourne shopping — Score great reads for a good price. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jake Roden Photography)

Best for: Hard-to-find vintage books and new releases at affordable prices

Hill of Content is one for book lovers. Opened in the 1920s, this historic independent bookstore is a treasure trove of literature alongside new releases and best-selling fiction titles. There’s also a nice range of reading accessories and other gifts, keeping the magic of a physical book alive.

Address: Level 2/86 Bourke St, Melbourne

12. Torsa, Prahran

Best for: Big-name designers with a focus on innovative high-end fashion

Torsa is another one of Melbourne’s best fashion stores, stocking innovative designers like Isabel Marant, Boy by Band of Outsiders and Alexander Wang. The shop’s accessories are also showcased, matching the stunning quality of those big-name designers and presenting one-off pieces that’ll help you build your signature style.

Address: 497 High Street Prahran

13. Double Monk, Fitzroy

men's footwear at Double Monk, Fitzroy — Double Monk offers an array of luxury men’s footwear. (Image: Visit Victoria/Paul Philipson)

Best for: Artisanal menswear imported from Italy and the UK

Double Monk is another one of those great Melbourne menswear stores that have a large reach and a premium disposition. Luxury footwear is imported from (mostly) Italy and the UK, while there is also a huge range of local and international designers across clothing and accessories.

Address: 53 Smith St, Fitzroy

14. Clothing the Gaps, Brunswick

Best for: Art, design and clothing showcasing Indigenous makers and various techniques

As an Indigenous social enterprise, clothing label and social activist hub, Clothing the Gaps is one of the most important fixtures of Northcote now. Set on the lands of the Wurundjeri people, this store showcases a range of locally made goods from The Koorie Circle. Presenting more as a two-in-one shop where you can grab unisex streetwear, jewellery and other accessories.

Shopping centres

15. Emporium

two women walking outside a fashion boutique at the Emporium, Melbourne — Peruse the fashion boutiques at the Emporium. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robert Blackburn)

Best for: Casual fashion and games at Fortress Melbourne

QV Melbourne and Melbourne Central may both be friendlier on the wallet, but if you’re shopping in the heart of Melbourne you’ll want to head on over to Lonsdale Street.

Emporium Melbourne, opened in 2014, is a luxury shopping centre with plenty of clothing stores and design boutiques. Find big-ticket names like Calibre, Chanel, Aesop, Jac + Jack, MJ Bale, Michael Kors, RM Williams, Polo Ralph Lauren, Zimmermann and Veronika Maine.

Stocking up on the latest fashion trends is why locals would usually head straight for this five-floor shopping mecca, which has over 200 stores and plenty of nearby boutiques in the immediate area.

Address: 287 Lonsdale St, Melbourne

16. Chadstone

the high ceiling of Chadstone, Melbourne shopping — Sleek, contemporary architecture meets luxury retail. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

Best for: Big designers, plenty of dining options and entertainment brands

Melbourne’s legendary shopping mecca. Chadstone is the largest shopping centre in Australia, and one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most comprehensive. With over 500 stores and a recent $70 million expansion, it’s hard to walk away from this impressive shopping hub without some major finds.

All the big-name designers are here. You’ll find Bottega Veneta, Givenchy, Acne Studios, Adidas, an Apple Store, Balenciaga, Bang & Olufsen, Breitling, Cartier, Kenzo Paris and many other big names across just three floors of retail and entertainment space.

When you’re done shopping, The Social Quarter at Chadstone, one of the more recent expansions, also hosts Archie Brothers arcade, Strike Bowling and other entertainment brands. There’s a Hoyts as well, and multiple dining options – both casual and premium.

You can even stay at the attached hotel: Hotel Chadstone Melbourne – M Gallery.

Address: 1341 Dandenong Road, Malvern East

17. Block Arcade

the grand interior of Block Arcade, Melbourne shopping — The heritage-style Block Arcade is an architectural gem. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best for: Unique boutique stores, high-end jewellery and Melbourne’s famous tea rooms.

This heritage shopping arcade has plenty of character in the heart of Melbourne CBD. Not much has changed since it first opened in 1893, aside from the retailers themselves, which swapped designer names for artisanal boutiques and the famous Hopetoun Tea Rooms.

An architectural marvel and one of Melbourne’s most sightly tourist attractions, Block Arcade is best experienced with a guided walking tour. But if you just want to duck in and out, browse retailers including Haigh’s Chocolates, Basement Discs, Bell & Ross, Camper Shoes, Sol Alpaca and Mr Wares.

Family-owned jewellery shops like French Jewelbox are why the majority of locals would flock to Block Arcade. You can find incredible one-off pieces here.

Address: 282 Collins St, Melbourne

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18. The Strand

the retail precinct at The Strand, Melbourne — The Strand features classic architecture and boutique stores. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best for: Historic architecture and a small variety of fashion and design shops.

Following a $20 redevelopment, The Strand Melbourne is easily one of the city’s flashiest and most exciting retail precincts. You’ll find this colourful collection of boutiques on Elizabeth Street, instantly recognisable from its row of colourful glass fins.

The diverse list of retailers takes a broad scope and you’ll find mid-range sitting next to high-end across mostly footwear, accessories and fashion – with a few cafes to break things up.

Acne Studios is also found here, for anyone who doesn’t want to trek out to Chadstone. As are Asics, Dinosaur Designs and Cos. It’s a small collection, but quality reigns over quantity.

Address: 250 Elizabeth St, Melbourne

19. Queen Victoria Market

the Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne — Pop by the Queen Victoria Market for artisan goods. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best for: Unique local retailers and artisans selling high-quality goods.

While Queen Victoria Market is usually best known for its food and drink options, there are still a fair few locally-minded shops spread across the controlled chaos. You’re guaranteed to come across some great vintage finds and unique gifts at this bustling set-up of stalls and shopfronts.

Some of our favourite retailers at Queen Victoria Market include Akuna Pearls with a range of freshwater pearls; Albert’s Knitwear with great knitted winter clothes; Aleppo Style with silk and cashmere scarfs; high-end footwear artisans B&S Footwear; leather goods specialist Italian House of Leather; and the Japanese-inspired Kiana Mei Designs.

Pro tip: Head along to Queen Vic as early as you can (it opens at 6 AM on Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday) to avoid the inevitable crowds.

Address: Queen St, Melbourne

Shopping streets

20. Chapel Street, South Yarra and Prahran

Best for: A long strip of Melbourne’s best shopping spanning two suburbs and plenty of variety.

As one of the most famous shopping streets in Melbourne, spanning a few suburbs, Chapel Street is a long, winding collection of some of the finest retailers, restaurants and cafes in Melbourne.

It’s advisable to start at the St Kilda end of Chapel Street and work your way up, as some of the best boutiques are located on that side of the strip. This includes the vintage-minded Shag with great prices and unique finds, the classically stylish Nique and local favourite FinerRings.

Inch on up and there’s another outlet from Dinosaur Designs, the vibrant Gorman, and the luxurious Scanlan Theodore.

21. Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

Gertrude Street in Collingwood — This charming street has long been a treasure trove of unique fashion. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)

Best for: Independent boutiques and hipster fashion

Running from Carlton Gardens through Fitzroy, Gertrude Street is emblematic of Melbourne’s trendy crowd, known for its hipster fashion, grungy bars and fantastic restaurants like Poodle Bar & Bistro.

Several independent stores of note lie across this strip, such as the treasure trove that is Cottage Industry with its knitted goods; The Standard Store with its curated collection of worldly fashion; Handsom with sophisticated menswear; the long-standing Signet Bureau with its upscale independent fashion; Rose Chong with its unique costumes and wild clothing; and About Space with unique lighting fixtures and other home decor.

22. Royal Arcade, CBD

the grand ceiling inside the Royal Arcade, Melbourne — The longest-standing arcade features vintage and fashion boutiques. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Royal Arcade is a heritage-listed arcade in the heart of Melbourne. It’s the longest-standing arcade in the country, wearing its history proudly with ornate details and old-world Italianate architectural details.

It’s the perfect frame for many one-of-a-kind retailers in Melbourne, curating local jewellers, vintage and fashion boutiques, as well as some great cafes to break things up.

Grab some fresh kicks from The Archive Store; find some unique goodies at Curiosity Merchants; dress for the occasion at Moku; satisfy your love of design at Paper Republic; and follow your nose straight to the iconic Santa Maria Novella. And if you’re an astrology enthusiast, make sure to pop by Spellbox for all types of mystical finds, including daily tarot reads and spiritual guidance.

Address: 335 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Factory outlet in Melbourne

23. DFO South Wharf

Best for: Great prices from some big labels next to the waterfront

As the most recognised of all the best fashion outlets in Melbourne, DFO South Wharf is still a wise stop if you’re looking for some new threads but don’t quite know what you want. The range here is incredible, stocking big names at great prices. You’ll surely score some great finds across the likes of Academy Brand, Adidas, Adairs and Adventure Megastore. It’s a mixed bag in here, which is why Melbourne locals always flock straight to DFO’s retail precinct before having a waterside feed.

Address: 20 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf

A world away from the hustle, bustle and chaos of the big smoke – yet with a distinct sense of familiarity – Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region is an incomparable place.

Victoria’s Grampians are a visual feast, a seemingly endless vista of craggy cliffs, rolling valleys and untamed bushland. But they’re also much more than a scenic mountain landscape. Diverse and storied, each region within the range has its own rhythm. The Wimmera Mallee – a pocket in the state’s north-west, stretching from Horsham to near Mildura – is one of the most captivating.

Once known as Victoria’s agricultural heartland, the Wimmera Mallee has evolved in recent years into a dynamic, slightly offbeat hub. It buzzes with a creative hum and welcoming energy, and harbours an eclectic mix of long-time locals and tree-changers. Once you encounter its unmistakable charm, feel its warm country hospitality and taste its nationally celebrated vanilla slice, you may find yourself lingering longer than planned.

Eager to explore? These must-visit spots let you experience the inimitable spirit of this special part of the world.

Wimmera Mallee’s quirky attractions

The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria — Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

If you’re after something a little more unconventional, the Wimmera Mallee delivers in droves.

The Dimboola Imaginarium – located in a historic bank building in its namesake town – is a gift shop and boutique accommodation in one. Shop for unique and whimsical keepsakes, stay overnight in an elegant themed room, and lose yourself in one of the Imaginarium’s interactive experiences.

Also in Dimboola, just a short drive from the Imaginarium, is a menagerie of utter delight. Tiny Goats and Co. is home to a herd of miniature goats, with the farm offering group visits and special events like goat yoga and cuddle sessions.

Arcade aficionados should visit the Australian Pinball Museum in nearby Nhill. Here, you’ll find the biggest selection of playable pinball machines in the country, featuring modern models and classics dating all the way back to 1931.

Arts and culture in Wimmera Mallee

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed — Step into history at the Stick Shed. (Image: Visit Vic)

As a thoroughly creative community, it’s no wonder the Wimmera Mallee has a host of venues focused on its rich arts and culture scene.

Wander Trickbots Metal Art & Sculpture Garden in Nullawil, a winding trail filled with unique and quirky creations fashioned from metal odds, ends and scrap. A walk through the garden is inspiring enough, but consider buying a piece to take home and treasure.

The town of Nhill also has a significant Karen-Burmese refugee community, who make up 10 per cent of the local population. Discover the artistry of this vibrant culture at Paw Po, where you can purchase traditional hand-woven and textile products. Choose from a selection of beautifully crafted homewares, fashion and dolls.

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed, the only WWII emergency grain store still standing today. This National Heritage-listed structure takes you on a journey through the region’s agricultural past and is a dramatic sight with its towering and eerily striking timber poles.

Nature escapes around Wimmera Mallee

pink Lake Tyrrel, Wimmera Mallee, Victoria Australia — Take in the pink hues of Lake Tyrrell. (Image: Visit Vic)

Much like the majestic beauty of the wider Grampians, the Wimmera Mallee is a mélange of serene and spellbinding nature escapes.

Victoria’s pink lakes are famed nationwide, and two of them are found right here. See the flamingo-pink hues of Loch Iel, particularly vivid after a heavy downpour, or the vast and ancient Lake Tyrrell, which turns pink during wet and warm conditions.

The Snowdrift dunes in Wyperfeld National Park are ideal for adventurers. Set amid the area’s semi-arid landscape, the dunes are expansive mounds of sand deposited around 40,000 years ago. Hike or sandboard them and make sure to visit at sunset, when the sand glows golden.

And while some travellers chase the highest peaks, you can see the most modest in the Wimmera Mallee. Standing a mere 43 metres above the surrounding terrain, Mount Wycheproof is considered the smallest registered mountain in the world. Courtesy of its relatively gentle inclines, it’s a lovely spot for a walk and a picnic.

Culinary adventures in Wimmera Mallee

border inn in the Wimmera Mallee — Meet the locals at Border Inn.

As a region rich in agricultural bounty, it’s little surprise the Wimmera Mallee has such a robust and vibrant food scene. The community is fiercely proud of its local produce, showcasing the flavours and heritage of the area.

The Border Inn in the village of Apsley is a quaint country pub and meeting spot for the local community, featuring a classic country menu and warm hospitality.

The Horsham Golf Club is a popular spot for golf buffs with an adjoining bistro and bar. Try a modern twist on hearty favourites while taking in views of the green. For a taste of the area’s vintages, head to Norton Estate Wines – a boutique wine producer and cellar door open weekends.

A Wimmera Mallee jaunt wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famed Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip. Here, you’ll find a velvety vanilla slice that’s been crowned as Australia’s best seven times.

Wimmera Mallee accommodation

Fulham Homestead in wimmera mallee — Escape to Fulham Homestead.

If you’re enjoying an extended trip, you’ll need somewhere to rest. After a day tackling Wyperfeld’s epic dunes, visit Pine Plains Lodge, also in the national park. Built from reclaimed timber planks and logs, and anchored by rugged stone fireplaces, the lodge is a rustic and cosy hideaway.

For a refined yet relaxing escape, head to Fulham Homestead – a gorgeously restored guesthouse on an idyllic working farm, complete with farm animals and scenic vistas. Built in the 1840s, it has all the elegance and charm of its heritage, plus contemporary comforts like a modern kitchen, wi-fi and air-conditioning.

The Hermitage Hotel is Victoria’s oldest inland pub and an equally delightful blend of old and new. The restored rooms are perfectly appointed and adorned with period furnishings and high-quality linens. The pub itself is a favoured food and wine spot among locals and travellers alike.

If camping is more your style, the Lake Lascelles Cabins and Camping (formerly Mallee Bush Retreat) is a sprawling oasis with powered and unpowered sites and snug cabins. The setting is stunning too, the pristine Lake Lascelles sitting right in its centre.

Annual events

Wimmera Mallee Nhill Aviation Museum — Time your visit to Nhill Aviation Museum for the annual air show.

You may not need an excuse to revisit the Wimmera Mallee, but these annual and bi-annual events will almost certainly have you returning again and again.

Each year, the Lake Chelegrark Country Music Marathon takes over the town for a spectacular line-up of musicians from around Australia. The event is easygoing, family-friendly, and set in scenic surrounds on the shores of Lake Charlegrark.

Every two years, the region holds colourful events like the Wimmera Steampunk Festival, a raucous celebration of 19th-century steampunk culture with a different theme each time; the Nhill Air Show, which features jaw-dropping aerial stunts, aircraft displays, music, activities and more; and the Nati Frinj, a festival of art, culture and performance showcasing the many talents of the Natimuk community.

From the quirky to the tasty, start planning at visitwimmeramallee.com.au