Cradle Country & The West
Watch Huon pine being turned, and then buy the end results: kitchen utensils, platters, bowls, USB sticks, even rocking horses and $10,000 dining tables.
Must-see shopping in Australia
Hobart
Gorgeous (and ethically sourced) Aboriginal fine arts from around Australia have found their way to the Hobart waterfront. Packing and freight available.
Townsville
Once a month on the first Friday of the month from February to December, head to the Strand for curios, crafts and knick-knacks in the balmy evening air.
Fitzroy, Collingwood & Abbotsford
A neighbourhood favourite for big-name design stars like Eva Solo, Iittala, Normann Copenhagen and Marimekko. Good selection of Melbourne-made jewellery.
Hobart
Stocks a hefty range of local wines and can organise shipping and tastings for groups. The boss says the future of Tasmanian wine is sparkling whites…
Whitsunday Coast
This trash 'n' treasure market has a bit of everything, including food and drink, buskers and kids' entertainment such as go-carts and a bouncy castle.
Sydney
Drop into this long and minimalist outpost of the Australian skincare champions to pick up something fragrant. Or book in for a facial; you deserve it.
Tasmania
Exhibits and sells inspiring, large-format landscape photographs. Sometimes closed if John is out on a field trip – call ahead or check the website.
Townsville & Mission Beach
This community arts centre showcases and supports the work of local artists. There's plenty on display, with much of it for sale in the gallery shop.
Outback Queensland
For those planning an outback expedition, the Longreach Outdoor Centre sells swags, tents, sleeping bags, camping chairs, car fridges and the like.
Byron Bay
Local artists and designers show their wares at this popular night market. Expect leather goods, jewellery and clothing, plus live entertainment.
City Centre & Haymarket
Like a tractor beam, Kings drags in fans of the genre in with its collection of comics, manga, graphic novels, toys, collectibles and apparel.
Sydney
Hip, high-calibre Calibre fills the wardrobes of Sydney’s power players with schmick men's suits and shirts in seasonal fabrics and colours.
Hobart
Interesting furniture, vinyl, books, clothes, glassware and jewellery, old and not-so-old. The kitsch mid-century stuff is particularly cool.
Byron Bay & Northern NSW
Byron Bay artist Susie Cadksy owns this well-curated boutique filled with contemporary jewellery, silk and cotton dresses, ceramics and hats.
Mid-North Coast
Bellingen's 110-year-old butter factory now houses a small collection of craft and homewares shops, plus a gallery, opal dealers and a cafe.
Broome & The Kimberley
Your typical friendly arts, crafts and bric-a-brac moshfest in the park opposite the visitor centre.
Gold Coast
A hub for all Tamborine craft and gourmet products, and knick-knack heaven, if that's your thing. It gets slammed with visitors on weekends.
The East Coast
General store and newsagency. Has an ATM and sells petrol and holiday essentials: fishing rods, sunscreen, tackle, bait, buckets, spades…
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association
Alice Springs
Here at the CAAMA studio, which has its own radio network (8KIN FM), you'll find CDs recorded by central Australia's Aboriginal musicians.
Townsville
All the merchandise you could ever need to support the North Queensland Cowboys - the team shirts make a good gift for kids back home.
Melbourne
A chef's dream with its displays of spices from around the world, including Indigenous Australian blends, flavoured salts and sugars.
Capricorn Coast & the Southern Reef Islands
Mellow markets with chatty stallholders flogging everything from edibles to antiques. Held the second and fourth Sunday of the month.
Fitzroy, Collingwood & Abbotsford
Come here for the amazing displays as well as for shoes, clothes and accessories, which feature designs by Robyn Black and MM Söhn.
Surfers Paradise
Handy shopping centre with a variety of shops, including a supermarket, an open-air plaza and a big screen.
City Centre & Haymarket
Decorative art pieces, antique jewellery and high security. On the ground floor of the QVB.
Tasman Peninsula & Port Arthur
A humble chocolate manufacturer in Taranna, turning out 17 different types of chocolate produced using secret recipes. Intrigued?
Bloomin' Tulips Foreshore Market
Tasmania
Held on the foreshore in East Wynyard, this market has stalls selling secondhand goods, plants, bric-a-brac, good food and more.
Hobart
Advice on what's biting where, plus fishing supplies and trout-fishing licences (per person per 48hr/week/month $23/38.50/60).
Launceston
Named after a legendary bushwalker, Paddy Pallin sells (and hires out) all the gear you need for your Tasmanian camping epic.
Launceston
Got designs on a mountain? Swing into this city store for all your outdoor gear requirements, plus sound bushwalking advice.
Bruny Island
Has Eftpos facilities, takeaway food, limited provisions, petrol and an ATM. Also a post office and Commonwealth Bank agent.
Canberra
Just what a secondhand bookshop should be, with shelves stacked to bursting with dusty volumes begging to be discovered.
Melba's Chocolate & Confectionery Factory
Adelaide Hills
Stock up on rocky road, scorched almonds and appallingly realistic chocolate cow pats. A long-running Hills institution.
City Centre & Haymarket
Overseas luxury brands compete with branches of Leona Edmiston and others in this handsome space under an office tower.
Victoria
This indoor market is worth stopping by for its stalls selling vintage clothing, vinyl, collectables and bric-a-brac.
Tasmania
In the old Bardenhagens General Store (1888), Lilydale's IGA supermarket is a handy place to stock up on supplies.
Australian Capital Territory
This gallery and shop showcases superb works crafted from Australian timber, as well as changing art exhibitions.
Sydney
There are several galleries in Waterloo; this one represents community-based Aboriginal and Pacific Islander art.
Victoria
The popular Red Hill Market is held on the first Saturday of each month from September to May. Parking costs $5.
