Sun, surf, sand – and shopping! What better way to spend your time than indulging in some retail therapy? The Gold Coast is famous for its shopping destinations, and there’s something for everyone at the wide range of markets and malls. Shoppers can score a bargain at Australia’s biggest outlet mall, find a one-of-a-kind piece at the markets, or indulge in high-end luxury goods at one of Australia’s premium shopping centres.

Here are 10 of our favourite places to hit the shops and spend.

Top 10 Shopping Destinations

Pacific Fair

Pacific Fair is the last word in luxury, with upmarket retail and dining options with a luxurious tropical feel. Browse the more than 400 stores featuring major international brands like Sephora, Gucci, H&M, Prada, Louis Vuitton and more.

When you need a break, utilise the Visitor Lounge with free wi-fi and other amenities, and don’t forget to ask for a Visitor Privileges Pass which offers discounts and deals for your time on the Gold Coast. Then take the family to Play Street, with play facilities for every age from the toddler room to a high climb course.

Pacific Fair is just a short walk from Broadbeach South G: Link station.

Harbourtown

Visit Australia’s largest outlet shopping mall to pick up a bargain from more than 240 stores, retailing at up to 70% off the original price. From luxury brands to speciality stores, there’s something for everyone. Walk between the massive selection of stores through the street-style mall, and browse the range of exciting options.

Harbour Town Eats is host to many different restaurants, for a quick bite or a full meal.  Don’t forget to visit the Tourist Lounge for a Tourist Discount Card and to use the range of facilities.

To get to Harbour Town, make your way to the Southport Tram Station and transfer to the 704 bus. Alternatively if you are staying in a Gold Coast hotel, catch the free Outlet Shopping Shuttle from four convenient locations in Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise.

Surfers Paradise Markets

A delightful range of unique stalls, running the length of one of Australia’s most famous beaches – what’s not to love? The Surfers Paradise Markets are family friendly and fun, with exciting items from clothing to art and everything in between. Come early and spend some time on the beach, or stay late and dine at one of the many beachfront restaurants just across the road.

To get there, why not take the tram to Cavill Avenue station and walk around 350m to the Esplanade.

Miami Marketta

Only 8 minutes from Broadbeach and held every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, the Miami Marketta will entertain and delight you. Hosting live local talent and boasting cuisine from around the world, the Marketta promises to transport you and your tastebuds around the world.

The 700 or 756 bus will drop you right outside.

Paradise Centre

The biggest shopping centre in Surfers Paradise, the Paradise Centre is the perfect place to stop off and shop on your beach trip. Over 90 stores offering fashion, food, and fun, once you’re tired of shopping you can check out the entertainment precinct with ten pin bowling, the world’s biggest Timezone, and more.

To get there, why not take the tram to Cavill Avenue station and walk the short distance to the mall.

Marina Mirage

For waterfront dining and boutique shopping, you can’t go past the Marina Mirage. Located next to the 5 star Sheraton Mirage and the Palazzo Versace and overlooking the beautiful Broadwater, you’ll find fashion from some of the world’s largest luxury brands, as well as homewares, gifts, and day spas to treat yourself after a long day shopping.

The centre is a short 15-minute walk from the Main Beach G-Link station.

Australia Fair

Over 200 stores, a cinema, a dining precinct, and a beautiful location across from the Broadwater – Australia Fair is a well known shopping centre that has everything you need for a great day’s worth of retail therapy.

You can stop off at Southport Tram Station or Southport South Tram Station, and you’ll find the shopping district is only a short walk away.

Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre

Right in the heart of Surfers Paradise, the Chevron Renaissance shopping centre has incredible entertainment, beauty, food, and retail shops to delight the whole family. They can also help you out with the essentials, hosting a pharmacy, supermarket, and a doctor’s practice to help make your stay on the Gold Coast more comfortable.

Catch the tram to Cypress Avenue Station and the shopping centre is right across the road.

Carrara Markets

Open every Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 3 pm, the Carrara Markets are Australia’s largest permanent weekend markets. Covering a massive 10 acres, you’ll find a range of crafts, fashion, food, and more. There’s plenty of entertainment as well, with local talent and options for the kids such as a petting zoo and bungy trampoline.

Catch the G:Link Light Rail to Broadbeach South Station at Pacific Fair, then catch a Translink or Surfside Bus direct to the markets.

Circle on Cavill

Right outside the tram station and offering a range of items from grocery essentials to boutique shopping, Circle on Cavill is a great place to find food and fun. There are plenty of entertainment options for the kids, and a very wide range of delicious eateries that will have you coming back for more.

To get there, take the tram to Cavill Avenue station and walk the short distance to the mall.

Getting Around on the Gold Coast

Airtrain services run every 15 minutes on-peak and every 30 minutes off-peak, so you can skip the traffic and arrive at the Gold Coast in comfort.

Airtrain stops at all Gold Coast stations from Ormeau to Varsity Lakes, including Ormeau, Coomera, Helensvale (connects with G:link tram at Helensvale station), Nerang, Robina, and Varsity Lakes. From there, trams and buses provide connecting services to other locations around the Gold Coast, or you can take advantage of our AirtrainConnect (Train & Transfer) service.

There are a range of ticketing options that Airtrain can help you with. Airtrain Train & Tram which takes you via the G:link tram to Southport, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach. If you require an airport transfer direct to your Gold Coast address, Airtrain offers a premium door to door service called AirtrainConnect that will get you exactly where you need to go.

All South East Queensland public transport uses a smart card for travel, or you can purchase a paper ticket. Visitors should check out the go seeQ card, which allows you unlimited travel for 3 or 5 consecutive days on buses, trains, ferries, and trams. It also includes 2 Airtrain journeys to/from the Brisbane Airport. The go explore smartcard allows you travel in the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast for up to 8 days, but you don’t have to use them consecutively.  

You can easily get around with a go card – just touch on at your station of departure and touch off when you arrive at your destination. The go card is accepted on all translink transport throughout Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

To purchase your smartcards or to find out more, head to the nearest Airtrain counter. You’ll be able to purchase tickets for travel, attractions, and events around South East Queensland.

Gold Coast Shopping Destinations

You’ll be amazed at the retail options available to you on the Gold Coast. From luxury brands, to crafty markets, to bargain hunting at outlet stores – these Gold Coast shopping destinations are easily accessible by public transport and offer hours of retail fun.  Make the most of the shopping destinations that the Gold Coast has to offer – and get there in comfort with Airtrain.