As one of the world’s premier shopping destinations, Sydney has few equals when it comes to a bit of retail therapy. Australia’s largest city is replete with a huge range of shopping options, so whether you’re looking for the finest tailored suit or the edgiest pair of tight, ripped jeans, Sydney is bound to have something just for you.
Because Sydney is so large, stretching for some 12,145 square kilometres, it can be difficult to know where to start – and you’ll need a nice hire vehicle to get around, too. Let East Coast Car Rentals take you on a tour of the best places to shop in Sydney.
Oxford Street
Like its equally famous London namesake, Oxford Street is the number one place to be if you’re looking to buy, well, just about anything. This sprawling length of prime retail connects the Sydney suburbs of Darlinghurst and Paddington, cramming in as many shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants as possible.
You’ll discover a pleasing mix of familiar high street chainstores that rub mortar shoulders with exclusive boutiques, while flagship Australian retailers look on. What’s more, the side streets to this Sydney shopping behemoth supplement Oxford spectacularly, with bohemian fashion, hipster trends and sartorial styles to be found down every clandestine alleyway.
Whether you’re looking for clothes, jewellery, antique books, fine art, music or just a decent burger, Oxford Street will have you covered.
Australia’s largest city is replete with a huge range of shopping options, so whether you’re looking for the finest tailored suit or the edgiest pair of tight, ripped jeans, Sydney is bound to have something just for you.
Darling Street
If your tastes are of an eclectic persuasion, park your hired vehicle at Circular Quay and jump onboard the Thames Street ferry to head across the water to Darling Street. This charming location harks back to the days when things were simpler. In line with the intricately-crafted architecture of the buildings, there is a general arty feel to Darling Street. Indeed, you’ll find a great raft of bookshops, antique stores, art galleries and nostalgic toy stores.
What’s more, the nearby Balmain Markets, held each Saturday in the grounds of St. Andrews Church, are home to over 140 stalls, selling all manner of arts and crafts. You can also eat your fill of organic, vegetarian street food bought from the baying stall holders that fill the usually peaceful churchyard!
The Corso
Manly is well known as a temple of surf, so it’s only natural that you’ll find an enormous range of beach wear, boards and boats at the Corso. International names such as Billabong, Rip Curl and Quiksilver all make a claim for your hard-earned money here – you’ll find everything that you could ever need when it comes to surf, sun and fun!
Away from the surf dudes and beach babes, take a walk to Manly Market Place, where you’ll find a myriad of yet more handmade arts and crafts. Open each weekend, trinkets inspired by the local landscape and Australia’s indigenous past vie for your attention, including jewellery, paintings and sculptures – and you’ll want to buy every one!
