Shopping at Gold Coast, Australia

Malaysian = Shopping!
Shopping = Malaysian!

Undeniable, Malaysian is very synonym with shopping. Especially Malay. Yeah, we are shopping freak!

I've been in this travelling industry for 12 years (already). Taking thousands of Malaysian traveled domestic and overseas. All I can conclude for sure, apparently we Malaysian have a lot of money to spend, to buy those souvenirs we don't really need. How generous, for you to support local economy. But sadly, I also experienced (few times) when some Malaysian who got mad like hell until red-faced (some were crying) and make scene at the public area when they didn't get to purchase for a piece of Hard Rock T-Shirt or AAA grade of handbag or a set Saree. I'm not kidding, this is based on true incidents. Relax.. it is not the end of the world if you couldn't get the item. But, don't get me wrong, doesn't mean that I hate shopping. But I'm a light shopper, I'm just hate to carry heavy luggage...

However in this entry, I'm still pleased to guide you on the shopping places in Gold Coast.

Harbour Town

Similar to any other shopping outlet or brand outlet or premium outlet in the world, Harbour Town offers branded items at a cheaper price - on selective items, and depending on season and brand. With more than 180 stores, Harbour Town opens roughly from 9am until 5:30pm except on Thursday.

For tourist, you may get the Tourist Discount Card from Tourism Lounge at South West Entry (bus parking area). And those tourist who come in group, there's complimentary shopping bag you may request. Also for Muslim, please get the key to the prayer room from the Tourism Lounge's officer. The prayer room is about 50m from the Tourism Lounge, next to Afends.

I managed to grab a $138 (after 20% discount) Fossil Couple Watch. 

And these $99 watch is only $79 each after 20% discount. 

Nope, I didn't buy. Enough with one new watch on my wrist.

For Halal Restaurant at Harbour Town, you may try Malaysia Makanan at 8Eight Street, close to Fossil Store.

Surfers Paradise Night Market

Besides enjoying the sea breeze and the smell of the beach, you can also "cuci mata" at the night market for the local art & handicraft. 

But please bare in mind that the night market opens only on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday from 5pm to 10pm. Here, I bought some soft Nougat and a lipbalm made from honey. p/s : Nougat in Perth is wayyyy cheaper. Half-size of soft Nought in Gold Coast cost me $8 each, while at Mondo Nougat in Perth is selling at $10-11 for the whole-size of soft Nougat.

Walking down the street to Surfers Paradise Beachfront Market is totally safe even at night. From the hotel I stayed (The Island), it's only 10mins walk via Hard Rock Cafe and Cavill Avenue Pedestrian Walk. 

Hard Rock Cafe

Attention to Hard Rock T-Shirt collector; there's no need to put a fight with me because you may get your favorable dream T-shirt around $40 on your own.

Nahh I didn't buy any Hard Rock T-Shirt this time. Enough with those T-Shirt collection I owned.

But I do bought $10 Movie World Original T-Shirt and some cheap shirt @ Target.

Hard Rock Cafe and Woolworths

Woolworths

The entrance to Paradise Centre Shopping Mall is at the corner by Hard Rock Cafe, there's the way to Woolworths in Surfers Paradise. Woolworths in Gold Coast is similar to the one in Perth, where you can buy cheap Barista Bros drink at $3 (Barista at Coolangatta Airport sells at $4.32 each, while mineral water at $3.. damn expensive!.. psssst Barista in Malaysia at RM13 each), Salsa sauce at $1.50, Whittaker's chocolate at $2. But, don't be surprise, you also can find Corelle bowl or plate at $6-7 each (Woolworths in Perth does not selling Corelle product).

Apart from Woolworth, I also bought some Corelle bowl at Pacific Fair. Why Corelle? Because it's cheaper in Australia. Back in Malaysia, even during warehouse sale the price can be RM40-50 each compared to Corelle in Australia at $6-7 only.

Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

With more than 400 stores, Pacific Fair is considered as a huge mall for me. I visited Target, Big W, Kmart and some window shopping around mall. 

1 dollar, guys!

To get to Pacific Fair, I took a Tram Ride called TRANSLink (you can buy go explore - day ticket at 7e), from Cavill Avenue Station (close to Hard Rock Cafe) to Broadbeach South Station. Only 5 stations away. Then, take about 400m walk to the entrance of Pacific Fair.