If you have chosen Gold Coast as your vacation destination, it’s surely because you are looking for good weather and sunny days to surf and enjoy the beach. With beaches like Coolangatta or Burleigh Beach, that plan is covered. But this area is not known only for the waves, it is also a perfect place for shopping.
If you’re spending a few days in Gold Coast, we recommend dedicating an entire day just to go shopping. With good organization by areas, you will be able to stroll without hurry and discover the environment of each commercial area. There’re options for all tastes here, from huge shopping centres where you can spend hours going in and out of stores, to open-air markets with a great vibe and a much more relaxed feel.
So that you don’t have to choose between one thing and another, here we offer you an itinerary of a full day so that you can make the most of it. A good option is to stay in a well-located place for easy movement. Oaks Gold Coast Hotel, in Surfers Paradise is a great starting point for exploring the commercial areas, one of the best-known in Gold Coast. It’s close to the tram, restaurants, and several areas where there’s always an atmosphere. After a day of shopping, walking back to the hotel is really appreciated.
Starting the morning at Pacific Fair
The first stop has to be Pacific Fair. It’s a huge and modern shopping center, which has practically everything. It doesn’t feel like a typical shopping mall nor does it seem overwhelming, since it has open areas, terraces, and spaces where you can rest for a while in between store to store. It’s very close to Surfers Paradise, from Oaks Gold Coast Hotel it only takes 6 minutes by car or rideshare. However, you can also get there by the G:link tram and it’s only 7 stops between Old Burleigh Rd at First Avenue to Pacific Fair, stop C.
The store selection includes both international brands as well as local aussie stores, including fashion, cosmetics, decoration, and technology for everyone’s budget. It’s best to go early, when there are not too many people yet and you can take a relaxed walk through it. It’s also a good place to have a quiet breakfast and boost your energy for the shopping day you have ahead.
A more relaxed stroll through The Oasis
Very close to Pacific Fair is The Oasis, where you can find a much more relaxed atmosphere. You’ll find local shops, cute cafés, and a much more welcoming vibe. It’s perfect for grabbing a cold coffee if it’s hot and continuing to browse the shop windows. It’s the ideal area to look for beachwear, accessories, or little typical Australian souvenirs.
Surfers Paradise and the atmosphere of Cavill Avenue
Next, you head towards the Surfers Paradise area, one of the most well-known in Gold Coast. In the middle you’ll find Cavill Avenue, the heart of the city, where everything comes to life. There is music, people walking, packed outdoor terraces, and shops everywhere. Some of the shops are well-known brands and other small surf or souvenir shops.
Even if you aren’t planning to buy anything, it’s worth a walk just for the atmosphere. It’s the type of place where you walk in ‘just to look’ and walk out with a shopping bag. Plus, with the beach so close, the whole day feels way more relaxed than your typical stressful shopping day. Many people staying at Oaks Gold Coast Hotel take advantage of the close proximity to walk from the hotel to Cavill Avenue. You don’t need to plan too much to enjoy the area, just walk and go with the flow. It’s the perfect place to eat before continuing the afternoon of shopping.
Harbour Town Premium Outlets, the perfect place to find discounts
If you’re looking for great deals, Harbour Town Premium Outlets is a must. This is where many people end up doing their biggest shopping of the day. There are outlets of well-known brands with pretty good discounts and lots of options for clothing and accessories. This outlet brings together more than 200 stores with discounts all year round.
The centre has open spaces and a pretty relaxed atmosphere, following the Gold Coast style. Getting from Surfers Paradise to Harbour Town is simple, with plenty of easy connections. The Gold Coast shows that shopping can actually be fun. From the busy streets to the massive malls and outlets, there’s something for everyone and it keeps that relaxed vibe that makes the city so popular.
OP Shops & Vintage Stores
Before heading back to the beach, it’s worth taking it slow with one of the most fun parts of shopping on the Gold Coast. Away from the big malls and outlets, there’s a whole second-hand scene here, and a lot of the fun is in the hunt. You never really know what you’ll walk out with. Maybe a barely-worn designer piece, a retro band tee, an old Australiana cookbook, or something you weren’t even looking for.
The good news is you don’t have to go far. Right in Surfers Paradise, just along the tram line, there are friendly op shops that are great for a relaxed rummage between stops. And if you feel like exploring a bit more, areas like Mermaid Beach, Miami and Burleigh Heads have some lovely vintage boutiques and charity stores, with curated second-hand fashion and homewares. A lot of them give part of what they make to local causes too, so you walk away with a good find and a clear conscience.
Ending the day at the Beachfront Markets
After so many shops and shopping centres, the best way to end the day on the Gold Coast is by the sea. That’s why the ideal plan is to head back to the Surfers Paradise area to check out the Beachfront Markets. These are open-air stalls where you can find local crafts, handmade jewellery, illustrations and unique gifts. When evening falls and the lights start up along the beach, the promenade becomes even more enjoyable. Many people take the opportunity to have dinner in the area and end the day with a walk by the ocean.
And after a whole day shopping around the Gold Coast, returning to Oaks Gold Coast Hotel is very convenient. Staying in a central hotel makes the whole trip much easier and allows you to enjoy the day without worrying too much about getting around. And after all that walking, there’s nothing better than relaxing by the pool before heading out again. You’ll probably need some extra room in your suitcase.
