Shopping in Pacific
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Mindil Beach Sunset Market
As the sun heads towards the horizon on Thursday and Sunday, half of Darwin descends on Mindil Beach Sunset Market with tables, chairs, rugs, grog and kids to settle under the coconut palms for sunset, and decide which of the tantalising food-stall aromas holds the greatest allure. Food is the main attraction and it spans the globe from Thai, Sri Lankan, Indian, Chinese and Malaysian to Brazilian, Greek, Portuguese and more, all at around $5 to $8 a serve. Don’t miss a flaming satay stick from Bobby’s brazier. Top it off with fresh fruit salad, decadent cakes or luscious crêpes. But that’s only half the fun: arts and crafts stalls bulge with handmade jewellery, fabulous r…
reviewed
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Queen Victoria Market
Chaotic, friendly, multicultural – the Queen Victoria Market is one of the largest open-air markets in the southern hemisphere and the grand dame of all Melbourne markets. Over 600 traders hock their wares here and it’s been pushing trade for more than 125 years. You’ll find everything from perfectly ripe brie to perfectly rank moccasins. An organic corridor in the fruit and vegetable section is stocked with fresh produce grown without a hint of chemicals or pesticides. The bustling night market runs between late November and mid-February.
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GPO
GPO houses fabulous boutiques including Akira and Veronika Maine, plus the ABC shop.
reviewed
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The Bookshop Darlinghurst
This outstanding bookshop specialises in gay and lesbian literature, with everything from queer crime and lesbian fiction to glossy pictorials and porn. A diverting browse, to say the least (hmm…which would look better on my coffee table: the Big Book of Breasts or the Big Penis Book ?).
reviewed
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The Rocks Market
The promoter’s line goes, ‘Choose something you like, somewhere you love’. Under a long white canopy, the 150 stalls here are a little on the tacky side of the tracks (fossils, opals, faux Aboriginal art etc) but are still worth a gander. Maybe what you choose to like will be the buskers and a beer at the pub.
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Original & Authentic Aboriginal Art
This trustworthy gallery specialises in works from four specific regions – the Central and Western Deserts, Queensland, Arnhem Land and the Kimberley. There is info available on the artists, and some more unusual stuff for sale, such as painted glass and traditional sand paintings preserved on canvas.
reviewed
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Red Eye Records
Entering this red-walled rock refuge is like waking up inside a huge, hung-over eyeball. The shelves are stocked with a rampaging collection of classic, rare and collectable records, CDs, crass rock T-shirts, books, posters and music DVDs. New music is at the city centre branch. Rock on!
reviewed
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PNG Diabetic Centre
Laugh all your want, but PNG Diabetic Centre is a treasure trove for artefact-hunters, with masks, necklaces, shells, carvings and other souvenirs aplenty. It's run by Paul Schwartz, who also works as a 'diabetes counciller', policeman and, should you need to boost your morale, a psychotherapist.
reviewed
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Untouched World
At the Arts Centre, Untouched World has quality NZ-made clothing. Clothes may be made of ‘mountainsilk’ (machine-washable fine merino wool) or ‘merinomink’ (a blend of merino wool and possum fur).
reviewed
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Prahran Market
A top-quality produce market, with several organic- produce stores (including an organic butcher), a fresh pasta shop, bountiful delis and a food court for grazing on the move.
reviewed
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Rosy Glow Chocolate House
No Collingwood visit would be complete without dipping into Rosy Glow Chocolate House. Chocoholics will go nuts for handmade confection produced with love.
reviewed
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Farmer’s Market
Local produce can be foraged at the popular farmer’s market held on the second Saturday of the month – if it’s wet the market’s in the Orange Showground.
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Metropolis
Lovely bookish eyrie with a particular focus on art, architecture, fashion and film. It also has some very special kids books and a desert-island discs selection.
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Old Bus Depot Markets
This popular, decade-old indoor market specialises in handcrafted goods and regional edibles, including the output of the Canberra district's 20-plus wineries.
reviewed
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Blonde Venus
One of the top boutiques in Brisbane, Blonde Venus has been around for 20-plus years, stocking a well-curated selection of both indie- and couture labels. Other great boutiques line this street.
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Mountain Designs
Closed until further notice.
For camping gear, hiking boots and outdoor equipment, head to Mountain Designs near the intersection of Colombo and Lichfield Sts.
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Ballantynes
Closed until further notice.
Venerable Christchurch department store selling men’s and women’s fashions, cosmetics, travel goods and speciality NZ gifts.
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Grahamstown Market
On Saturday mornings the Grahamstown Market fills the street with organic produce and handicrafts.
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Restorers Barn
The famous Restorers Barn is literally dripping interesting bric-a-brac, collectables and tools.
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Natimuk Lake Caravan Park
Beside Lake Natimuk, about 4km north of Natimuk, this camping area has barbecues and laundry but no cabins.
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Brunswick St Bookstore
A Fitzroy fixture with contemporary titles, art, literature and design tomes, plus cosy seating.
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Kakulas Bros
Ramshackle provisions store overflowing with dirt-cheap legumes, nuts and olives.
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Toad Hall
Locally grown fruit, organic veggies, frozen yoghurt and ice cream.
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