If you’re a keen shopper, timing your visit to Australia during major sale seasons can help you snag some fantastic deals. Let me guide you the best times to visit Australia based on its prime shopping periods, along with tips on how to get tax refunds on your purchases.
Top 3 Major Sale Seasons
Easter Sales
Easter sales typically occur in the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday, which falls between late March and mid-April. Many retailers offer significant discounts on a wide range of products, including clothing, electronics, and home goods. It’s a great time to shop for seasonal items as well as clearance sales from the summer season.
Black Friday
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, falling on the fourth Friday of November. In Australia, Black Friday sales have gained popularity and usually span the entire weekend, sometimes extending into Cyber Monday. Massive discounts on electronics, fashion, home appliances, and more. In my experience this was the biggest sale in Australia. It’s an excellent opportunity to score deals on big-ticket items and start your holiday shopping early.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day sales start on December 26 and often continue through the first week of January.
Boxing Day is one of the biggest shopping events in Australia. Retailers offer deep discounts on a wide range of products, making it a perfect time to buy Christmas gifts, summer fashion, and electronics.
Places to shop
Fashion and Apparel
- Myer A leading department store offering a wide range of clothing, accessories, beauty products, and homewares.
- David Jones Another iconic department store known for its high-end fashion brands, cosmetics, and gourmet food sections.
- Cotton On Affordable and trendy clothing and accessories for men, women, and children.
- Lorna Jane Australian activewear brand known for stylish and functional fitness clothing for women.
Beauty and Cosmetics
- Lush Known for its fresh, handmade cosmetics including bath bombs, skincare, and haircare products.
- Mecca- A beauty retailer offering a wide range of cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance from top international brands.
- Chemist Warehouse A health and beauty store with a wide range of cosmetics, skincare, and healthcare products.
Specialty Foods
- T2 An Australian tea brand known for its extensive range of high-quality teas, unique blends, and vibrant packaging. T2 stores offer an immersive tea experience with tasting stations and a variety of tea accessories.
Electronics
- JB Hi-Fi A leading retailer for electronics, home appliances, computers, and entertainment products.
Homewares and Gifts
- Bed Bath N’ Table Specializes in stylish and high-quality homewares, bed linens, and bath products.
Books and Stationery
- Dymocks A well-known bookstore chain offering a wide range of books, gifts, and stationery such as smiggle
Specialty Stores
- Lego Store Dedicated Lego stores offering a wide range of Lego sets and exclusive items.
How to Get Tax Refunds
If you’re a visitor to Australia, you can get a tax refund on your purchases through the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). Here’s how:
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum Purchase Amount: You must spend at least AUD 300 (including GST) in a single store.
- Timing: The goods must be purchased within 60 days before your departure from Australia.
- Receipts: You need to have a tax invoice (receipt) for your purchases.
Steps to Claim a Tax Refund
- At the Airport: Head to the TRS facility at the airport. Make sure you have your goods, passport, boarding pass, and tax invoices with you.
- Present Your Goods: You may be asked to show the goods you are claiming a refund for, so keep them in your carry-on luggage.
- Get Your Refund: You can choose to receive your refund via credit to your credit card, a cheque, or a direct credit to an Australian bank account.
Important Tips
- Plan Your Shopping: Ensure you make your purchases within the 60-day window before your departure.
- Keep Receipts Safe: Store your receipts securely and ensure they are legible and itemized.
- Arrive Early: Allow extra time at the airport to complete the TRS process, especially during busy travel periods.
For shoppers, the best times to visit Australia are during the Easter, Black Friday, and Boxing Day sales. These periods offer substantial discounts on a variety of products, from fashion to electronics. Additionally, by taking advantage of the Tourist Refund Scheme, you can save even more on your purchases. Plan your trip around these sale seasons to make the most of your shopping experience in Australia. Happy shopping!