Everything you need to know about the WHV in Sydney

Buying food in Sydney

The major supermarkets in Australia are Aldi (ideal for budget shopping!), Coles and Woolworths. You will find multiple locations across Sydney.

If you’re looking for high quality produce, head to Harris Farm. You can also pick up fresh produce from one of Sydney’s many markets. For example, you can get fresh fish (at a better price than the supermarkets!) at the fish market in Pyrmont. For Chinese goods, you can shop at Paddy’s market in Chinatown.

Note that most of Sydney’s big markets don’t just sell food; you can also pick up souvenirs, arts and crafts, home decor and jewellery!

Buying clothes in Sydney

Australians usually shop in large shopping centres like Westfield, where everything you need is in one place. Here, you will find well-known brands such as Zara or Uniqlo. Shops are generally open every day, often until late in the evening.

Kmart, Target and Big W are cheap stores for clothes and shoes, but also for things like furniture and home decor.

Tourists usually go to the Queen Victoria Building, the Galleries and the small shopping centres in the CBD for shopping. Note that, like everything in Sydney, clothes shopping can be expensive!

If you want designer clothes at cheaper prices, try the Direct Factory Outlet mall (DFO) in Homebush. For vintage items, you will find a wide selection of second-hand and vintage shops on King Street in Newtown.

Buying alcohol in Sydney

In Australia, liquor laws prohibit alcohol from being sold in major supermarkets. Instead, you have to go to bottle shops (the “bottle-o”). Note the exception to the rule is Aldi, which does sell alcohol.

In Australia, alcohol is relatively expensive. This is especially true for hard alcohol such as whisky, vodka or gin.

When going out, expect to pay at least AU$8 for a pint or AU$15 for a cocktail. You will be asked for ID if you look under 25 (in bottle shops or in pubs, bars, restaurants, etc.).

Buying furniture and electronics in Sydney

Since many apartments come unfurnished in Sydney, it’s handy to know that there are two IKEAs in Sydney (one in Tempe and one in Rhodes). David Jones and Myers are the more expensive department store options if you’re looking for luxury furniture.

On a backpacker’s budget, you can try cheap stores like Target or Kmart, second-hand shops, or online in local Facebook groups/Marketplace.

For any electronics you may need, try JB Hi-Fi.