Australia Shopping Tips by Kate-Me

Duty Free stores and more: Opal Buying

What to buy: Opal is one thing that's great to buy in Australia, since we have the biggest opal mines in the world.
It's still expensive to buy, even if you buy it in Coober Pedy where it's mined, but with duty free at least you'll make some savings.

Australia is also a great place to buy sheepskin products.

What to pay: Depends on the size and quality of the opal and colour content (opal with a lot of red is more expensive)

Theme: Jewelry

Victoria Market: Souvenirs At Victoria Market

For souvenirs, Victoria Market is a good place to go.
Overall, Melbourne is a good place to shop. Depends on what you want. In the city there are department stores and boutiques and the Bourke Street Mall. If you get out into the suburbs, then you'll find big shopping centres like Doncaster Shopping Town and Chadstone, where you can shop for AGES, and all under cover.

What to buy: Boomerangs (but shop around - some are ornamental only and will not return if you throw them)
Digeridoos - may be difficult to find in the city unless you can find a shop specialising in aboriginal souvenirs, where you'll pay more but at least it will be authentic.
Overall, I find goods in Australia are very reasonable when compared to Europe, so you can shop for whatever you like and probably get it cheaper.

What to pay: Depends on what you want. Clothing varies from department store style to boutique prices. I find new books quite expensive, but I think that's comparitive with overseas. Camera film is reasonable - I can get 2 x 100 ASA (or even 3) at a department store for about $10. Photo processing ranges from $9 - $14 for 24 exposure. (second set of prints usually about $4 if done at the same time)

Address: Suburbs

Directions: Try Doncaster (for Doncaster Shopping Town)

Theme: Other