Discover local boutiques, luxury labels and shopping districts in the heart of Adelaide. Start right in the centre of the city at the famous Rundle Mall with its spread of department stores, quirky boutiques, and restorative cafes. If you are looking to invest in a timeless piece, then high end Australian labels can be found at the shopping mecca of Burnside Village, just 10 minutes from the CBD. This world class mall boasts over 100 stores, including Scanlan Theodore, Carla Zampatti and Camilla, offering their wares beneath soaring glass ceilings. Perhaps you’d prefer to chill at Adelaide’s chic beachside shopping villages, where resort wear billows and hangs from every shopfront. Or, you can wander through heritage arcades bursting with bespoke and artisan designs. It’s no wonder that shopping is one of the top things to do in Adelaide!
Rundle Mall, CBD
Rundle Mall is not so much a shopping strip as it is a 528 metre long runway of temptation, including 700 stores, 15 arcades and 300 services. Follow the nearest fashionista through the bustling boutiques, stopping off at the famous Australian-founded lingerie brand, Honey Birdette. At the other end of the scale, department stores David Jones and Myer bring you the best of Australian fashion plus all the other essentials you need.
Located: Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA 5000
The Adelaide Arcade, CBD
Opened in 1885, the Adelaide Arcade is glamorous, refined and filled with bespoke boutiques and true artisan style. Grab a Helen Kaminski hat at Adelaide Hatters, then take off for a shopping expedition of pure delight. For those looking to piece together a truly original look, you know it all comes down to the details. At the Button Bar, you’ll discover Australia’s most comprehensive range of buttons. Bejewelled, bright, round, square and patterned, these buttons transform a simple jacket into a work of art. For a true sparkle, visit the South Australian family-owned Gerard McCabe Jewellers for original diamond jewellery, showcasing fine stones and design.
Located: 112/118 Grenfell St, Adelaide SA 5000
Paolo Sebastian, CBD
Known around the world for handmade collections that are pure enchantment, these evocative gowns are often illuminated by flashbulbs when worn by celebrity devotees, including Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry and Hilary Swank. Supermodels Megan Blake Irwin and Chloe Lloyd also chose to wear Paolo Sebastian as they swished down the red carpet at the recent Cannes Film Festival. You’ll find The Paolo Sebastian atelier in Adelaide. It’s because the man behind the label, former Young Australian of the Year, Paul Vasileff, is very happy to base himself in his home town. He believes that the city hums with creative energy, and of course, he’s right. Simply follow the fashion tribe to the stylish destinations below to experience it for yourself. The other labels to look out for along the way include Autark, Naomi Murrell, Calèche, Addison Ash, Sally Phillips and Alexis George. You could discover the next superstar designer for yourself.
Located: 227 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000
Queen Street, Croydon
Filled with street art, stores and cafes, Queen Street is the place for original finds. A must walk-in is boutique Her Name Was Nola – a wonderful treasure trove, including vintage fashion and homewares. Among the best buys are the handmade quilted jackets, jacquard robes, tracksuits and leggings by Sage And Clare. Another store worth checking out is the Azalia Boutique, with curated labels and original styles, including stunning floral skirts and matching tops. It’s the place to develop your own sense of style.
Located: Queen Street in Croydon turns into Elizabeth Street, with shops located along this strip between Day Terrace and Henry Street
Rundle Street, CBD
Located between Frome Street and East Terrace in the East End District is the boujee Rundle Street, where you’ll find bars, restaurants, stylish Australian boutiques and cool brands. Check out the ethereal Hannah Art Wear; Leonard Street and the handmade pieces of Yudu, which started out in a garage at Port Willunga and epitomises the inventive style that has put Adelaide on the fashion map.
Located: Rundle Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Burnside Village Shopping Centre, Glenside
Burnside Village is Adelaide’s most luxurious shopping mall. Spotless, spacious and gleaming, it’s a mecca for all things glam. Fashion and lifestyle are at the forefront with more than 100 Australian and international brands on offer. The centre is a spectacle in itself, with full glass ceilings and two atriums. Natural light creates an indoor-outdoor feeling, and there are a range of cafés for that well-deserved coffee break.
Located: 447 Portrush Rd, Glenside SA 5065
Jetty Road, Glenelg
Adelaide rinses out at Glenelg Beach, which is also the setting for Australia’s first beach club, The Moseley (open from November to March). What to wear there? Easy, visit the Jetty Road shopping village for statement resort wear. Discover the wonders of Attitudes or stop by Naked By The Sea for beach club approved dresses and separates. Jetty Road, which stretches out for around a kilometre, certainly rivals California’s Venice Beach when it comes to signature boutiques, cafes and restaurants. You’ll leave with the best of Australian summer fashion.
Located: Jetty Road, Glenelg SA 5045
Giles At The Grounds, Wayville
One of the joys of shopping in Adelaide is finding original fashion that no one else has. For vintage and emerging local designers, each month, the Gilles Street Market at the Old Brick Dairy within the historic Adelaide Showgrounds, is where it’s at. , follow the fashion tribe to discover 120 exciting stalls, including curated vintage, recycled fashion, homewares and artisan crafts.
Located: South Boulevard, Leader Street Entrance (off Goodwood Road), Wayville SA 5034
R.M Williams
If you wish to combine shopping with outback charm, you’re going to love the R.M.Williams Half Day Experience, which includes a personal tour guide to pick you up from your hotel. Now that’s true outback hospitality. R.M.Williams defines South Australian outback style throughout the world. Explore the workshop with a behind the scenes tour and a fitting for your own pair of hand-crafted Chelsea style boots. This iconic footwear will last you for a lifetime because, as any savvy shopper knows, the authentic outback look stays in style.
Located: 121 Frost Rd, Salisbury South SA 5108
Harbour Town
For outlet shopping, there’s nowhere better than Harbour Town. It’s only a 15 minute drive west of the city, located near the Adelaide Airport. As part of Australia’s leading direct factory outlet chain, Harbour Town also has supermarkets, cafés, homewares and sportswear.
Located: 727 Tapleys Hill Rd, Adelaide Airport SA 5950
FOR A LITTLE MORE OF ADELAIDE…
Adelaide is bursting with culture, flavours and entertainment. To discover more things to do while you are exploring Adelaide, why not start with a delicious meal at one of our top 10 restaurants. For those planning a trip to Adelaide, we’ve got your three-day itinerary to get you started.
