Contents

Neither homeowners nor investors have traditionally placed a high value on retail centers. However, over the past decade, shopping centers have steadily enhanced their offerings. Nowadays, shoppers can choose from a dizzying array of options, including specialty shops, state-of-the-art indoor entertainment centers, and restaurants serving every imaginable cuisine. Particularly in Melbourne, these major retail districts have had a profound effect on property values and continue to play an essential cultural role.

As an example, it is undeniable that retail centers such as Eastland Shopping Centre have contributed to the recent economic improvement in Ringwood and the surrounding suburbs. The redevelopment of Eastland Shopping Center has led to a dramatic increase in property values.

What is Melbourne's biggest shopping center?

Melbourne's Chadstone Shopping Centre has over 550 stores, including department stores, boutiques, and international and Australian brands. It houses several luxury fashion brands and designers and is known for its cutting-edge selection.

Locals and tourists love shopping at Queen Victoria Market. One of the largest outdoor markets in the Southern Hemisphere, it is a cultural and culinary hub as well as a shopping destination. Discover the market's lively food halls, offering international cuisines, regional specialties, and delicious street food.

Emporium Melbourne: Situated near Melbourne Central, this posh mall specializes in high-end apparel. It features a sleek, modern look and is the location of several international and local design companies.

Bourke Street Mall: Not your typical shopping center, Bourke Street Mall is a bustling pedestrian-only shopping district located in the heart of Melbourne's CBD. In addition to a variety of specialty shops, it is home to flagship stores like H&M and David Jones.

Located on Lonsdale Street, QV Melbourne is a destination for fashion, lifestyle, and cuisine. This outdoor shopping area, which is well-known for its urban design, has a wide range of retail stores, unique shops, and delicious dining options.

What time in Melbourne do stores close?

The majority of stores in the city center and nearby areas close at 7 PM during the week. Still, a lot of stores are open until around 9 PM on Thursdays and Fridays, so you can shop late at night.

Sunday is usually a shorter day for business. Stores open later in the morning and close around 4 PM. Keep in mind that these are just average hours. Stores, shopping areas, holidays, and other special events may have different hours.

Which Melbourne retail center is the oldest?

When it was built in 1869, the Royal Arcade was the city's first covered shopping mall. You can enter a time of sophistication and elegance by going through the ornate entrance, which has large statues of Gog and Magog on either side.

The Royal Arcade has a unique atmosphere thanks to its beautiful stained glass windows, ornate Victorian architecture, and skilled craftsmanship. When you're in Melbourne, you have to go shopping at the Royal Arcade. It's a living example of the city's colorful past. It's not just another mall.

Top 10 Biggest Shopping Malls In Melbourne (Australia) in 2024/2025
Top 10 Largest and Best Shopping Malls/Retail Centers In Melbourne

Top 10 Largest and Best Shopping Malls/Retail Centers In Melbourne

1. The District Docklands

Address: 440 Docklands Dr, Docklands

Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM - 6 PM

District Docklands, formerly known as Harbour Town, is a center for shopping and lifestyle. Some of the largest brands, including Uniqlo, Dan Murphy's Woolworths, and Costco, are housed in this Melbourne retail center, which has stores arranged both indoors and outside. In addition to shopping, there is an outdoor area for live music and cultural acts, as well as a skatepark.

Locals love the open-air market alley where tiny vendors sell freshly baked goods and other fresh delicacies. Take the family to HOYTS to see the newest release, and don't forget to check out the 3D art in the immersive ArtVo exhibition.

2. The Arcade Walk

Address: 62 Grafton St, Cairns

Open: 10:00 AM-10:00 PM

This little arcade connects Bourke Street Mall with Little Collins Street. There are a few smaller stores there that sell household products, jewelry, accessories, and gifts. You should also search there for duty-free Australian opals, which are rather popular.

3. Spencer Outlet Centre

Timings: (Saturday to Wednesday) 10 AM - 7 PM; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Friday and Thursday)

Address: 201 Spencer St, Docklands

Spencer Outlet Centre, the only outlet retail centre in Melbourne's Central Business District, is conveniently close to Southern Cross Station, making it easy to get to. With more than 100 convenience and specialty retailers, shoppers may be guaranteed to get a deal when they go shopping. Additionally, there is a food court with a wide range of food options, such as sushi, Chinese food, muffins, pizza, and sandwiches.

4. Bourke Street Mall

Address: Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia; Bourke Street Mall

Open all day

It is often acknowledged that one of Melbourne's most famous shopping locations is Bourke Street Mall. This pedestrian-only retail and dining area, situated in the city center, is dotted with upscale department shops, boutiques, and independent designers. In addition, the buildings in the vicinity are filled with the sound of skilled buskers performing.

Among the most well-known shopping destinations on Bourke Street Mall are David Jones and Myer. Several floors of clothing, housewares, electronics, and other merchandise are available in these department shops. Melbourne's GPO, housed in an eye-catchingly renovated post office, is teeming with avant-garde fashion boutiques and offbeat eateries.

5. Spencer Street Outlet

201 Spencer Street Docklands VIC 3008 is the address.

Open:

Wednesday through Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday and Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Near the Dorsett Melbourne entrance is Spencer Outlet Centre, the sole outlet shopping destination in the CBD. If you're looking for a quick shopping destination, it's ideal. Here you can find a treasure trove of bargains thanks to the incredible selection of over a hundred specialty shops.

Guests can explore a multitude of options, from famous brands to mouthwatering eateries. Indulge in some retail therapy at Hairhouse Warehouse, where you'll find popular brands like Carla Milani, Cotton On, and TK Maxx—some of which are unique to this city.

Everyday essentials and a little something to relax with—like freshly brewed coffee, pizza, dumplings, and pastries—are all within easy reach at Coles.

Southern Cross Station is the city's primary transportation hub, and Spencer Street Outlet is in close proximity to it. Marvel Stadium and the Skybus Terminal are both in close proximity, making them ideal for individuals seeking a pre-made Melbourne weekend schedule.

Fans of outlet shopping love Spencer Outlet Centre for its convenient location and unparalleled service.

READ MORE: Top 10 Largest Shopping Malls/Retail Centers In Toronto

6. The Strand Melbourne

Address: 250 Elizabeth St., Melbourne, VIC 3000

Open:

Wednesday through Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Friday and Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Right in the middle of Melbourne's busy shopping district, you'll find the lively and exciting Strand Melbourne. By harmoniously blending with the city's cherished arcades and alleys, this famous shopping spot provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for discovery.

Every fashionista's needs and wants can be met at this hip location, which is home to numerous renowned local and international brands and retailers. Although it is smaller than some of the neighboring megamalls, The Strand offers a more intimate and authentic look at the greatest shopping the city has to offer.

From trendy footwear to eye-catching accessories and avant-garde apparel, customers can peruse an assortment of well-known brands.

The Strand Melbourne is home to a plethora of shops and boutiques as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes. In between shopping trips, these are the best spots to grab some food and fuel up.

7. Chadstone Shopping Centre

Address: 341 Dandenong Road

Timings: Monday through Wednesday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM

(Thursday through Saturday) 9 AM - 9 PM

Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The major business district (CBD) of Melbourne is located around 15 kilometers southeast of the Chadstone Shopping Center. The first standalone shopping center in Victoria opened for business in 1960. With about 550 stores, it is currently the biggest shopping center in Australia and one of the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere. Some of the top brands in the world are found there, both in fashion and retail.

Chadstone Shopping Centre has expanded into its own city and offers a free shuttle bus that connects it to Melbourne's central business district. Among Melbourne's many malls, it has been called "the fashion capital" for over ten years.

READ MORE: Top 10 Largest Shopping Malls/Centers In Chicago

8. DFO South Wharf

Location: 20 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006

Open:

  • Saturday to Thursday: 10.00 am – 6.00 pm

  • Friday: 10.00 am – 9.00 pm

People from all over the city come to DFO South Wharf to shop because it has an amazing selection of over 170 well-known Australian and international brands, all at unbelievable discounts of up to 70% off.

This famous shopping spot in Melbourne has a wide range of goods for sale. You can find well-known brands like Armani, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Furla, Michael Kors, Nike, Ugg Australia, and many more.

The shopping at DFO South Wharf is great, and there are also many places to eat and drink. Take a break from looking through the racks to get a quick caffeine fix or a bite to eat. Then, get back to shopping for deals.

It's easy to get to from anywhere in Melbourne because it's right in the middle of the popular South Wharf area.

9. Highpoint Shopping Centre

Address: 120-200 Rosamond Rd, Maribyrnong VIC 3032, Australia

Open: Monday–Wednesday from 9 am to 6 pm, Thursday–Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm

The Highpoint Shopping Centre is one of the biggest malls in Australia, featuring more than 500 stores that offer visitors a delightful variety of shopping choices. Located in the lovely western suburb of Maribyrnong, it features some fantastic attractions, including well-known department stores like David Jones and Myer.

You'll discover a variety of well-known health and cosmetics stores, including Mecca, Chanel Fragrance and Beauty, and Endota Spa. If you're looking for a little pause from shopping, the Highpoint Shopping Centre’s vibrant and inviting Atrium Food Court offers a variety of fast food choices, cozy cafes, and sushi spots to help recharge your energy for more shopping fun!

10. Collins Street

Address: Collins Street, Melbourne

Collins Street is a fantastic spot for fashion lovers eager to explore popular international brands and stylish local designers in Melbourne. The charming ‘Paris End’ of Collins Street at the eastern tip features a delightful array of luxurious boutiques and beautiful heritage-listed buildings that bring to mind the elegance of the French capital.

You'll find a wonderful variety of luxury European designers here, such as Dior, Burberry, Chanel, and Giorgio Armani. Close by, the trendy 80 Collins area features 20 chic retail shops and a range of top-notch dining options, while The Block Arcade offers an intriguing look into the city's rich history.

In Summary

Over the years, Melbourne's malls have transformed from simple retail spaces into hotspots for those in search of a better way of life.

Every week, millions of tourists flock to these shopping and entertainment complexes. Inside, you'll find a wide array of stores, from upscale boutiques to convenience stores, movie theaters, food courts, and fine dining. Little ones can also enjoy the play areas and art galleries.

In order to help you narrow down your options when you next visit Melbourne, we have prepared a list of the top restaurants and stores in the city.

Top 10 Largest Shopping Malls/Retail Centers In Birmingham Top 10 Largest Shopping Malls/Retail Centers In Birmingham

Looking for the best shopping malls and centers in Birmingham? You're at the right place. Check out Top 10 Largest Shopping Malls/Centers In Birmingham right ...

Top 10 Largest and Best Shopping Malls/Retail Centers In Vancouver Top 10 Largest and Best Shopping Malls/Retail Centers In Vancouver

From bustling, colorful local settings like Chinatown, where you can enjoy leisurely strolls, to spending a day at some of the biggest malls in British ...

Top 10 Biggest and Best Shopping Malls/Retail Centers In Montreal Top 10 Biggest and Best Shopping Malls/Retail Centers In Montreal

Because prominent designers come to Montreal to showcase their latest creations, the city is home to some of the best malls in North America. Check ...