Shopping in Gold Coast | Where to Bargain Shop – Top Markets, Malls & Outlets

The Gold Coast is home to dozens of local markets, outlet centers, and fun shopping spots, so shopping in Gold Coast is for sure a must-do activity. Retail enthusiasts can start at these top five places to shop in Gold Coast and will most definitely find more markets, malls and shopping streets along the way.

Getting around Gold Coast is relatively simple as the area is well connected by public transit and has access to taxis or rideshare options. Cycling is another great way to get around the area and has the bonus of being a great workout. Gold Coast has an abundance of bike lanes, so riders don’t have to worry much about competing with cars for space. There are plenty of shops that rent out bikes and helmets located around the beaches, so visitors won’t have a hard time finding something nearby. However, it’s also recommended that riders brush up on local biking laws so that they don’t accidentally break a law and get a fine.

For the ultimate in freedom, visitors may opt to rent a car. What’s nice about having a car is that travelers can make their way around Gold Coast and the surrounding area without having to work with a transit schedule. With miles and miles of beach to discover, having a car is an easy way to get to sunny spots quickly. People in Australia drive on the left, so visitors from some nations may find that driving in this country is opposite to what they’re used to, which is good to be aware of.

Photo credit: Kgbo / CC BY-SA

Harbour Town Premium Outlets

Due to its location between the Gold Coast and Brisbane, Harbour Town Premium Outlets draws visitors from all around. The shopping complex offers more than 240 stores, with some fashions discounted by as much as 70 percent, so bargain hunting is easy! It’s easy to make a trip to Harbour Town Premium Outlets a daylong affair, as there are numerous restaurants dotted throughout the plaza, including international favorites and local offerings.

Travelers who are hoping to explore fashion boutiques will love a stop at this premium outlet, as there are plenty of high-end clothing and shoe retailers to pick from. This shopping center is also home to a cinema, so visitors who want to escape the sun and indulge in something fun while enjoying an air-conditioned space should consider stopping by to see a movie. For a little retail therapy, and more, Harbour Town Premium Outlets has everything visitors need and more.

Paradise Centre

Step out of the stand and step into Paradise Centre to enjoy some shopping. Ideally situated in Surfers Paradise, this shopping center is a gateway to fashion and fun. Locals and travelers alike will enjoy this unique mall’s offerings, which include beauty retailers, fashion and footwear stores, and souvenir shops. Shopping centers, like Paradise Centre, are a great spot to engage in retail therapy, and they’re also a convenient space to peruse when searching for gifts for loved ones back home.

Another fun offering from Paradise Centre is its entertainment options, including a sports restaurant and surfing lessons. Surfers Paradise is a prime location for beginners, and located at Paradise Centre are qualified professionals who can guide novice surfers through everything they’ll need to know about surfing.

For food, this mall has an abundance of choices, from sweet treat stores to fresh tea shops, to grilled burgers, burritos, and donuts. With local and international offerings available to eat, there’s plenty to sample at this mall, so grab something tasty, sit down, and enjoy. The dining experience at this shopping center is alfresco, which means visitors get to enjoy an open-air experience while they munch on something delicious.

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Carrara Markets

Located in the central district of Carrara, the Carrara Markets make up the largest, permanent marketplace in Australia. The markets feature more than 350 booths and stalls selling everything from homegrown fruits and vegetables to trendy fashions. Shopping isn’t the only draw to Carrara Markets, though. Visitors (especially children) can enjoy pony rides, street performers, face painting and one of the newest attractions, Gold Coast Butterflies.

Massive markets with stalls like this are perfect for bargain hunting, and finding discount deals, and they’re also a great spot where travelers can connect with locals and get a sense of the culture. Visitors who are hoping to pick up unique souvenirs, and artisan products, or individuals who just love perusing local markets, should make Cararra Markets a priority, as it’s huge and offers something for everyone. So grab a snack at one of the many cafes and get ready to explore this fascinating market.

Robina Town Centre

Get excited about shopping at Robina Town Centre. This huge shopping center covers 34 hectares and features over 700 shops to explore. Including clothing retailers, accessories, sports and fitness shops, and jewelry stores, the center is also home to a post office and a medical center, making it an all-in-one destination for many people in the area.

More than just a place to shop, Robina Town Centre is also a destination for entertainment. Slip into a comfortable seat and watch the newest blockbusters at the cinema, have some fun with family and friends while enjoying the excitement of the gaming center, or take the family bowling and get a little competitive while keeping cool in an air-conditioned space.

When it comes to food, Robina Town Center impresses with so many options that it would be impossible to try them all in one sitting. Walk over to the food atrium and sample from a variety of international and local food offerings, or hop over to the fresh food retailers and pick up some delicious baked goods, fresh cheeses, fruits and vegetables, meats, and more. A picnic on the beach with some fresh food is a great way to spend an afternoon, and Robina Town Centre will help guests get on their way.

Photo credit: Kgbo / CC BY-SA

​Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

For upscale shopping, international brands and upbeat fashions, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is a can’t-miss activity for any Gold Coast itinerary. This upscale mall contains 400-plus stores, as well as Play Street indoor playground. Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is the largest mall in Queensland, and offers everything from upscale clothing retailers to cosmetics stores, to jewelry stores, and everything in between.

Visitors who are hoping to pick up some souvenirs from shopping malls, or are hunting for deals, should make a stop at this vast retail center. For food, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre also has plenty of dining and fresh food options, including restaurants, gelato shops, and fast food. With international and local favorites being served, there are plenty of food options for everyone at this shopping center. Travelers buzzing through Pacific Fair Shopping Centre will welcome the mall’s luggage storage lockers and shower facilities and are invited to take advantage of Pacific Fair Shopping Centre’s first-class lounge.

Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre

Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre is a semi-open-air shopping mall that’s situated in Surfers Paradise and offers a variety of local and international shops to peruse. Pick up some new clothes and accessories at one of the many shops, or get a haircut at one of the salons, and come out of this mall completely transformed and ready to take on the Surfers Paradise Boulevard.

For excitement, visitors can step into the thrilling escape room experience available at this mall, and do their best to solve complex puzzles so they can escape. With four escape room experiences to choose from, visitors can pick their favorite or try all four.

When at Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, don’t forget to eat. This shopping mall offers plenty of delicious foods to sample, including sushi, teppanyaki, fried chicken, Mexican food, and more. With sit-down and takeaway meals available, guests can either enjoy a relaxing stop at a restaurant or take something delicious with them as they peruse the shops. For fun times, great fashion finds, and tasty treats, Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre is the choice for travelers and locals alike.

Australia Fair Shopping Centre

A Southport district landmark, Australia Fair Shopping Centre is one of Gold Coast’s most popular shopping spots. With 230-plus shops and boutiques to explore, guests can spend hours browsing the latest fashions and accessories. Australia Fair Shopping Centre also is loved for its abundance of restaurants and eateries, as well as Event Cinemas, a state-of-the-art theater that shows blockbusters and independent movies and hosts international operas, ballets and musical performances. Guests who are hoping to escape the heat and enjoy some air conditioning should slip into a show at the cinema and experience all that this shopping center has to offer.

Australia Fair Shopping Centre is a foodie’s dream, and with its recently opened Broadwater Lane, guests can sample up to 40 different international food options. With sit-down and takeaway options available, guests are certain to find something new and exciting to munch on. So gather friends together, and sample all this exceptional shopping center has to offer.

The Oasis Shopping Centre

The Oasis Shopping Centre is located in Broadbeach and has everything from fashion to footwear, to fine art, jewelry, liquor, and more. This beachside shopping center is the perfect, air-conditioned escape from the heat of the sun, and offers plenty of entertainment options as well, like an all-ages gaming arcade that is certain to please individuals who are traveling with children.

The food offerings at the mall are similarly impressive and offer both sit-down and takeaway options, including a mix of international and local favorites. So stop by the food court and sample some sushi food, enjoy some pastries, or grab some Italian to enjoy while you shop. For restaurants, guests can enjoy everything from tacos to Thai food, and there’s even a seductive cocktail bar to explore.

The Oasis Shopping Centre hosts a variety of events, so travelers who are hoping to rub elbows with locals and do something a little different should pay attention to the shopping center’s events calendar and see if anything fun is coming up during their visit to the area. For fashion, food, fun, and more, The Oasis Shopping Centre doesn’t disappoint.

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets

A cultural and shopping experience all rolled into one, Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets open every weekend where the Esplanade meets Cavill Avenue in Surfers Paradise. The open-air market has been a hit with locals and tourists since 1995, and visitors will find an array of handmade products along with local performers, art displays, photography exhibits, souvenir shops, homemade sweets and handmade clothing and crafts. The markets also contain a variety of restaurants.

When it comes to Surfers Paradise shopping locations, none are quite as iconic as the Beachfront Markets. More than just a place to shop, these markets offer a cultural experience that will help visitors dive into Australian life. This market boasts genuine artisans, live music, and kid-friendly activities, and is sure to be a hit with people of all ages. So take in views of the surf, all while engaging in some retail therapy at Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets.

Retro Metro

Lovers of funky finds need to pay a visit to Retro Metro, a vintage clothing store unlike any other. Certain fashionistas will insist that the freshest fashion is influenced by great clothes from the past, and at Retro Metro, this is definitely true. At this shop, visitors can expand their collection and bring unique pieces into their wardrobes. Good finds, bad, and everything in between, everything old is new again at Retro Metro, so step inside and pick out a new old favorite to wear.

Spread throughout the space are other fun items to consider, like unique gadgets from the 20th century, pottery, houseware items, and even vinyl records and ashtrays. Vintage stores, like Retro Metro, open a window into the past and help people show appreciation for days gone by, and are a great choice for those who are environmentally minded and looking to avoid fast fashion choices.

So step inside this kitschy shop, pick through the racks, and bring home something truly remarkable to remember this beautiful area by.

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