How To Bargain Hunt Melbourne: Day One
So you’re heading to Melbourne with just one day to shop and a serious thirst for the best bargains this great city has to offer?
We’ve put together our favourite Melbourne hotspots so you can stretch your budget and score some great finds all the while soaking up the best of the city .
From heavily reduced designer duds to discount shoes and accessories, (and of course a good meal and a caffeine fix along the way), you’ll hit the ground running with our Guide to Bargain Shopping in Melbourne for One Fine Day.
1. Breakfast at the Queen Victoria Market
You haven’t ‘done’ Melbourne without a walk through the Vic market… and a hot jam donut. There’s no better place to fuel your Melbourne shopping marathon than the Queen Victoria Market. First, coffee! Look out for the small shop front just opposite the organic fruit and veg market. Subtly signed, it’s Market Lane Coffee you’re looking for. French press, pour over, aeropress, espresso….you name it, they’ve got it and it’s exceptional! Now that you’re in the food area, treat yourself to an egg and bacon roll and an infamous QVM jam donut for bressert. Ready to shop? You’ll find a bit of everything as you walk the aisles. If you’re looking for leather accessories or new Uggs, this is the place to go. Stock up on socks and jocks, and get yourself an iconic Australia t-shirt if you’re that way inclined. But personally, the food halls are our favourite.
Queen Victoria Market – Closed Mondays, Wednesdays and Public Holidays. Corner Elizabeth & Victorias Street, Melbourne http://www.qvm.com.au.
2. Myer, David Jones & Bourke Street Mall
Next, walk or tram it down Elizabeth Street into the thick of the CBD. Depending on the time of year, you may find great deals on designer clothes and accessories in Myer or David Jones in the Bourke Street Mall. Regardless, spritz yourself in the perfume department and pop into Zara next door for the latest trends at affordable prices.
See Myer’s latest offers and clearance http://www.myer.com.au/shop/mystore/offers
See what’s currently on sale at David Jones http://shop.davidjones.com.au/djs/en/davidjones/sale
Melbourne’s laneways and arcades are hidden treasure troves, with pop-up stores making their way in and out at various times. Have a wander through Degraves St, Block Arcade and the GPO (where Australia’s first H&M store will open in April).
3. Ready for more coffee?
Tucked underground in Degraves Street Subway (12 Campbell Arcade), Cup of Truth is a local fav. This underground ‘hole in the wall’ gets super busy during rush hour, so visit off-peak if you can.
Cup of Truth – 12 Campbell Arcade, Degraves Street Subway (below Flinders St) Melbourne. Not open on weekends.
If you can’t find it or want a few more options, we think every visitor to Melbourne should download the Broadsheet Melbourne App. The directory highlights all Melbourne’s great eateries, cafes, bars and shops. You really can’t go wrong with anything amongst the listings.
4. DFO Southwharf
Next stop – DFO Southwharf for a healthy dose of brand shopping – at a fraction of the RRP, of course. All the big brands have stores at DFO – Top Shop, Burberry, Amarni, Adairs, Calvin Klein, Country Road, Cotton On Kids, Mimco, Witchery… the list goes on.
DFO Southwharf – 20 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC. http://www.dfo.com.au/south-wharf/. Open 7 days.
If you’re still standing, it’s time for dinner.
Refuel at the Casino right across the road for an all-you-can-eat buffet or an award winner (Best Burger 2014) from The Merrywell. Now seeing that you’re over there already, pop a dollar in the pokies or on 28 Black and who knows…. you may even win back your budget!
The Merrywell – Corner of Clarendon Street & Crown Riverside, Southbank. www.themerrywell.com.au
Feel free to email post, tweet or email us any questions!
Join hussh now to get exclusive invitations to the best warehouse sales in your city.