Wondering what souvenirs to buy in Australia? There are many popular iconic Australian products to choose from and I will guide you on the best things to look for. It’s always preferable to take home things you can actually use after your trip and not just put them in the cupboard.
ICONIC AUSTRALIAN GOODS
Any good holiday is remembered fondly with souvenirs and mementos collected along the way. I always love coming home with a few special items to treasure, some for myself and a few for special people in my life, if they’re lucky. Preferably something that can be used and enjoyed.
When you visit Australia you will no doubt be tempted to purchase some of the amazing products on offer as you browse the markets and shops. Here are a few quintessential souvenirs to buy in Australian that are super-popular.
Australian Opals
You may not know that Australian opals make up 95% of the world’s supply of opal gemstones. Australian opals are also the most expensive in the world. Two of the most sought after are Black Opals and Fire Opals. Opals are mined in 3 states: Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. Jewellery made with opals can be bought all throughout the country in jewellery stores, and of course, vary in price. Definitely worth checking out if you love rainbow coloured stones. They are simply beautiful.
Australian Pearls
Australian pearls are very sought after, particularly the Australian South Sea Pearls, one of the best in the world. A reputable and popular Australian brand is Paspaley pearls.
If you love pearls you may wish to take a Pearl Farming tour to see how they are cultivated, harvested and prepared for jewellery. You are able to purchase from the showroom.
Tours are located in Western Australia and New South Wales.
Pearl Tours
Indigenous Art & Clothing
Traditionally painted Aboriginal items are very popular Australian souvenirs. Indigenous painting is often done using the ‘dot painting’ technique and many other unique styles. To learn more about Aboriginal Art read my article. The designs are vibrant, colourful and usually tell a story. They are quite mesmerising to look at and have an almost 3D effect. There’s a certain energy about them.
You may like a boomerang, clothing, bag, painting, plate, jewellery, or other unique artwork to take home. Authentic goods can be purchased from Aboriginal Souvenir Stores, Aboriginal Art Galleries, Museum shops, markets and various stores.
Indigenous owned clothing brands are on the rise in Melbourne and Sydney, for women and men, and you are sure to find garments to suit you.
Australian Wine
Australians love wine. Did you know Australia is the 5th largest wine producer in the world? The Australian Wine industry is huge with every state producing wine. There are in fact 65 wine regions in the country. Australians prefer to drink their own wine over international wines, which make up only 20% of the market. More than half of the total wine produced is exported overseas.
Fun fact: the Barossa Valley is the oldest wine region in Australia.
So buy a bottle and take it back with you. Most airlines allow you to carry at least one bottle of alcohol per person.
Winery Tours
Australian Beer
Beer is arguably the most popular beverage in Australia and has always been part of the culture. There are literally hundreds of companies producing beer in the country, including many craft beer breweries as well.
Australian Food
Australia is renowned for some of the most delicious produce in the world – seafood, beef, lamb, fruits, vegetables, cheese, yoghurt, chocolate, coffee – coupled with celebrity chefs and world class restaurants of different cuisines.
You must try a foodies tour when in Oz and sample various produce, dishes and beverages, purchase from the fresh food markets, enjoy food and drink tastings, take some cooking classes and of course dine at some of the quality restaurants and cafes to get your foodie on.
The Australian food culture scene has developed over the decades from the many migrants who have arrived on our shores from all over the world in their thousands, bringing their multicultural cuisines with them, and who now cook up a veritable culinary storm across all states. Fusion food is a popular style of cuisine, blending flavours and styles together.
Listed below are some of the tours available.
Certain food products can be purchased to take to other countries, provided they are sealed, such as condiments, vinegars, oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee, tea, chocolates, lollies and biscuits. But be sure to check with your destination country beforehand.
Culinary Tours
Australian Beauty Products
There is a wealth of beauty and makeup products made in Australia that are very popular. Some of these are Nude by Nature, Australis, Napoleon Perdis, Sukin, Bondi Sands and Jurlique, just to name of few. These are all iconic, much-loved brands, that are readily available in most shopping centres. You should give them a try. I have personally used all of these products over the years, believe it or not.
Australian Ugg Boots
The original Australian classic Ugg Boots are very sought after as souvenir items. They are made from 100% natural sheep skin and are fleecy on the inside. These boots are popular for indoor and outdoor use because they are sooo comfortable. The Australian brand differs from the international brands, and the Uggs are made in Australia, since 1974.
Australian Designer Clothes
There is a multitude of fabulous Australian clothing brands, designed in Australia. Many of them are popular overseas. Some of my favourite Australian designers and stores that you can easily find in all major Australian cities are: Kookai, Billabong, Camilla, Tigerlily, Swank, Country Road, Saba, Zimmermann, Seafolly, Ghanda, Witchery, Zanerobe, Tony Bianco, Carla Zampatti, Decjuba, Gorman and many more.
Check out the website, Finder, for all the Australian designer labels.
Australian Shoes and Accessories
Australian shoes and accessories will impress with stylish options to check out, such as Wittner, Jo Mercer, RM Williams, Blundstone, Senso, Tony Bianco, Naked Vice, Julius Marlow, Aquila and others. Many can be found at local shopping centres around the country.
Australian Akubra Hat
You may recall seeing the Akubra Hat in Australian movies, such as Crocodile Dundee. The classic Aussie hat is great for the harsh outdoor conditions. But they are not only worn by cattlemen. Anyone looks good in them, even females. They have different colours to choose from too. Akubras have become a fashion accessory, often seen worn at the races.
Australian Football (AFL) Gear
AFL is the much loved sport of the country. If you’re a sport lover, you will most likely see a match, if you happen to be in the country during the crazy football season. So, get into the spirit of the game and buy a Sherrin football or a football jersey of your chosen team. The authentic AFL products can be found in AFL Stores everywhere.
Australian Animal Souvenirs
Australian animals are so adorable, everyone wants to take home a souvenir of them. You’ll find, key rings, glasses, t-shirts, towels, baby clothes, carry bags, plates and almost anything you can think of with koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, Tasmanian devils, and kookaburras on them.
Australian Wool Products
Australian wool items are highly sought after. Some of the wool products you can find are Merino sheepskin rugs, quilts, blankets, jumpers, slippers and thermal underwear. Be sure to check them out.
That’s my list of recommended Australian products and popular souvenirs to buy in Australia.
Happy shopping whilst in Australia.
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16 Comments
Thanks for this fantastic guide to iconic Australian souvenirs! I had no idea that Australian opals make up such a huge share of the world’s supply, so interesting. Your tips make it so much easier to pick meaningful gifts instead of typical touristy stuff. Can’t wait to go souvenir hunting when I visit Australia. Keep up the great posts!
Love, live, love those Australian opsls! My daughter lives in Melbourne so I know about those Australian designer clothes, too!
Ah I love a pair of Ugg boots in the winter! I had no idea about the opals though, they’re beautiful 🙂
One of my friends gifted me a piece of Aboriginal Art but I have heard that they are not actually made by tribal folks lol. I always play it safe and buy some fridge magnets.
Anytime i see Australian wine, I always remember an ex-girlfriends wine obsessed Fathers face when he discovered that im not related to the Australian McGuigans 🙂
Australia is my last continent and I can’t wait to purchase some of these!
I appreciate the list of must haves. Souvenir shopping can be somewhat overwhelming especially when there is so many options.
I’m not sure the wine would make it home with me though ?
I love a meaningful souvenir and definitely tend towards “consumables” so a bottle of wine sounds perfect, although those opals are awfully beautiful too.
I had no idea about Australian Opals, they look beautiful!
We’ve never been to Australia, but when we go we’d definitely want to buy a pair of UGG boots!
Such a creative article. My favorite was the Australian Football League gear.
I will surely visit Australia because most of my favorite clothing line were Aussie <3
Ahh being an Aussie gal myself I found myself nodding my head as I was reading. Everyone should definitely have a good pair of Ugg Boots!
I have an opal from Aus – they are such amazingly beautiful (and totally unique) rocks. If I visited I would love to visit the mines (and those cool underground houses) where people dig them up!!
Wine is a great idea too, as long as you don’t drink it before you leave the country! 😉
Makes me dreaming about going back to Australia! I did get a boomerang painted by an Aboriginie friend’s auntie about 15 years ago when I spent time with a tribe in the rain forest! So beautiful art work:)
I hope to visit Australia in the future, I think I will at least get the Akubra Hat 😀
I remember my parents buying some of these items for family we were travelling overseas to visit 🙂