Mombasa Bead Stall at The Rocks Market, Photo Credit: Daniel Boud/ Destination NSW
Just like every other city, Sydney is also inundated with souvenir shops. You’ll find them in Circular Quay, the Rocks, Bondi Beach, Chinatown and on almost every main street of Sydney’s Central Business District.
But it can be hard to find an authentic local souvenir. You could either get sucked in with made-in-China T-shirts or end up with boomerang that wouldn’t even pass through customs.
Consider buying Aboriginal instruments, like a yidaki, or didgeridoo, which make wonderful gifts, as they double as artwork. A piece of original, traditional Aboriginal art also would be a great souvenir. Here are some more suggestions on what to purchase in Sydney:
Paddington’s Oxford Street
To pick up clothes from Australia’s top designers, come to Oxford Street to peruse racks at Sass & Bide, Camilla and Alice McCall.
Queen Victoria Building
This restored 1890s building with elaborate domes and stained glass is one of the city’s loveliest spots for shopping. The QVB also houses local favorites, like toy purveyor Hobbyco’s large flagship shop and Haigh’s, the country’s oldest family-owned chocolate maker.
Paddy’s Market
This shopping haven has a history that goes back 150 years, especially for fresh produce, handmade goods and novelty items. Today, Paddy’s Market hawks jewelry, home décor items and clothes. You won’t find the best quality items here, but it’s a good place to mingle among the locals and search for hidden-gem finds.
The Rocks Market
A tourist must-do activity, these weekend-long markets at the central hub of The Rocks have exclusive and original pieces of art, furniture and souvenirs. There are food stalls, face-painting stalls, traditional Aboriginal arts and craft and live music.
Supermarket
If you spend even a couple of hours in Sydney, you probably would hear all about Tim Tams — a chocolate-dipped wafer cookie — that is only available in Australia. It’s an Aussie tradition that tastes like a party in the mouth. Try it and take a suitcase-full for friends back home.
