Sydney: Best Kids’ Shopping Under One Roof

The Westfield Bondi Junction shopping center is a multi-building, multi-level mall close to Bondi Beach and right at the Bondi Junction station on the Eastern suburbs train line. It’s your one-stop shop (mall?) for everything you need as it houses most of Australia’s trendy chain stores (Sass and Bide, Zimmerman, Bettina Liano), tons of American brands such as Armani and French Connection, high end names such as Chanel and Bally, and both a David Jones and a Myer (Australia’s largest department stores). But this post is about the kids, so here we go!

On the 5th floor is the Kids’ precinct with everything you could ever need in terms of contemporary fashion for your children: Esprit Kids, Pumpkin Patch, Osh Kosh B’Gosh and Gumboots (an Aussie boutique). Shoes N Sox (their infinitely patient specialists will measure and fit your child for shoes)is a must-stop if you are looking for footwear, and Bonza Brats is great for shoes, clothes and accessories. For room accessories and decor, check out Treehouse, and for toys there is an ELC next door. Stop in at the pet store for a quick look (or not, if it will trigger unwanted emotions) and at the Cancer Council shop for some high quality protective swimwear, hats and sunblock. The necessary evil Target resides on the fifth floor but it is typically not as well stocked as the one in the States. You can find however cheaper clothes and diapers, toys and feeding equipment.

Don’t spend all your money on the 5th floor because you should go down a level to the kids’ department at David Jones, which carries premium Australian brands like Fiona Scanlan (prepare to drop AUD 100 on a sweater and more on a dress) and Industrie. They also have a great range of sleepwear, undergarments like vests and bodysuits (Marquise is a great brand for these), and toys. Finally, make your way over to Seed on the same floor, for expensive but ridiculously cute fashion and accessories.

What you cannot get is nursery furniture (go to a Baby Kingdom, Baby Bunting or Babies Galore) for all that stuff) but you can get diapers and most of the basic baby stuff at Woolworth’s and Cole’s, located on the lower levels of Bondi Junction mall.

If you haven’t exhausted your budget, make a quick stop into Cotton On Kids back on the 5th for cheap and funky everyday wear styles (their cheeky t-shirts were a hit with Karam), and then squat at the gourmet food court with its many wonderful eating options (McDonald’s and the usual fast-food suspects can be found in the fourth floor food court). This place is baby central though, so you might find it a bit crowded at lunch time. If the weather is good, grab a table outside and enjoy the beautiful view. If you are a nursing mum or a nappy-changing dad, the Parents’ Room on this level is the nicest I have ever seen, with large windows offering spectacular views of Sydney.

Final plus: Special parking spaces for parents with strollers. Hallelujah!