Brisbane’s premier shopping destination houses bars, restaurants and shops of all descriptions in its 40,000 square metres of retail space.
With over 26 million visitors every year, Queen Street Mall is not only Brisbane’s busiest shopping complex but a major tourist attraction in its own right. Since it opened in 1982, crowds have been flocking to visit more than 700 retail outlets and countless bars and restaurants in and around the mall and its 6 complexes. The indoor shopping centres, pedestrianised mall and warren of surrounding backstreets and alleys also play host to an ever-changing array of concerts, events and street performances, ensuring a unique experience for every visitor.Although the mall is just over 30 years old it avoids the sterile feel of many modern shopping streets thanks to its unique design, with many of the street-facing shop buildings retaining their original 19th and early 20th-century facades. The businesses housed within the sprawling 40,000 square metres of retail space range from huge international chains to local designer boutiques, and everything in between. Browse along the 500-metre-long stretch between George Street and Edward Street before ducking into any of the 6 huge shopping centres.The Myer Centre and Queen’s Plaza are popular with shoppers looking for mid to high-end entertainment and clothing outlets such as international brands Tiffany’s and Louis Vuitton and Australian designers Alana Hill and SABA. Wintergarden is home to 3 floors of specialist shops as well as a bowling alley and gym.The oldest and prettiest of the mall’s complexes is the Brisbane Arcade, which opened in 1923. You’ll find anything from jewellery, glass and silverware to gourmet chocolate and coffee stands along its immaculately preserved 1920s interior. A favourite with shoppers here is to climb the stairs for afternoon tea and cake in the centre's traditional tea house.Take time out from your shopping trip to grab a bite to eat in the food court in Broadway on the Mall, which offers an array of international dining options. If you’re looking for something a little more upmarket, stroll across to Burnett Lane – which runs parallel to the mall – where you’ll find dozens of hip bars, classy restaurants and popular art exhibitions.For those not looking to buy, Queen Street Mall is the place to see street entertainers, from musicians to magicians, and there are often concerts held on the George Street stage. This bustling and vibrant mall is in the heart of Brisbane and there is late shopping on Fridays.
