Brisbane's spectacular surroundings may well slide into your subconscious once you set your heart on some serious shopping.

There is no better place in Queensland to indulge in retail therapy, with more than 650 stores trading seven days a week. Start in the Queen Street Pedestrian Mall; almost a kilometre of shoppers' paradise. Stroll along to the city's chic shopping strips and arcades, then make your way down to the boho precinct of Fortitude Valley, known as the Valley, where you'll find the edgiest young designs, jewellery and fashions imaginable.

Brisbane's South Bank's Little Stanley Street should be next on your shopping list: a little piece of urban sophistication right by the river. Last but not least, why not dig your way through downtown's weekend outdoor markets; you never know what you might find. Original, eclectic, or just downright fashionable, if you can't find what you're shopping for in downtown Brisbane, it simply doesn't exist.

Launched some 20 years ago, the Riverside Markets are located on the Brisbane River's north banks on what is the weekday home on Brisbane's financial and legal communities. They have inspired a long-standing love affair between Brisbane and outdoor markets.

To this day, the Riverside and Eagle Street Pier Market vendors are hand-selected artisans and craftspeople with diverse offerings and mediums. Promoting Brisbane's vibrant atmosphere and relaxed lifestyle is a major feature, with high quality and sometimes exotic music, snack food and drinks on offer.

The Riverside Markets remain a city institution. The Eagle Street Pier Markets, in the adjoining precinct, were opened as Riverside's popularity outgrew the available space.

Products range from fashion and accessories, gourmet deli lines, health and lifestyle products, music, tarot, pottery and much, much more.