From bargains at the markets to one-off creations at designer boutiques, thereâs a shopping sensation to satisfy. For elite high-fashion labels, beat a path to exclusive shopping precincts in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and fabulous Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. There youâll find exclusive boutiques and fashion to die for! For the quirky and the vintage, you canât go past the markets of Tropical North Queensland and Brisbane.And if trawling through second hand shops for antiques and collectibles is your idea of the divine you wonât be able to resist the quaint hinterland villages of South East Queensland Country.
Shopping Guide
There are a wide variety of quality products on offer in Australia at very competitive prices. When shopping, sightseeing or visiting theme parks on tours, remember you have a choice of where and when to shop. Shop around and compare prices and quality before you buy. As in other countries, some Australian business pay commissions to tour operators and tour guides to bring tour groups to their stores. In some instances the cost of these commissions may be passed on to you, the customer. While this does not necessarily mean prices will be higher than at other stores, you should have an opportunity to visit and buy from other outlets, so check your itinerary for free shopping time and ask for free time if none has been allocated. While you are in Australia you are covered by Australia's consumer protection laws, which require businesses to treat you fairly. All stores must obey these laws. Australia also has specific consumer protection measures for the tourism industry; most of Australia's States and Territories have legislation that requires travel agents, and can provide compensation to travellers should, for example, their travel agent go out of business. Your country also has similar laws that protect your consumer rights and govern the professional standards of travel wholesalers and retailers in your home country. If you are not satisfied with what you have purchased form them, you may wish to contact the relevant government authority for travel and tourism in your home country. Please visit the Office of Fair Trading. (http://www.consumer.qld.gov.au)
