Queen Street Mall

The Queen Street Mall has been Brisbane’s premier shopping destination for more than three decades and over the years cool little cafés have sprung up down its alleyways and backstreets. There are rows of street-front shops, six large indoor shopping complexes including supermarkets, cheap food courts, classy restaurants and all types of bars. If you don’t need to buy anything, watch artists perform or sit down on a bench or terrace and watch Brisbane go by.

Look up to see the facades of 19th and early 20th century buildings, which now have modern shops behind them. The city’s busy shopping strip is home to hundreds of stores, from international and national retail chains to unique boutique shops.

If you need a new outfit or souvenirs, visit the Myer Centre or Queen’s Plaza for a host of mid-range to high-end entertainment and clothing stores. Check out the Wintergarden for more expensive fashion or head across the mall to the Brisbane Arcade to visit the local boutique shops. You’ll find gourmet chocolate and tea, jewellery, silver, glassware, clothes, pens, hats and rare books all set against a lovingly preserved 1920s interior. Climb the stairs to the traditional tea house for a warm drink and a slice of cake or walk to the nearby arcade Broadway on the Mall to dine in a food court offering a range of international cuisines.

Visit Burnett Lane, running parallel to the mall, to enjoy a gourmet meal or a beer. There are a couple of super-stylish bars and restaurants, and the lane regularly hosts exhibitions.

Head to the special stage on the George Street end to see scheduled performances by bands and dance troupes. On the way there you’ll spot magicians, musicians and other street performers.

The Queen Street Mall is at the heart of Brisbane, between George Street and Edward Street. There is a Visitor Information Centre kiosk to inform you of what is on during your visit. Most stores are open throughout the week with late-night shopping on Fridays and some boutique shops closed on Sundays.