General Shopping
The city centre has some great shopping venues such as Myer and David Jones mega stores as well as the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) and The Strand Arcade with a collection of shops from fashion to jewellery to collector’s items. For discounted factory outlet shopping head to the Birkenhead Point (www.birkenheadpoint.com.au) or the DFO (www.dfo.com.au) store in Homebush.

Souvenir you should buy
Besides the popular kangaroo pelt purses and tacky clip on koalas, some quirky souvenirs are available for those looking for something different. These include shark tooth necklaces, kangaroo scrotum coin pouches, a didgeridoo, a boomerang, genuine aboriginal painting and some premium Australian wine.

Suggested retailers:
Gannon House
www.gannonhousegallery.com
Original aboriginal art works and artefacts are on display and available for purchase here.

Boomalli Aboriginal Artists’ Cooperative
www.boomalli.org.au
An Aboriginal owned cooperative selling works by the state’s artists. From paintings to wood works to jewellery to books to CDs, this is a great place to shop to support the local Aboriginal communities.

Outback Centre
www.outbackcentre.com.au
Lots of Aussie bits and pieces to choose from and has their own little art gallery.

Some of Sydney’s best shopping does not reside in large shopping malls and designer labelled stores. Sydney owes a lot of its excitment and unique purchases to community markets and here is just a selection to start you off with the search for the best souvenir to take hom.

Glebe Markets
www.glebemarkets.com.au
A favourite with the locals, Glebe markets only run on Saturdays and is always crowded with day trippers looking for a bargain or something original. It is a great market for the atmosphere and some excellent alternative fashion and jewellery selections.
Open: Saturdays 10am – 4pm

Paddy’s Market
www.paddysmarkets.com.au
A popular market for cheap tourist souvenirs and imitation fashion items. The good thing about Paddy’s is that it has everything under the one roof, but it can get extremely crowded and the market lacks character.
Opens Thur-Sundays

The Rocks Markets
www.therocksmarket.com.au
The Rocks markets run every Saturday and Sunday and have some great Australian crafts and produce for sale. This is where you can find some unique souvenir to take home or try out some great locally made fudge and jams. You can also sit by the courtyard and listen on to some great live performances or stroll the small lane ways of The Rocks and get lost in this charming harbour side area of Sydney.
Open every Saturday and Sunday

Bondi Markets
www.bondimarkets.com.au
The markets are held in a beachside grounds of Bondi Beach Primary School. A community market selling fashion to jewellery to second hand books, this is a good market to combine with a great day out at Sydney’s most famous beach.
Open every Sunday.

Balmain Markets
www.balmainmarket.com.au
From art, coffee and tea, take away foods, fashion, children’s wears, home wares, organic fruit and veg and Italian bread, Balmain markets is a pleasant weekend market with a lively local atmosphere and is a great day out. Unfortunately the grounds can get a little crowded from the small space it has.
Open Saturdays 8am – 4pm.

Paddington Market
www.paddingtonmarkets.com.au
One of Sydney’s oldest markets with a quirky atmosphere, Paddington market is great for arts, crafts and designs. Stall holders are designer and artists themselves and often you’ll be able to find that unique piece of art piece from an emerging and talented artist for a fraction of the price at the major galleries.
Open Saturdays 10am – 4pm

Sydney Opera House market
www.blueskymarkets.com.au
Part of a new group of markets opening in Sydney, the Sydney Opera House Markets have the prime location on the harbour side and sells premium Australian photography, jewellery and art directly from their makers. The prices can get a little expensive here but is a great place to shop if you are thinking about some better quality souvenirs to take home.
Open Sundays 10am – 5pm

Sydney is following onto the world stage of fashion and boutique shopping. Throughout the city local and international designer retailers offer seasonal fashion ranges that will satisfy those style conscious visitors.

Pick up a Sydney Shopping - The Official Guide from the City Host information booths for comprehensive retail suggestions for your favourite brands.

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Tourist Tax Refund Scheme
International visitors with an outgoing flight ticket can claim back the tax paid on any purchases totally over AU$300 from the same store. To be eligible:
• You must be travelling internationally from Australia.
• The purchase must have been made no more than 30 days before departure.
• Ensure the retailer provide you with a tax invoice recipe containing their ABN (Australian Business Number) printed and the total purchase price and date of issue.
• Ensure you have a valid boarding pass and passport and present to the customs officer on the day of your travel at the airport.
• Keep your purchases as hand held luggage as you may be asked to show them to the custom officers.

This does not include items already purchased tax-free. Claims can be made via electronic deposit or by cheque.

Further information can be obtained from the Australian Customs on 1300 363 263.
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