The Travelling Fairy DancerBudget Shopping on the Gold Coast
April 29th 2009 08:53
The 'glitter strip' of Surfers Paradise is loaded with designer brands (think Gucci and Louis Vuitton), their exclusive, shiny stores standing out among cheap T-shirt shops and duty free windows full of kangaroo toys and sheep skin rugs.
Pacific Fair, in Broadbeach, has long been the jewel in the Gold Coast's shopping crown, with major chain stores such as Target and Myer and specialty shops ranging from Sportsgirl to Australian Geographic.
But, where do you go when you're after a major bargain?
Carrara Markets
A short drive from Broadbeach, Carrara Markets stretch over two sides (the 'old and new' sections according to the locals). With clothes, homewares, shoes, books, paintings, pots and plants and arts and crafts, these markets fulfil every shopping whim - with low prices to match.
It's possible to trawl through tables filled wtih second-hand antiques one minute, and pick up cutting edge art-work the next.
Can't afford theme parks? While not in the same category, face painting, pony rides and roving entertainment keep children amused while adults shop.
Also prized for the fresh fruit and vegies available, Carrara Markets are a bargain hunters paradise.
Harbour Town
Gold Coast locals know that when they want a bargain, Harbour Town is the place to shop. With brand direct outlets such as Nike, David Jones, Converse and City Beach competing for space among smaller speciallity shops, Harbour Town delivers classy shopping for lower prices.
Off the Beaten Track
Nobby's Beach and Burleigh Heads both offer dining and shopping strips with unique, one off shops catering to the needs of individual shoppers looking for a bargain buy.
Along the Gold Coast Highway, stretching from Broadbeach to Burleigh, surf shops, furniture stores and sunglass warehouses contain surprising bargains for the savvy tourist.
It's worth going a little outside the main tourist precincts, with the help of the easy public transport bus system, to find bargain buys on the Gold Coast.
Pacific Fair, in Broadbeach, has long been the jewel in the Gold Coast's shopping crown, with major chain stores such as Target and Myer and specialty shops ranging from Sportsgirl to Australian Geographic.
But, where do you go when you're after a major bargain?
Carrara Markets
A short drive from Broadbeach, Carrara Markets stretch over two sides (the 'old and new' sections according to the locals). With clothes, homewares, shoes, books, paintings, pots and plants and arts and crafts, these markets fulfil every shopping whim - with low prices to match.
It's possible to trawl through tables filled wtih second-hand antiques one minute, and pick up cutting edge art-work the next.
Can't afford theme parks? While not in the same category, face painting, pony rides and roving entertainment keep children amused while adults shop.
Also prized for the fresh fruit and vegies available, Carrara Markets are a bargain hunters paradise.
Harbour Town
Gold Coast locals know that when they want a bargain, Harbour Town is the place to shop. With brand direct outlets such as Nike, David Jones, Converse and City Beach competing for space among smaller speciallity shops, Harbour Town delivers classy shopping for lower prices.
Off the Beaten Track
Nobby's Beach and Burleigh Heads both offer dining and shopping strips with unique, one off shops catering to the needs of individual shoppers looking for a bargain buy.
Along the Gold Coast Highway, stretching from Broadbeach to Burleigh, surf shops, furniture stores and sunglass warehouses contain surprising bargains for the savvy tourist.
It's worth going a little outside the main tourist precincts, with the help of the easy public transport bus system, to find bargain buys on the Gold Coast.
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