The ultimate Adelaide shopping guide

In Adelaide you’ll find unique boutiques, sprawling shopping malls and gorgeous heritage arcades - it's a shopper's delight.

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

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

The Parade, Norwood 

The beating heart of the cosmopolitan inner eastern suburb of Norwood is the strip of The Parade running between Fullarton and Portrush roads. Here you'll find a vast selection of fashion, food, and boutique shops, as well as diverse dining and entertainment options.

Located: The Parade, Norwood SA 5067

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

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. Ever wondered what it takes to become a master bootmaker? Check out our 'Untold Series' profile of RM Williams bootmaker Glenn Dezen to find out!

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.