Brisbane Markets: Discount Shopping in the Sun.Brisbane markets are a fun way to shop in the open air and in Australia that means sunshine. There are numerous shopping adventures to be around Brisbane and every type of shopper will find somewhere to suit them. The difficulty will be trying to find what suits you best and trying to fit all the stores in. If you're into large shopping malls the Chermside, to the north of the city, and Carindale, to the south, or the Queen St. Mall downtown are your best options. One of Brisbane's greatest assests is its weather so while you're here you should try some of the outdoor Brisbane markets. Outdoor Shopping For the outdoor markets make sure you bring enough cash, bring more than you think you might need as you'll always end up spending more. South Bank Arts and Crafts Markets If you're into finding unique pieces from by local designers then the South Bank Markets are a great spot to start. Held every Friday (5pm-10pm), Saturday (11am-5pm), and Sunday (9am-5pm) you can find crafts, souveniers, clothing and some completely unique gifts for the people back home. Intertwined with the markets are great cafes that you can stop and rest while being entertained by the buskers in and around South Bank. Since these markets are outdoors make sure you pick a day with the right weather -- it can get too hot in the height of summer to be walking around and trying on clothes! There is also the monthly Young Designers Market which is held at the South Bank Markets and showcases young Queensland designers.
Queen St Mall Because of Brisbane's warm climate, all year round open air shopping is a great way to spend time enjoying the weather and indulging in a little retail therapy. The Queen St Mall in downtown Brisbane is a great example of outdoor shopping. This pedestrian-only street has over 2000 stores surrounded by historic buildings and facades. The stores line the central walk way which has restuarants where sports fans can catch whichever big game is on. The street has 9 different malls attached to it. For more on each specific mall see our Queen Street Mall page. Rocklea Sunday Discovery Markets If you're looking for unique gifts (for yourself or others) here's the place to get them. There are bargains on everything from clothes, hand-made soaps, second hand books, antiques, and jewellery. The stalls have no real order to them and you may have to search for what you want but if you've got the time to browse and enjoy a relaxed morning of shopping then you're sure to find something. Don't worry about eating before you come as the many many food stalls will be tempting you all morning and you wouldn't want to miss out. Rocklea market is open every Sunday from 6am-noon at 250 Sherwood Rd, Rocklea. There's parking on the street or for $3 inside the complex. It costs $1/adult to get in or if you park in the $3 parking you get free admission. If you're taking public transport the closest train station is Rocklea. Valley Markets Set in China Town on the pedestrian only Brunswick St, the Valley Markets are where outdoor fashion markets first started in Brisbane. This is a mainly fashion markets with the odd homeware stall thrown in. There is a range of clothes from retro and pre-loved to new up and coming designers. The street is also lined with cafes and pubs that you can relax and refuel for your next round of bargain hunting. The markets are on Saturday and Sunday from 8am-4pm. See our China town page. Like Queen Street, this is one of the Brisbane markets that's full time so we've given it a special page. Ferny Grove Flea Market If you love crafts or flea markets then this is the market for you. Here you'll find pre-loved clothes for less than a $1. While not every piece will be what you want if you don't mind doing a little sewing and recreation then you'll be able to buy numerous items you can transform into one of a kind pieces. It is held every Sunday from 6am-noon in the Ferny Grove train station parking lot on Samford Road. West End Market The popular West End Brisbane Markets are packed every Saturday with university students and bargain hunters from the nearby suburbs. In keeping with the West End attitude you can find eco-friendly fashion and food as well as other handmade jewellery, accessories, and fresh produce. If you need to do any grocery shopping you can do that here as well. The market is open from around 6am-noon and has a variety of breakfast foods to keep your energy up. The 199 bus out of the city or from the West End Ferry terminal will get you to the markets (just get off when everyone else does!). Eumundi Markets If you're doing a side trip to the Sunshine Coast or want a change from the Brisbane markets then the huge Eumundi Markets are a great way to spend a day. Open on Wednesday (8am-1pm) and Saturday (6.30am-2pm) these markets have grown from humble origins to house over 600 stalls with local fashion, crafts and produce and imported goods. There is also international cuisine on offer to sustain you through the day. Walking around the Eumundi Markets can be a day event so if you're up for some serious browsing and shopping then prepare to spend the day. It is a 1.5 hour drive from Brisbane and a 15 minute drive from Noosa. There is parking available from $3-5 as well as bus trips from the Sunshine Coast if you're up there already.
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