Key Takeaways
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Australia is known for its beaches, wildlife, cities, and outdoor experiences, making it a destination where visitors can spend their holiday trying something new every day.
There are plenty of things to do in Australia, from visiting the Great Barrier Reef and national parks to experiencing the food and cafe culture.
However, shopping takes more planning and an extra budget, so Australia isn’t a cheap shopping destination. So, keep your list choosy and look for products made in Australia or hard to find in India, such as Tim Tams and Vegemite, merino wool, opals, and Indigenous art.
This list covers the 15 best things to buy in Australia for Indians, along with approximate costs and where to buy them or the brands to look for.
Shopping Across Australia: Where and What to Buy?
| City/Region | Best Shopping Spot |
| Sydney, New South Wales | The Rocks Markets for Australian gifts. Paddington Markets for local fashion, jewellery, art and homewares. |
| Melbourne, Victoria | Queen Victoria Market for food and souvenirs. |
| Brisbane, Queensland | The Collective Markets at South Bank for original art, gifts, vintage clothing, and local designers. |
| Fremantle, Western Australia | Fremantle Markets for local produce, regional honey, art, homewares, and gifts. |
| Tasmania | Salamanca Market for Tasmanian-made food, crafts, art, and local products. |
15 Best Things to Buy in Australia
Australia has plenty of things that can become memorable souvenirs, but not everything is worth carrying back to India. The list below focuses on things with a connection to Australia, from affordable snacks and small gifts to premium purchases such as opals and Australian-made products.
1. Tim Tams
- Approx. Cost: 500 INR – 800 INR (cost varies depending on the kilogram).
- Where to Buy: Woolworths, Coles, and any supermarkets.
Tim Tams are among the most popular biscuits and one of the cheapest things to buy in Australia to give to friends and family back in India. They come in several flavours and are sold across supermarkets and grocery stores, so you don’t really need a shopping trip to find them; you will find them at almost any store.
Top flavours to try include chocolate, caramel, a cool mint cream, raspberry, mango, and more.
2. Vegemite
- Approx. Cost: 405 INR for 150g and 950 INR for 560g.
- Where to Buy: Any supermarket.
Australia’s famous food spread, Vegemite, is a well-known local product and is a cultural symbol of the country.
It is a dark, salty yeast spread usually eaten on bread. It doesn’t taste like a sweet chocolate or nut spread, so if you are buying it just because it is famous, try it before buying several jars, as many people won’t like the taste.
3. Australian Chocolates
- Approx. Cost: 350 INR to 1,200 INR.
- Where to Buy: Haigh’s Chocolates, Noosa Chocolate Factory, and any supermarkets.
Australia has plenty of chocolates that make a perfect gift to take home. You can buy supermarket brands such as Violet Crumble, Cherry Ripe, and Allen’s Lollies, or spend more on premium Australian chocolate.
These chocolates are very creamy and rich in taste, as most of them don’t use palm oil but pure cocoa butter. The unique taste comes from lemon myrtle, Kakadu Plum, Macadamia nuts, and Wattleseed.
4. Macadamia Nuts
- Approx. Cost: 970 INR for 100g.
- Where to Buy: Macadamias Australia and supermarkets.
Macadamia nuts are one of the best local souvenirs, as macadamia trees are native to Australia, though they are cultivated worldwide; buying them in Australia gives you a local price.
You can find nuts roasted, salted, flavoured, or even chocolate-coated. Plain roasted macadamias are better if you are buying for family members with different food preferences, while flavoured or chocolate-covered macadamias are also popular choices
5. Australian Honey
- Approx. Cost: 960 INR – 1,450 INR for 500g.
- Top Honey Brands: Honey For Life, Tasmanian Leatherwood Honey, Beechworth Honey, and Fewster’s Farm Honey.
Australian honey is famous and gives a premium touch because of its purity and unique native floral sources from Jarrah, Marri, and Karri.
Tasmanian leatherwood honey is one example; it is rare because it is harvested exclusively from the ancient, remote rainforests of western and southwestern Tasmania. These leatherwood trees take over a century to mature, and the flowering season is only a few weeks in summer.
6. Australian Skincare
- Approx. Cost: 4,800 INR – 13,000 INR. (Cost varies depending on brand and product).
- Where to Buy: Pharmacy, cosmetic stores, or brand stores.
- Top Skincare Brands: Jurlique, Aesop, Kora Organics, Sand & Sky, and Lust Minerals.
Skincare products are expensive in Australia, and they are known for their high safety standards. They stand out because of unique native ingredients such as Kakadu Plum, Lanolin oil, Macadamia oil, and Australian Pink Clay.
You will find items ranging from everyday moisturisers and hand creams to premium sun care.
In particular, Australian sunscreens are highly recommended worldwide and are well known for withstanding extreme UV radiation; they are treated as medicines rather than cosmetic goods.
7. Australian Coffee
- Approx. Cost: 5,500 INR for 1 kg of speciality coffee beans.
- Top Coffee Brands: Vittoria Coffee, Robert Timms, Proud Mary Coffee, Toby’s Estate, and Market Lane.
Australia has one of the world’s most sophisticated and celebrated speciality coffee cultures.
Australian coffee often focuses on light-to-medium roast levels, which can bring out caramelised, fruity, and other natural flavours. Some must-try Australian coffee types include Flat White, Long Black, Piccolo Latte, and Magic.
If you enjoy coffee, buy locally roasted beans from an Australian roaster after testing each coffee type. This way, you won’t spend on a kilogram of beans in a flavour you don’t enjoy.
8. Australian Opals
- Approx. Cost: 15,000 INR – 2,00,000+ INR.
- Where to Buy: Reputable jewellers and established opal retailers such as Australian Opal Cutters and Pearl Divers and Opals Down Under.
If you want a unique and expensive purchase from Australia, consider opal jewellery. Australia is closely associated with opal production, and the stone is available in jewellery, loose stones, and smaller souvenirs.
You will see different types of opal, including black opal, boulder opal, white opal, and crystal. Prices can vary based on the stone, colour, pattern, and quality.
If you are buying an expensive opal, choose an established jeweller and keep the invoice and any certificate provided.
9. Australian Merino Wool Products
- Approx. Cost: Wool roll: 2,000 INR. Socks: 3,500 INR. Scarves: 5,000 INR. Cardigan: 18,000 INR.
- Where to Buy: Clothing stores and wool shops.
Merino wool is a useful purchase in Australia, especially if you are visiting during winter or buying something for family members who live in colder parts of India.
People usually look for merino wool scarves, socks, base layers, sweaters, and other everyday clothing.
Before buying, check the fibre composition and care instructions. A product described as Australian wool is not necessarily made in Australia, so read the label if you are looking for authentic Australian manufacturing.
10. Australian UGG and Sheepskin Products
- Approx. Cost: Boots: 11,000 INR. Sneakers: 14,000 INR. Slippers: 7,000 INR.
- Where to Buy: UGG Express, any well-known retail UGG store, Mortels Sheepskin Factory, and Australian Sheepskin Association.
Sheepskin footwear and other sheepskin products are worth buying in Australia, especially for winter footwear and slippers.
However, do not assume that every product carrying the word UGG was made in Australia. Always check the country of manufacture before buying.
If you specifically want an Australian-made product, read the product label and manufacturer information carefully. Also remember that boots and other sheepskin items can take up a lot of luggage space, so consider their size before buying them.
11. Indigenous Australian Art and Handmade Products
- Approx. Cost: 250 INR – 3,000+ INR.
- Where to Buy: Indigenous-owned businesses, recognised galleries and trusted art centres like Dreamtime Kullilla-Art.
Indigenous Australian art can be a meaningful souvenir, but you should pay close attention to authenticity and ethical sourcing.
You can find paintings, prints, textiles, jewellery, carvings, and other products created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
If you really want to support the community, don’t buy a mass-produced product just because it uses Aboriginal-style patterns. Ask who made the work and where the money goes if you are buying an artwork or cultural product.
12. Australian Designer Fashion
- Approx. Cost: 20,000 INR – 80,000 INR.
- Where to Buy: Paddington Markets (opens every Saturday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
- Top Designer Brands: Zimmermann, Camilla and Marc, Christopher Esber, and Aje.
Australia is one of the top fashion destinations, so buying designer clothing can be more meaningful than a random T-shirt.
Depending on your budget, you can shop from Australian labels, independent designers, and smaller market stalls. Paddington Markets has local fashion designers, craftspeople, jewellery makers and artists. For original local goods, buy things from them while you are in Sydney. If you have a higher budget, then purchase from high-end fashion designers.
13. Boomerangs
- Approx. Cost: 3,000 INR.
- Where to Buy: Souvenir shops, markets, and recognised Indigenous art sellers.
A boomerang is one of the souvenirs most closely associated with Australia.
Most people buy boomerangs thinking they are Indigenous-made cultural items, but not every store sells Indigenous goods. If you want an original piece, buy from a recognised Indigenous artist, art centre or trusted retailer and check the product’s background.
If you are simply looking for a small Australian souvenir, a decorative boomerang is enough. You do not need to spend more unless you are specifically looking for an artwork or handcrafted piece.
14. Kangaroo and Koala Souvenirs
- Approx. Cost: 650 INR – 2,300 INR.
- Where to Buy: Souvenir shops and airports.
If you want inexpensive gifts, kangaroo and koala toys are among the easiest options to find. Kangaroos and koalas are also popular souvenirs because these animals are unique national symbols that represent the country’s distinct wildlife and cultural identity worldwide.
Look for small soft toys, keychains, magnets, mugs, tote bags, and other Australia-themed products. They are lightweight and easy to buy in bulk in smaller sizes.
15. Australian Chicken Salt
- Approx. Cost: 1,500 INR for 70g.
- Where to Buy: Supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths and local grocery stores.
Chicken salt is a unique and popular seasoning in Australia. It also makes an affordable food item to bring back to India.
Despite what the name suggests, the classic seasoning typically contains no actual chicken and is suitable for vegetarians. The name says Chicken because it was originally made to sprinkle over rotisserie chicken, not because it contains chicken.
It is a bright yellow savoury blend of salt, garlic, onion, celery, and secret spices that Australians traditionally sprinkle over hot chips, fries, and fried food.
Things to Know Before Shopping in Australia
- Claim GST back before leaving: Tourists can claim a GST refund on eligible purchases worth at least AUD 300 from the same business. Keep the original invoice to claim.
- Check the price: Australia is not a low-cost shopping destination. A local product does not automatically mean it will cost less. For food and small souvenirs, compare a supermarket with tourist shops.
- Check the origin: When buying premium items such as opals, skincare, designer clothes, and wool, focus on quality and Australian origin, as you may end up buying duplicates at a lower price.
- Keep receipts: If you buy an opal, jewellery or another expensive product, keep the receipt and any certificate provided by the seller. This gives you proof of purchase and helps if Indian Customs asks about the item.
- Alcohol rules: Australian wine is a legitimate souvenir. However, alcohol is different from buying chocolates or clothes because Indian Customs applies specific limits and duties. The current guidance lists 2 litres of alcoholic liquor or wine.
- Buy Indigenous goods carefully: If you want Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander art, ask who created the piece and where it was sourced. This matters because buying directly or through ethical sellers helps ensure artists and communities are paid fairly.
Conclusion
Australia is not a destination where shopping is the main attraction. A few locally made or Australia-associated products can be more meaningful than spending heavily on things just for the sake of shopping.
For smaller gifts, Tim Tams, chocolates, macadamias, Australian coffee, and kangaroo or koala toys make the best souvenirs. For something more special, consider opals, merino wool, Indigenous Australian art or Australian designer products.
If you are planning an Australia holiday, contact Dimaak Tours to plan your trip; we will create an itinerary based on your travel dates and budget.
FAQs on the Best Things to Buy in Australia
1. What are the must-buy souvenirs when visiting Sydney?
Tim Tams, Australian chocolates, macadamias and small kangaroo or koala gifts are some of the best options for friends and family. For something more distinctive, look at Australian-made jewellery, art, fashion or Indigenous products at places such as The Rocks Markets and Paddington Markets.
2. What unique souvenirs should you buy when travelling around Australia?
Always look for products connected to the region you are visiting rather than buying the same souvenir everywhere. Opals, merino wool, Indigenous art, Australian skincare, local chocolates, macadamias, and regional honey make great purchases.
3. Where are the best places to shop for Australian souvenirs in Sydney?
The Rocks Markets and Paddington Markets are famous spots for Australian-made fashion, jewellery, art, and handmade products. For snacks and inexpensive gifts, supermarkets such as Woolworths and Coles are worth visiting.
4. What are the most popular Australian snacks and candies to try for a first-time visitor?
Tim Tams, Vegemite, Violet Crumble, Cherry Ripe, Allen’s lollies, and Arnott’s biscuits are among the Australian snacks worth trying.
