Your insider shopping guide

Over the past 9 years of living on the Goldie, I have noticed that our city is evolving into a shopping destination in its own right.

From high end luxury labels to boutique finds, bustling markets, and hidden gems, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re after designer pieces, coastal chic homewares, or unique keepsakes, here’s your ultimate guide to shopping like a local.

Pacific Fair – The Fashion Playground

This Broadbeach icon is one of Australia’s premier shopping destinations, offering a mix of luxury boutiques, including Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, Australian designers, and all the big name fashion labels. With palm lined boulevards, open air lounges, and resort style vibes, it feels more like a lifestyle experience than a mall.

Insider tip : For those who want to elevate their shopping day, Pacific Fair offers VIP experiences, including private styling sessions with in house fashion experts, access to exclusive lounges, and concierge services that handle everything from restaurant bookings to hands free shopping. Valet parking makes your visit effortless, so you can focus on shopping without worrying about your car.

After a morning of browsing, enjoy lunch or dinner at Modo Mio, a modern Italian café cucina bar near Seed, serving fresh, seasonal dishes in a chic, contemporary setting, perfect for a stylish Gold Coast shopping day.

Harbour Town – Designer Deals

For those who love a bargain without sacrificing style, Harbour Town Premium Outlets at Biggera Waters is a must. Home to outlet stores from international brands like Nike, Coach, Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Hilfiger, it’s the place to score serious discounts. Add in dining precincts and even a luxury cinema, and you can easily make a day of it!

James Street, Burleigh Heads – Coastal Cool

For a boutique, bohemian vibe, head to James Street in Burleigh Heads.

Here you’ll find independent labels, surf inspired lifestyle stores, and homewares that capture the quintessential Gold Coast aesthetic. Pop into Bijoux, Maison & Maison, or Finn and Co for beautifully curated pieces you won’t find in the bigger shopping centres.

Robina Town Centre – For Everything in One Place

Robina Town Centre is the Gold Coast’s largest indoor shopping centre. Beyond fashion, it’s got homewares, tech (the only apple store!), beauty, dining, and entertainment. Families love it here thanks to easy parking and kidfriendly dining options.

Robina also offers personal stylist sessions, where a fashion consultant will curate looks to suit your style, shape, and budget, perfect for refreshing your wardrobe or putting together holiday outfits without the overwhelm.

Their kitchens at robina dining precinct has so many great restaurants and if you are staying down the southern end of the GC, they also offer lots of activities for kids, including cooking classes at ICON cooking school & ARTVO.

Surfers Paradise – Chain Brands, Tourist Treasures and Markets

If you’re after all the familiar brands in one spot, Surfers Paradise is your go-to. Cavill Avenue and surrounding arcades are packed with more affordable chain stores like Cotton On, Ghanda and Lovisa making it easy to tick off wardrobe basics or holiday treats.

For souvenirs and local treasures, explore the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, which run every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday evenings. Here you’ll find handcrafted jewellery, art, beachwear, and quirky keepsakes, perfect for holiday gifts or mementos.

Nearby, Budds Beach offers a small riverside shopping strip with coastal-inspired gifts, while Willow and Bailey boutiques bring relaxed, stylish fashion and homeware to the mix. It’s the perfect combination of chain brands, local boutiques, and scenic riverside shopping.

Markets – Shop Like a Local

The Gold Coast is famous for its vibrant market scene, showcasing local talent, artisan goods, and fresh produce

HOTA Markets, Surfers Paradise – Artisanal products, crafts, and lifestyle goods at the Gold Coast’s home for arts and culture

Carrara Markets – Australia’s largest permanent marketplace with over 300 stalls

Palm Beach Farmers Market – Fresh produce, gourmet goodies, and artisanal treats every Saturday

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets – Evening markets with jewellery, art, and souvenirs along the iconic beachfront

Best vintage & Thrift stores

Arkive Vintage (Burleigh & Surfers) – Retro surf, skate, band tees and denim classics.

St. Barts Preloved (Burleigh) – Luxe boho designer finds.

SWOP Clothing Exchange (Southport) – Trendy streetwear + Y2K gems on rotation.

Lovechild Vintage (Miami) – Disco glam, 70s chic, and statement pieces.

Lifeline Superstore (Nerang & Mermaid Waters) – Treasure chest for the patient.

Salvos & Vinnies (Mermaid & Burleigh) – Designer cast-offs + chic homewares.

Miss Brown Vintage (Markets) – Crochet, denim, leather, festival fits.

Hidden Gems

Beyond the main hubs, there are pockets of boutique shopping across the Coast

Brickworks Ferry Road, Southport – A sophisticated lifestyle precinct blending homewares, food, and art. Pop into Wheel and Barrow for kitchenware, Florence and Marabel for fashion, St Barts for interiors, TK Maxx for discounted designer fashion and homewares. Art lovers shouldn’t miss Gallery One or The Design Collective Store and Gallery for contemporary pieces. Don’t miss The Standard Market Co. for gourmet treats and stunning florals at

Bundall – A haven for interiors and coastal style. Start at Alfresco Emporium, then onto Indigo and Me followed by brunch at Island Emporium Cafe.

Or browse Beach Furniture that has just rebranded and reopened with a brand new look, for curated furniture, homewares, and statement décor pieces.

Three balls red also offers bespoke interior design services.

Cornerstone Stores, Currumbin – Boutique shops and wellness stops like Prae, Kind Curations, Prae Beauty Bar, Quince, and Stable Coffee Kitchen.

This southern gem is an absolute visit.

Isle of Capri – Waterfront shopping with boutiques like Coast Home and Living, The Emporium at Capri, and Capri Collective, alongside cafés like South Coast Coffee or past into Harris Farm to try their daily baked breads or one of their 100 gourmet cheeses.

Nobby Beach – Chic coastal strip with stylish dress shops and boutiques. Be sure to stop by Janine Edwards for curated fashion pieces alongside other local dress and lifestyle stores and pop down to Oxley cafe for brunch afterwards.

Insider Tip

Shopping on the Gold Coast pairs best with a long lunch or sunset drink.

Plan your shopping days around nearby dining spots, like hitting Pacific Fair followed by a rooftop cocktail at Nineteen at The Star, or James Street shopping with a relaxed lunch at Burleigh Pavilion.

Happy shopping

GC Insider

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