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[title]Collins Street is just one of those global names, like Carnaby Street or Fifth Avenue or Orchard Road, that conjures up images of prestige shopping and the best of life in the big city. The precinct stretches from Parliament House in the east to Docklands in the west and includes Little Collins Street, parts of Flinders Lane and other colourful laneways and arcades. It features heritage architecture, luxury retail, fancy hotels, restaurants and luxury services along its length. For a day of Christmas shopping that is enjoyable rather than a chore, head to Collins Street– see below for a sample itinerary.
To celebrate the festive season, the precinct is giving away a Collins Street staycation worth $2,000! This includes an overnight stay at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, a facial for two at Skin Deep Beauty Therapy, a degustation walk with Hidden Secrets, a shopping voucher from Tiffany & Co, afternoon tea at Le Petit Château, dinner at Uncle Collins Street and a voucher for pre-or post dinner drinks at Trinket Melbourne. To find out more and enter, go here.
As for your shopping day at Collins Street Precinct – you could start by stopping by the Aviary at Collins Square. They are hosting a calendar of events throughout the Christmas period with weekly discounts and special events.
Wander up Collins Street to find some of Melbourne’s oldest and grandest buildings, which tell the story of the city's history from the height of the Gold Rush era to today. In addition, window decals provide a visual celebration of Christmas.
St Collins Lane offers a sophisticated shopping experience with such huge names as Coach, TAG Heuer, Zadig & Voltaire, Furla, MJ Bale, Rodd & Gunn, Birkenstock, Cue, Adolfo Dominguez, Claudie Pierlot, Leica Camera & Gallery and Australia’s flagship Debenhams store.
Don’t fight the urge to go into Brunetti Flinders Lane because you can pick up an excellent mini 100g panettone in a gift box for that difficult-to-buy-for relative. This northern Italian sweet yeast bread made with candied fruit is a seasonal classic.
At lunchtime, make the most of diners including Pope Joan (great coffee and all-day dining) or Royal St Collins (high tea and an elevated breakfast and lunch), just to name two. Or for top-notch fare, you can go to Farmer’s Daughters, Hazel or Uncle.
Christmas shopping is a joy in the Block Arcade, with its decorative domed ceilings and historic ambience. Find sumptuous sweets at Haigh’s Chocolates, nostalgic picture book prints at Art Of Dr Seuss, vinyl and CDs at Basement Discs, wooly fashion at Sol Alpaca, luxury watches at Bell & Ross and stylish and streety leather shoes at Camper. While you’re there, pop in for afternoon tea at the famous Tea Rooms 1892.
Shopping done? You deserve a little drinky to celebrate. Head to Bar Ampere for a vermouth or an absinthe, or the Charles Dickens Tavern for a mulled wine or pint of stout in the best English tradition. And god bless us, every one.