Tuesday: January 3, 2012

On Tuesday we will do some shopping.  I especially want to check out the Bourke Street Mall and the Queen Victoria Market.

The Bourke Street Mall is Melbourne’s main shopping center featuring large department stores such as David Jones and Myer.  Bourke Street also features the Melbourne General Post Office, built in 1864 the historic building has since been converted into a high-end shopping experience.  The Bourke Street Mall is only open to pedestrians and trams. 

Bourke Street Mall
This photo of Bourke Street Mall and Melbourne's Central is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Bourke Street Mall
This photo of Bourke Street Mall and Melbourne's Central is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Next it’s on to the Queen Victoria Market, the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere.  In existence for more than 120 years the market offers a window into Australia's various cultures and offers a wide array of products including: fruit and vegetables, local and imported gourmet foods, meat, fish, poultry, hardware, clothing, authentic Australian artifacts and souvenirs.

Queen Victoria Market Entrance
This photo of Queen Victoria Market is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Queen Victoria Market
This photo of Queen Victoria Market is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Queen Victoria Market
This photo of Queen Victoria Market is courtesy of TripAdvisor

I planned to spend at least one day in Australia specifically on shopping.  I defiantly want the opportunity to buy a few unique souvenirs to bring back to Canada with me as well as presents for friends and family.  I also want to pick up some more practical things such as clothing.  I think Bourke Street and the market will offer a similar experience in that they are both major shopping centers not only for tourists but also for regular Austrians.  As well shopping will be the least mass organized part of our trip so we will have a better chance to experience Australian culture and mix with the local people.  At the same time Bourke Street and the market will also offer two very unique shopping experiences.  Bourke Street offers a very high end Australian shopping experience while the market offers a more casual shopping experience with a huge selection.  The market also offers a wide variety of different foods which will give me another excellent opportunity to experience a variety of different Australian cuisines as well as the unique fruits and vegetables of Australia.

Bourke Street Store
This photo of Bourke Street Mall and Melbourne's Central is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Queen Victoria Market
This photo of Queen Victoria Market is courtesy of TripAdvisor