Gold Coast Shopping Tips by MissBianca

Name of Shop: Harbour Town Shopping Centre

Harbour Town Shopping Centre, located on the northern end of the Gold Coast is just one big bargain bin for shopping addicts like myself. Comprising of mostly brand name outlets, this place is a shoppers paradise. It is a policy of Harbour Town that all stores *must* have a certain percentage of their stock on sale otherwise they can kiss goodbye their lease!

Best time to go is first thing in the morning (especially if visiting on the weekend) to grab yourself the best bargains, a good car park and beat the mad rush of tourists.

What To Buy: If you in to save a penny or to splurge away your holiday spending money, then coming here is a must. Harbour Town has shopping for everyone ranging from Nike and Adidas outlets to Pumpkin Patch, Esprit, Tommy Hilfinger, Diesel, Sheriden, Oroton and Ralph Lauren (my favourite).

There are shops that sell clothing, shoes, jewellery, handbags, sunglasses *takes a breath* kitchen wear, framing, pet supplies, art supplies, manchester etc etc etc!

If you cannot find yourself a bargain here, then you haven't got your eyes open!

What To Pay: Obviously prices vary between store to store but for example, you can expect to pay approximately $50AUD for a Ralph Lauren polo shirt. Explains why my cupboard is stocked with them :)

If you are tourist to the Gold Coast make sure you pop into Habour Town's VIP Tourism Lounge to obtain your free Tourism Club Card which entitles you to further discounts to particular stores and restaurants. A lot of tourists are unaware of this service but make sure you do it because it can entitle to you up to another 50% off store prices!

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Theme: Discount Store
Phone: (07) 55 291 734
Address: Cnr Brisbane Road & Oxley Drive, Biggera Waters
Directions: Trading hours are as follows:
Mon - Wed: 9am - 5pm
Thurs: 9am - 7pm
Fri - Sat: 9am - 5:30pm
Sun: 10am - 5pm
Website: www.harbourtown.com.au
Other Contact: Fax (07) 55292 459

Name of Shop: Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise has approximately 14 shopping centres and arcades within its vicinity. The best way to see all of these is by donning on a pair of comfy shoes and exploring the Surfers streets yourself.

The shopping in Surfers Paradise offers both retail and duty free with an extensive range of designer boutiques including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Coach, Dior, Bettina Liano and the like.

Most of the stores unlike the rest of the Gold Coast are open for late night shopping 7 days a week. So if you aren't used to the usual 5pm shutting time Australia has, then head to Surfers Paradise to continue on!

What To Buy: As mentioned above, expect to discover designer boutiques, duty free stores, clothing including desiger surf and street wear and the like.

What To Pay: Surfers Paradise stores a full retail or duty free so expect to pay full price unless you can supply the duty free stores with a passport and boarding pass.

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Theme: Other
Phone: (07) 55 843 700
Address: Surfers Paradise
Directions: Its just a case of walking around and discovering those hidden little wonders!
Website: www.surfersparadise.com

Name of Shop: Surfer Paradise Night Markets

Explore more than 120 market stalls stretching over half a kilometre of beachfront promenade along Surfers Paradise beach, every Wednesday and Friday evening.

What To Buy: Expect to see locally made items including accessories, artworks, homewares, jewellery, music, beauty products, textiles, photoraphy, memorabilia and much more.

What To Pay: Although these markets aren't the most exciting around, they are great to kill an hour over. You may find there prices aren't as cheap as other markets on the Gold Coast, so if you are after a bargain take the time to shop around.

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Theme: Other
Address: Surfers Paradise Esplanade
Directions: The markets are set up between Hanlan Street and Elkhorn Avenue along the Surfers Paradise Esplanade.

Hours of operation are as follows:
Wednesday: 5:30pm - 10pm*
Friday: 5:30pm - 10pm*
*subject to weather.

Name of Shop: Carrara Markets

Carrara Markets has been on the Gold Coast as long as I can remember. The markets have a great relaxed atmosphere and its so easy to gobble up time just strolling around looking at everything.

The Markets have fixed buildings and temporary stalls which change from week to week. So you if you find a stall you particularly like, its guaranteed the same stall will be there next week.

Open on Saturday and Sunday from 6:00am until approximately 4:00pm, this place is always pumping! Never once have I been there when it has been quiet.

I often go to these markets to buy shoes as they usually have the same shoes as the retail stores but at the fraction of the price. They also have a fantastic range of fruit and vege amongst other things.

Also they have some great food stalls that serve breaky from about 6:30am. Also serving a greasy aussie breaky, great for the ill fated hangover!

What To Buy: The best way to describe the goods on sale at Carrara Markets? They sell EVERYTHING! With approximately 500 stalls, you will be entertained or lost for hours, which ever one comes first.

What To Pay: One should note that haggling is rarely used in Australia, fixed pricing has always been the way. The only real time you may question a price is when you purchase one or more of the item. Feel feel to try and bargain with the merchants, however you may not always get your desired outcome.

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Theme: Other
Phone: Int: +61-7-5579 9388
Address: Cnr Gooding Dr & Manchester Rd, Carrara
Directions: 4km West of Pacific Fair or exit 77 off the M1.

Have a look on the website for $1 pick up and return shuttle bus to your hotel.
Website: www.carraramarkets.com.au

Name of Shop: Marina Mirage

Perfectly situated overlooking the broadwater, littered with million dollar luxury boats and yachts, this place is just one big expensive shopping centre.

For those of you who may have more expensive taste and may have a little bit more cash to play with, I recommend taking a visit to Marina Mirage.

With fantastic waterfront dining, fabulous views and designer brands to keep you drooling, you will leave this place feeling like you just stepped out of Hollywood.

What To Buy: Expect to spend big here with boutiques specialising in Versace, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Escada, Zampatti, Dolce & Gabbana, Charlie Brown, George Gross and so many more.

Keep in mind this shopping centre isn't just for ladies of luxury, there are many shops catered for the more refined man too.

Marina Mirage doesn't keep the indulgence restricted just to fashion, you can also purchase jewellery, pet fashion (yes, for your beloved fido!), gifts and homewares, and you can experience a tantilising range of restaurants and cafes.

If you do get a little nibbly I reccomend Omeros Brothers. Although a little pricey, the food is sensational and you can expect for your tummy to be filled with the freshest Australian seafood and the most delectible desserts! Try their crepe suzette ;)

What To Pay: Get your credit cards ready because shopping here doesn't come cheap!

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Theme: Other
Phone: (07) 5577 0080
Address: 74 Seaworld Drive Main Beach QLD 4217
Directions: If you are staying in Surfers Paradise, just follow the beach esplanade north until you come to a roundabout. Turn left and you will see it a few hundred metres up on your left hand side next to Palazzo Versace. Just look for the sails ;)
Website: www.marinamirage.com.au