When you're on holiday in Australia, take a break from driving your car rental in Sydney and spend the day shopping. This city is a great place to snap up a statement necklace, some winter boots or a new fragrance – and you're bound to find something for everyone. The CBD has older shopping arcades mixed with modern malls, meaning you'll find everything from your familiar brands to quirky outlets and boutiques.
Many major labels
Luxurious labels and familiar names can be found at the Westfield mall. This is the shopping and dining hotspot in the CBD. Over four floors and among 330 stores, you'll find all of your favourites. From high end to affordable, here all of the well-known fashion, food and lifestyle shops are under one roof. Some familiar brands are Zara, Gap, True Religion, Ted Baker, Chanel, Supre and Cotton On.
There is a special Westfield Sydney Privilege Card for visitors. This will give you exclusive discounts, special offers and help from the Concierge Team. To get a card, just bring you driver's licence or passport to the Concierge Desk.
If you have money to spend and want to try a new look, head on over to Australia's two largest department stores, Meyer and David Jones. Both of these stores offer a personal stylist to help you choose your new outfit. At David Jones, your Style Advisor will be someone who has knowledge of fashion, home decor and skin care, as well as the latest trends. They aim to make your shopping experience the best it can be.
Bountiful boutiques
For boutiques, head on over to Queen Victoria Building (QVB). This beautiful building opened as a shopping centre in 1898, and has been restored to its former glory. It houses many fashion boutiques that highlight pieces from local designers as well as international brands. Some Australian designer labels you'll find here are Alannah Hill, Alex Perry, Victoria Buckley Jewellery and Fleur Wood.
The Strand Arcade is similar to QVB, but is more modern and funky. The building opened before QVB in 1892, but in 1976 was badly damaged in a fire. It was the shopkeepers who restored the building to what it is now – one of the top shopping spots in Sydney.
Oxford Street, in the suburb of Paddington, is bursting with boutiques. This area is super trendy – you're sure to find hip clothes and unique pieces to take home. Juniper Hall, a colonial home built in the 1820s, is where you'll find beautiful antiques. Charlie Brown, Sass & Bide and Ginger and Smart are other favourites down this street. The latter showcases a boho style through original prints, silk fabrics and embellishments – and you don't need to feel guilty about spending money because everything is ethically made.