... in downtown Sydney, it was built in 1898 as a market hall to celebrate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, and the designers didn't leave anything out.
From the outside, the sandstone Romanesque giant is topped by a huge glass dome, and is definitely one of the most beautiful buildings in ... Read review
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Advantages: Amazing toilets, beautiful decor, many wonderful things to see. Disadvantages: Expensive, but there are many free attractions.
...a market hall to celebrate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, and the designers didn't leave anything out.
From the outside, the sandstone Romanesque giant is topped by a huge glass dome, and is definitely one of the most beautiful buildings in Sydney. But the inside is even better, with splendid stained glass-windows, wood panelling, patterned floor tiles and handsome period style decoration. I was there at New Year 2004, and the massive ... ...There are over 180 shops, from designer chains like Versace and Ralph Lauren, to highstreet regulars like Tie Rack, Crabtree & Evelyn and Adidas, and it's not just clothes and fancy soaps. There are speciality food shops, including a health food store and a lovely chocolate shop on the ground floor, numerous multi-national eating places, as well as very good antique shops and local art galleries to browse around, but these are very expensive, as ... more
As Steve Irwin would say, "Wud ya get a load of this! It's a real looka." The QVB, as it is known locally, is one stunning shopping mall, and even Pierre Cardin reputedly described it as "the most beautiful shopping centre in the world". Located on George St. in downtown Sydney, it was built in 1898 as a market hall to celebrate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, and the designers didn't leave anything out.
From the outside, the sandstone Romanesque giant is topped by a huge glass dome, and is definitely one of the most beautiful buildings in Sydney. But the inside is even better, with splendid stained glass-windows, wood panelling, patterned floor tiles and handsome period style decoration. I was there at New Year 2004, and the massive Christmas tree and sparkling decorations made it even more spectacular. There are over 180 shops, from designer chains like Versace and Ralph Lauren, to highstreet regulars like Tie Rack, Crabtree & Evelyn and Adidas, and it's not just clothes and fancy soaps. There are speciality food shops, including a health food store and a lovely chocolate shop on the ground floor, numerous multi-national eating places, as well as very good antique shops and local art galleries to browse around, but these are very expensive, as are the souvenir shops. Overall, it's not exactly bargain basement (for that I'd recommend Paddy's Market in Haymarket).
In fact the only thing I bought was a postcard, and I still thought it was a great place to visit, because this is way more than a just shopping mall. Victoria Walk on the second floor features huge lifesize replicas of the Crown Jewels, a Chinese jade bridal carrige, and the Royal clock, all of which would take pride of place in a museum. Suspended though the first and ground floors is the remarkable mechanical clock, which has moving parts depicting the history of the world, complete with buglers, and features Charles the first being beheaded on the hour, which a crowd of shoppers always gathers round to watch. The QVB also features the occassional string quartet and opera singers under the magnificant dome, all of which are free to enjoy.
And my favourite bit undoubtably was the toilets. I have a strange fascination with lavatories in general, but these are actually well known as a tourist attraction, and I would recommend giving them a go, even if you don't need to "go". The ladies is like something from Star Trek, with a full-time attendent who makes sure no-one is too confused and justs uses the sink. The cubicles are completely automated, from the flush down to the doors, which are on a timer, so beware if you haven't been eating your bran before going in. The basins are also pretty cool, with automatic taps running onto a flat marble slab. It's more exciting than it sounds, trust me. Unfortunately for guys, the men's toilets aren't anywhere near as flash, so I would recommend donning a wig and trying out the ladies.
The QVB couldn't be easier to get to, with parking, bus stops and railway stations all in the same block. It doesn't have very late opening times though, with most shops being shut by 6pm.
This is a great shopping centre. If you imagine a more tastful version of Harrod's, without the masses of malingerers, and much more affordable shops, you are somewhere near, and it has to be a must for anyone exploring downtown Sydney.
Advantages: Great shops, especially menswear Disadvantages: None really
...must pop along to the Queen Vic. Apart from over four floors of shopping floors, though not a mall in any standard, the shops that are located a local chain stores like country road australia, Oranton leaver goods Marcs just to name a few.
After doing that long awaited shopping spree, head to the ground or lower ground floors and try some of the great food available in one of many cafe's/bars.
The Building is easy to get to by public transport. ... ...road, or take one of the buses from Central Station up George street and it will drop you right out the front.
I would recommend anyone heading there to check out the country road store. If you are travelling with good old sterling, you will be amazed at the quality and quantity you will pick up. Remember that they are in the opposite season to the UK, so when you are there, you will be able to picl up some grear bargains for the following season ...
aussie-paul 08.11.2001
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Advantages: Great shopping, fabulous architecture Disadvantages: None
Somehow, whilst trying to post another opinion on Sydney, I have managed to overwrite/delete my opinion on the QueenVictoriaBuilding.
I don't know whether it takes great talent or crass stupidity - I suspect I have more of the latter than the former. The really embarrassing thing is that being an IT Trainer and Consultant I'm supposed to know about these things. I only hope none of my clients are reading this - I'll never work again!
Anyway, my sincere apologies to anyone who was hoping to read about the best shopping centre in the world. If you are going to Sydney and want some more information about the best shopping centre in the world just let me know - I could bore for England on the subject.
I'm about to try and post another opinion so if the whole of Ciao vanishes it's probably my fault.
Apologies again ...
mgrigsby 27.06.2002 (30.06.2002)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Sydney (Australia)
Advantages: This city knows how to enjoy itself Disadvantages: one or two
this is ok and clean and the food is better quality, but not very good for the budget.
Things to do.
The great thing about Sydney is there is loads to do if you like shopping there are fantastic places to shop you have the QVB(QUEENVICTORIABUILDING), the town hall shopping complex, you also have centre point tower . check out grace brothers and the david jones stores. if you do not mind there is parramatta shopping mall which is the biggest in the southern hemisphere.
But if you are budget aware you could also shop at paddys market this is cheap where you can buy brand names at cheap prices, however please be careful as not all is genuine.
Beaches.
Most people tend to go to the famous bondi and this is good but it does get crowded, but other great beaches are bronte,coogee,whale beach ...
Theatre - Like I've Never Been Gone
The Gladstone Theatre Trust - The Power of Presley
For further details you can visit their web site - www.gladstone.uk.com
As you can see there is a great variety on offer here and if you are in the area it is well worth a visit even if just to look at the building both on the outside and in as it is stunning.
-Lady Lever Art Gallery-
Lever continued to care for his workers and in order to enhance the workers cultural and education the gallery was opened in 1922 by Princess Beatrice, she was the youngest daughter of QueenVictoria. The building itself is an outstanding example of late Victorian / early Edwardian taste.
The Art gallery is unique in that is it the only major public urban gallery to still house the collection the original founder collected, so we can get an insight ...
