10 Best Shopping Malls in Brisbane

Queen Street Mall sets the royal standard for shopping centres. Located in the central business district among the city’s skyscrapers, the mall majestically houses 6 shopping centres and heritage-listed arcades across multiple levels including QueensPlaza, the place to go for designer goods, Wintergarden, the first mall on the block, and MacArthur Central, always busy with grocery shoppers.

While promenading the length of the mall between George Street and Edward Street and taking in the various cross streets, you can browse over 700 high-street or high-end retailers, food courts and entertainment complexes. The mall is wheelchair accessible and most easily accessed by train or the free city loop bus service which links the central business district to more of Brisbane’s tourist highlights.

Built as a theatre over 100 years ago, Wintergarden became the first shopping centre at the Queen Street Mall in the 1980s. Today you’ll recognise the mall by its striking 300-foot-long 3D façade, made up of hundreds of colourful, laser-cut stainless steel panels, which incorporate the 24,000 LED lights that put on a show every evening.

Once in the heart of the building, you will find a prestige mall with flagship retailers housed over multiple levels. A 700-seater food court with a wide range of options offers the chance for refreshments while you spend your cash. Parking at the Wintergarden’s 24-hour car park is best booked in advance to secure the best deals.

Built in the 1920s and retaining stunning original features like the clerestory windows (that’s architecture-speak for windows at the top of a wall), Brisbane Arcade is a treasure trove for the shopper who loves a luxury vintage vibe. Historically known as a go-to spot for the more sparkly side of shopping, the arcade houses many high-end jewellery and fashion designers, as well as tailors and bridal couture.

Inspired by the building’s stunning Edwardian Baroque architecture, Brisbane Arcade also hosts an innovative space dedicated to emerging art and fashion exhibitions. Exhausted by all the couture and culture? Then stop for a high tea at one of the arcade’s refreshment emporiums.

With 16.5 million customer visits per year, 7,200 parking spaces and around 500 retailers, Westfield Chermside is one of the biggest malls in Australia. Located a 20-minute drive north of the central business district, this sprawling yet slick shopping centre is everything you would expect from the Westfield brand.

Combining modern architectural features with user-friendly and accessible details such as wheelchair hire, the shopping experience is relaxed and family-friendly. Two ‘Playworlds’ with slides, climbing equipment and interactive screens will keep the kids entertained. Time to feed those hungry tummies? There are multiple dining options from high street restaurants to quick takeaway bites. If you still aren’t sated after a day of shopping, other entertainment on offer includes a cinema, indoor skydiving, golf and a bowling alley.

One of the stalwart shopping centres that makes up the Queens Street Mall complex in Brisbane’s central business district, the MacArthur Central Shopping Centre offers a diverse shopping experience. In addition to the Woolworths and Big W supermarkets, there are several technology stores, including Apple. If you need a pharmacy, dry cleaners, cell phone repair shop or keys cutting, you’ll find all these services and more available at the centre.

Finding all this shopping is wearing out your feet and in need of some rest and relaxation? There are several health and beauty stores in the MacArthur Central Shopping Centre, including places to get a massage, a fresh new trim or a mani-pedi, and a 310-seater food court to find refreshments.

The Myer Centre is the largest of the Queen Street Mall’s shopping complexes and is home to a wide variety of designer and home-grown Australian brands over 6 levels. Several high-street beauty brands are located in the centre, alongside some fabulous beauticians and massage spas to stop and refresh after a long day hitting the shops.

A 2-level food court can be found at the bottom of the building. With vendors from around the world serving everything from noodles and poke bowls to donuts and toasties, even the fussiest eater will be catered for. The Myer Centre offers safe, secure parking in the heart of the central business district but make sure you pre-book parking online for the best deals.

Come for the shopping at Sunnybank Plaza but stay for some of the best authentic Asian food in Brisbane. Whether you are craving spicy Sichuan hotpots, fresh sushi rolls or handmade dumplings, with over 50 restaurants to tickle your tastebuds, the choice here is (almost) overwhelming. Fancy trying to recreate the flavours at home? There are several supermarkets to stock up on ingredients.

Inspired by the local Asian community, a multicultural gallery has opened at the plaza, showcasing artwork and artefacts and working with local artists, community groups and schools. Located south of Brisbane City less than 20 minutes by car, there’s ample parking at the plaza if you are driving to explore this richly diverse suburb.

If you are heading south from Brisbane to the Gold Coast then schedule a stop at Harbour Town Premium Outlets where you can bag a designer bargain at one of the 240 international stores. Fully outside to make the most of the Queensland sunshine, this single-level strip offers up to 70% off well-known global brands such as Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren and Australian favourite shoe-wear brand Ugg.

All the stores are spacious and air-conditioned and there’s an inviting selection of food outlets, from healthy choices to tasty treats. With ample parking for visitors arriving by car, Harbour Town also operates a free shuttle bus service running twice a day for guests arriving from Broadbeach or Surfers Paradise.

Opened over 50 years ago but having benefitted from several refurbishments since, the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre is a massive mall in the western suburbs of Brisbane. There are over 300 stores, with some big-name fashion retailers, across 4 floors.

Ensuring the mall is accessible to all, Indooroopilly Shopping Centre offers complementary wheelchair and motorised scooter hire. There are also 5 parents’ rooms available, providing comfortable and private spaces for feeding and changing little ones. Home to the bus interchange serving the whole of the western suburbs, the mall is easily accessible by public transport with Indooroopilly train station also just 400 metres away.

The Barracks Shopping Centre has won awards for its urban regeneration, bringing back from the state of ruin 3 heritage-listed buildings and combining them with contemporary architecture to create a visually stunning shopping experience steeped in history. Salvaged from when the site was used for police training and operations are the 3-storey brick barracks from 1939, the radio communications centre from 1941 and the stable block from 1912.

Today the shopping centre houses carefully curated shops, florists, grooming venues and an upscale cinema. Foodies are catered for with independent and stylish bars, restaurants and cafes. The Barracks Shopping Centre is a 20-minute walk from Brisbane’s central business district and over the road from the Suncorp Stadium.