21 Nov 2017
Where has the year gone?! If you still think it's Easter and you have months to plan gifts for everyone: it's November (cue excitement/happiness). We're a month out from the prawns and pavlova, so now's the time to get your Christmas shopping list ticked.
If you're wondering where to go for gifts this year, below are our top towns to go shopping for Bobby, Mary, Aunt Fiona, and that odd but loveable Uncle Angus that always comes with a smile to the family Christmas party.
Melbourne, VIC
Over 250 stalls of local handmade gems, the Sunday St Kilda Esplanade Markets have been a staple for decades. A platform for artists, buy gifts that you simply won't find anywhere else. The Docklands, on the harbour of the Yarra River, offers a range of direct outlets and wholesale bargains. Love vintage shopping? Retrostar Vintage Clothing is a gem - they've got a $5-$10 sale on each month.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Melbourne
Adelaide, SA
People from all around country South Australia and western Victoria come to the Big Smoke to get their Christmas shopping done. There's Rundle Mall (don't miss out on a selfie with the Malls Balls) in the CBD, Harbour Town down in West Beach, and Westfield Marion (the largest shopping centre in Adelaide). Why not stock up on groceries while you're here? You can buy a decade's worth of toilet paper and socks over at Costco.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Adelaide Beachfront
Rockhampton, QLD
There's really one main shopping centre in Rockhampton: Stockland. Whether it's science-based toys from Australian Geographic to a new pair of sunnies from Sunglass Hut, there are dozens of shops to peruse. Try local and go to the Kern Arcade Markets on a Sunday morning to check out handmade clothes and crafts from around the Capricorn Coast.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Coolwaters, Yeppoon and Discovery Parks - Rockhampton
Coffs Harbour, NSW
Park Beach Plaza is the biggest shopping centre between Newcastle and the Central Coast - safe to say it's a reliable place to find stocking stuffers. In the very heart of Coffs Harbour sits Coffs Central, with some speciality, video game, and clothing shops to wander through. The Sunday outdoor Harbourside Markets is as authentic as it gets with locally-made goods: from honey through to cushion covers.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Emerald Beach
Perth, WA
WA's capital city is dotted with shopping centres at every corner. The Galleria Shopping Centre in Morley has both big brand and boutique stores in Perth's northern end (and a cinema next door to lose a couple of hours). If you're looking for wide variety (and discounts), the Claremont Quarter is chock-a-block with clothing stores. For the real sales though, there's a Harbour Town out west that's a one-stop-shop for just about everything.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Perth Airport and Discovery Parks - Perth Vineyards
Gold Coast, QLD
Pacific Fair (the largest shopping centre in Queensland) and Robina Town Centre are two massive complexes with iconic brands, the chains we love, and specialty stores. Bring the kiddos along when you're shopping for cousins and aunties - Santa will be at Pacific Fair between now and Christmas! Have a budding musician or circus performer in the family? Snap up a ukelele or hula hoop from Threeworlds in Burleigh Heads.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Byron Bay
Geelong, VIC
Visiting the Geelong Vintage Market is an absolute treat, full of pre-loved treasures and retro trinkets. Vintage isn't restricted to just to clothes and bags. Old signs, furnitures, upcycled crafts, and other collectibles are sold from decades past. For stores you've come to love and expect, go to Waurn Ponds (they've got 140 shops and free parking - winner), Westfield Geelong, or Market Square Geelong.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Geelong
Getting ready for the Christmas season and planning a holiday? Read up on our travel hacks to save money on your summer getaway.
Christmas shopping can be a drag, but it doesn't have to be. Book your cabin or site at Discovery Parks to snap up gifts for your family.
