Rainy Days Shopping Guide
Gold Coast

Where To Shop On Rainy Days

There are two ways to look at shopping when it is raining!  One way is go for the dry shopping experience and the other is to look for the less busy shopping opportunity!  

I must admit to being a fan of the less busy version - so I tend to go to the places where no-one else goes!  But if I have the kids, you will find me in the dry shopping centres!

Marina Mirage stands out from the crowd as being different from the standard big Australia shopping centres, but is not everyone's taste.

Pacific Fair, Australia Fair, Westfield Helensvale and Robina Town Centre are by far the largest shopping centres on the Gold Coast.  You will find combinations of the usual Australian brands.

Harbour Town offers outlet shopping with a wide selection of local and international brands.

Best Major Gold Coast Indoor Shopping Centres For Rainy Days

Marina Mirage Shopping Village - 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Marina Mirage is undergoing a major refurbishment from March 2008 until April 2009.  Once finished it will be a truly indoor shopping experience.  

There are about 60 boutique, local and international brand name shops, plus great cafes, restaurants and other shops and services. Shops are generally open from 10am to 6pm with restaurants and some shops open later.

Marina Mirage also hosts a great gourmet Farmers Market on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays of the month from 7am to 12 noon.  The Marina Mirage Farmers Market features local fresh and handmade produce.

Marina Mirage is the place to oick up some fashion or resort wear. There is nothing like it on the coast.

Pacific Fair - Broadbeach (has some inside and some outside)

Pacific Fair was for a long time the largest shopping centre in the Southern hemisphere, though I think that has probably been surpassed now.  There are two parts to Pacific Fair.

There is an indoor multi-level shopping centre which is great for rainy days.

The other part of Pacific Fair is based around a village feel which is open air and so on very rainy days you get really wet trying to shop here.  If it is light rain, I wouldn't be put off, but if it is torrential best to stay in the indoor part.

The cinemas are at the western side of Pacific Fair, if it is wet you want to park on that side.  If you park on the indoor shopping centre side (the eastern side), you will get wet walking to the cinemas.

Australia Fair - Southport

Australia Fair is a big standard shopping centre.  You will find the usual Australian shops including a Coles, Woolworths, Best & Less, KMart and over 200 specialty shops.  

There is a small enteraintment zone, the Birch Carroll & Coyle Cinemas, a children's playground and a food court that overlooks the Broadwater.

Robina Town Centre - Robina

Robina Town Centre is a undergoing a major refurbishment and remodelling during 2008.  There are some parts of the shopping centre that are open and outdoor, but it really is an indoor shopping centre.  There is some undercover parking, but most is outdoor.  Which is a downside, but it is a great shopping centre with cinemas and an interesting layout.

Westfield Helensvale - Helensvale

All indoor, but no undercover parking.  Great variety of shops with over 180 specialty stores plus a Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, KMart and Target.  

The food court has a good selection and there are other cafes to choose from.

Smaller indoor Shopping Centres

The Oasis - Broadbeach

The Oasis is on Broadbeach Mall and has around 140 specialty stores plus a Woolworths.  It also is the only shopping mall with it's own monorail to Jupiters!

Runaway Bay Shopping Village - Runaway Bay

Runaway Bay has a combination of indoor and outdoor shopping, but the major shops are in the indoor section.  There are around 130 specialty stores plus a Coles, Woolworths, Best & Less, Target and Big W.

Major Gold Coast Outdoor Shopping Centres 

I find the outdoor shopping centres are quieter  on wet days.  If visitors go and don't realise what it is like, they soon get grumpy and leave especially if they are not prepared for it.  

A good raincoat, umbrella and some closed in shoes in the winter will prepare the real bargain hunters for a great day of shopping and maybe even some extra discounts if you are lucky!

Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre - Biggera Waters/Runaway Bay

The shops are laid out around open air malls.  If it is only raining a little you are probably able to skit between shops fairly easily.  When it is pouring, take your opportunity.  I hate crowds, so this is when I shop!!!

Rainy days or not, Harbour Town is great for outlet shopping, but if you are after the convenience of buying from a department store or you are looking for anything other than fashion (clothes and homewares) then best to try somewhere else.

Pacific Fair - Broadbeach (has some inside and some outside)

Pacific Fair is huge, and you get the best of both worlds with some indoor and some outdoor.  Make sure you are prepared for the wet if visiting on rainy days.