Shopping in Perth
Boundless splurging opportunities exist in Perth - from high-end fashion boutiques and homogenous shopping centre stores to indigenous art sellers, homemade craft stalls and plenty of gourmand markets. Once you've had your fill of the high street staples, head to the Wesley Quarter for a bit of glamour, Northbridge for chic local design or Fremantle for its undercover market.
Key areas
Hay Street and Murray Street pedestrian-only malls ably replicate the best high street shopping, while historic King Street has designer boutiques and galleries selling Aboriginal art. Shopping is one of the main attractions of Fremantle, with plenty of fashion boutiques, bookshops and craft shops to browse.
The best authentic Aboriginal art comes from Indigenart, at 115 Hay Street, and Creative Native, at 32 King Street.
Markets
Fremantle Markets, 84 South Terrace, are WA’s oldest markets, an undercover labyrinth of clothes, souvenirs and produce. Open every weekend Friday 0900-2100, Saturday and Sunday 0900-1800 plus Public Holiday Mondays 0900-1800.
The Old Perth markets feature arts and crafts, produce, and live music from the local area. They are open on the last Sunday of the month in the cooler months (Apr-Sep) from 0900-1330 and on the last Saturday of the month in the warmer months (Oct-Mar) from 1730-2100.
Shopping centres
Perth's central shopping area is bound by the Hay Street and Murray Street malls and the Forrest Chase complex. Major department stores like Myer and David Jones can be found here, alongside a number of historic arcades, fashion franchises and duty-free shops. The many jewellery stores in this precinct sell Australian precious gemstones, such as the famous pink Argyle diamonds, Broome pearls and Kalgoorlie gold.
Opening hours
Most shops in Perth city centre open seven days a week. Shopping hours are generally Mon-Thurs 0900-1730, Fri 0900-2100, Sat 0900-1700, and Sun 1100-1700. Stores outside the city centre are often closed on Sunday.
Souvenirs
If memories aren't enough, a variety of souvenirs are available that range from Argyle diamond, Broome pearl and Kalgoorlie gold jewellery to Aboriginal art and artefacts. There are the usual t-shirts, caps, glasses and fridge magnets that come adorned with Perth's local wildlife and sights, but as memento go, you can't beat a bottle of wine or two from the Margaret River wine region, just south of Perth.
Tax information
Prices include GST (goods and services tax). Tax-free items may be purchased by shoppers with an international passport and onward ticket out of Australia.
