Local handicrafts and artisanal items to pick up on your trip
Australian wine
Quality local wines, spirits, and beers are available at the Australian Wine Centre (One Alfred Street, Circular Quay; www.australianwinecentre.com). Ask about wines from Australia’s oldest wine-growing region, the Hunter Valley, 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Sydney.
Indigenous art
Colorful, unique Australian Aboriginal art is big business in Sydney: paintings, weavings, jewelry, prints, and textiles. Reputable dealers include The Artery (221 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst; www.artery.com.au) for modern, unusual, and affordable pieces from emerging Central Australian artists; and Hogarth Galleries (Seven Walker Lane, Paddington; www.aboriginalartcentres.com) for impressive artifacts and gorgeous canvases.
Outback gear
Pick up some durable, locally made Aussie clothing designed for the rugged interior: an Akubra hat from Strand Hatters (Strand Arcade, 412 George Street, Sydney; www.strandhatters.com.au) or an oilskin jacket from R.M. Williams (389 George Street, Sydney; www.rmwilliams.com.au).
Surf wear
Casual, comfortable surf wear is mandatory for Sydney’s beaches. Clothes from Aussie company Mambo (80 The Corso, Manly; 80 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach; www.mambo.com.au) are emblazoned with kooky, sometimes disturbing imagery.
