What to do and see in Melbourne, Victoria: The Best Gift & Specialty Shops

December 26, 2021 Marianna Hollaway

Lovely, laid-back Melbourne has something for everyone: family fare, local and international art, haute boutiques, multicultural dining, Australian and Aboriginal history, spectator sports, and pulsing, swanky nightlife. Cruise on the free City Circle Tram loop to check out unique attractions like the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Healesville Sanctuary, which buzzes with local animal species.
Restaurants in Melbourne

1. Readings Book Shop

309 Lygon St, Melbourne, Victoria 3053 Australia +61 3 9347 6633 [email protected] http://www.readings.com.au/carlton
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 47 reviews

Readings Book Shop

Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia

Most booklovers agree that Readings is one of the best bookshops in Melbourne, indeed Australia. The range of books is enormous, covering almost every topic. Even the remainders table is like a treasure chest. If they have a book in stock, but not on the shelves, they will get it for you in a couple of days. It can save time getting the book from Readings, rather than waiting for it to be shipped by Amazon. Browsing is encouraged.

2. Lightning Ridge Opal Mines

Mezzanine 94 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia +61 3 9654 4444 [email protected] http://www.opals.net.au/
Excellent
88%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 132 reviews

Lightning Ridge Opal Mines

Melbourne's Number One Experience! Come in and learn about Australia's National Gemstone. Browse and select from our stunning selection of opals and opal jewellery and check out our Wildlife display - a little piece of the Outback in Melbourne's CBD. We are open Mon-Fri 9.30Am - 5.30Pm and Sat/Sun from 10.00Am-5.00Pm.

Reviewed By AeroncaGuy

Little did I expect to pet a friendly skink when I walked down the stairs to Lighting Ridge Opal store... Staffed by friendly, thoughtful and informative staff, this is a gemstone store plus a small zoo. I was given a wonderful demonstration of how opals are polished and graded. This is a family business with many of the folks who work there descended from the opal miner founder. I found their prices competitive and their quality, high. Bought a lovely pair of silver + opal ear rings + pendant with a stylized kangaroo setting. They were also very helpful with a disabled friend who accompanied me.

3. The Junk Company

583 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia +61 3 9328 8121 http://thejunkcompany.com/
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

The Junk Company

4. Minotaur Entertainment Melbourne

121 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia +61 3 9670 5414 http://www.minotaur.com.au
Excellent
77%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 22 reviews

Minotaur Entertainment Melbourne

Reviewed By 619je - Keysborough, Australia

For those of us who have a long history of reading science fiction, Montour is a great resource. One friend of mine visits every Friday to catch up on the latest issues. I have bought my children the classics, such as "Starship Trooper" and Isaac Asimov's "I, Robot.". The term "classic" may not be immediately associated with SF, but I am sure in years tocome SF will be assoicated as one of the defiing features of modern literature. Minotaur has everything you want in SF; just keep browisng and you will find something new.

5. Viva La Calavera

String Bean Alley Shop 6 Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia +61 430 087 440 [email protected] http://www.vivalacalavera.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Viva La Calavera

Located at the Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne's Largest range of Mexican Folk Art, Ceramic Sugar Skulls and kitsch gift ware. Ranging from T-Shirts to Skate Decks, Stickers to Key rings, Mexican Wrestling masks to Tiki art and Mugs, Disney inspired Art to Day of the Dead Canvases and everything in between. We pride ourselves on having authentic Mexican product and Artist approved prints and Tees

6. Made In Japan Tableware

1-7 Wynyard St, Melbourne, Victoria 3205 Australia +61 3 9690 0001 [email protected] http://www.mij.com.au
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Made In Japan Tableware

Made In Japan tableware's flagship store in South Melbourne is a beautifully restored theatre come ceramics showroom with dark polished floorboards and polished cement. Browse the unique and affordable selection of genuine Japanese ceramics and antique furniture and vintage wares in a wonderfully renovated space.

7. Readings Kids

315 Lygon St, Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia +61 3 9347 6633 http://www.readings.com.au/kids
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7 reviews

Readings Kids

Reviewed By SoonWai - Melbourne, Australia

This is where you collide with old school bookshop. The staffs here know the books, they know what gets the kids to be interested. My 10 year old went to this shop, spoke to the staffs about what she liked, and got some excellent recommendations. It's like the movie 'You've got mail' where there is a smallish bookstore, but the people there are passionate about books, and they know what they are talking about. I am willing to pay and support this place, rather than having a touchless online buying experience. Please support this shop.

8. The Australian Natural Soap

259-263 Collins St Shop 12 Centreway Arcade, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia +61 1300 727 715 [email protected] http://www.theansc.com.au/
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 13 reviews

The Australian Natural Soap

We are a Melbourne based natural soap and skin care company! We only use Australian natural high quality plant oils which are great for all skin types! All our products are palm oil free, sulphate free, detergent free, paraben free, cruelty free, and vegan! Our products make perfect gifts, or bring them home to enjoy all natural ingredients yourself!

Reviewed By R3288IAvanessac

On a recent business trip to Melbourne, I had an afternoon to look around before flying home. I was on the search for xmas gifts and stumbled on this great little shop. I asked some dumb questions but all were answered with such kindness. I purchased a sample pack, but then got home and read more about the company. I am impressed that it is locally developed and operated. I decided that there are some small changes I can start to make with the environment in mind. As a result, i have just ordered more stuff as xmas gifts and cant wait for it to arrive. Support local and ethical!

9. Melbourne Watch Company

458 Swanston St Suite 6, Level 3, Melbourne, Victoria 3053 Australia +61 3 8598 1220 [email protected] https://www.melbournewatch.com.au/showroom/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 16 reviews

Melbourne Watch Company

The Melbourne Watch Company showroom is a relaxed environment for guests to explore our collections and meet our team. Enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee while trying on our range of locally designed timepieces and take a look behind the scenes in our workshop.

10. Paperback Bookshop

60 Bourke St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia +61 3 9662 1396 [email protected] http://paperbackbooks.com.au/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7 reviews

Paperback Bookshop

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