Shopping Heaven in Harbour Town Shopping Centre (Arundel, Gold Coast)

When I do long haul trips, serious shopping isn't part of the itinerary because I'd be hauling off dead weight whenever I'd move, and that isn't so appealing. But I have to eventually get into it for gifts and souvenirs I have to take back home. After getting underwhelmed by Australia Fair, I wasn't looking forward to visiting Harbour Town Shopping Center (HTSC), the first and largest purpose-built direct outlet in Australia, and remains so today despite mushrooming of other shopping precincts all over the country. These days, HTSC is found even in Melbourne and Perth.

Located in Biggera Waters, a suburb on the western side of the Broadwater (population: 5,400), just north of Labrador on the Gold Coast, the centre is home to several branded and international names in fashion and accessories spread across low-level shops.

What's amazing is how every shops offers considerable price cuts and promos. This is evident in "Souvenirs Direct" which, for a change, had me salivating over products that I'd love to have for myself, aside from those I had to give away. The options are aplenty. They have 3-in-1's, buy-one- take-one's, and price mark downs. Items here are high quality, but among the cheapest in the country. This is why Brisbane folks, and even New South Wales denizens, flock here to splurge. I think I must have spent a considerable amount for those souvenirs as well.

BOOMERANG SUPERSTITION

Among other stuff, I got Australia shirts (2 for $25), refrigerator magnets (3 for $8), and boomerangs at $14 a piece. As a piece of superstition, it is believed that visitors who are gifted with boomerangs are bound to return to the Land Down Under. In this precept, Girlie bought me my boomerang. I'd have to plan a return one of these days, don't I?

This is the Eye in the Sky.

Zarraffa's Coffee

Reading Cinemas (above and below)

An unbelievable array of gifts and souvenirs.

  

A kebab restaurant

Visit their official website: http://www.harbourtown.com.au/
Location: Gold Coast Highway corner Oxley Drive, Biggera Waters, Queensland

Ph. (07) 5529 1734 
Fax. (07) 5529 2459reception@harbourtownshopping.com.auwww.harbourtowngoldcoast.com.au

Opening Hours

Monday - Wednesday	9:00am - 5.30pm
Thursday	9:00am - 7:00pm
Friday - Saturday	9:00am - 5.30pm
Sunday	10:00am - 5.00pm
Christmas Day, Good Friday, Anzac Day	Closed
Easter Sunday, Labour Day	Restricted trading