Anything worth buying & bringing home from Australia?

[Imsixtyandiknowit]

Going out to visit a friend soon...... is there anything brilliant I should get? Or is everything the same as the UK?

A koala.

A Hemsworth brother if you can snag one.

Cherry ripe, Vegemite shapes, arnotts scotch finger biscuits, socks and undies from Bonds, Lucas papaw, football boots and sports goods generally - same prices but aus dollars so essentially half the cost. Have the best time!

Oh and chicken salt!

Usually we bring bank Tim Tams, Cherry Ripes and Bonds Clothing. You can get some TimTams here now but alot of flavours over in Australia.
I love Bonds clothing for the kids. Their kids swimwear is great.
Peter Alexander PJs for me.

Australian black opal jewellery. Doublets and triplets are a lot cheaper, but are basically just a thin slice of opal over a base. Can still look good though.

Just souvenirs that you couldn't buy anywhere else really, i.e. things that are genuinely locally made and that aren't replicated in other countries.

One of our prized possessions is a relatively cheap leather book-mark in the shape of a kangaroo with "folded" front paws. It's hard to explain, but basically when it's in a book, all you see are it's head stick out and two paws folded over the front of the book. Never seen anything like it before nor after in all the other countries we've visited.

We've got several other things along similar lines too. But then again, we always try to find "unique" things from countries we visit, rather than the "norm" these days which is mass produced chinese crap tailored to the country/city they're being sold in.

Pawpaw & Macadamia nut oil, a great all round handbag staple, Cherry Wipes, Raspberry Tim Tams , Melbourne Breakfast Tea.

@Badbadbunny Your leather book-mark sounds much more tasteful than the coin pouches made from a kangaroo scrotum.

If you are in a seaside suburb with a charity shop, you'll often find cheap wetsuits, swim/board shorts, boogie boards, snorkelling gear such as fins/mask. Obviously only useful if you can use them there and/or wanted to bring them back.

if they're good friends, marmite. ❤️

Lululemon is much cheaper in Australia.

Apple products are also cheaper than the UK once the GST refund is given at the airport.

I quite like the Hydralyte electrolyte tablets you can get at Chemist Warehouse.

Other than that, I can’t think of anything worth getting. Kmart/Target/Big W are just cheap poorly made clothes, no different to here.

Depending on your budget, opals and Aboriginal art? I brought back a wooden wine bottle holder, a decorated boomerang and a seven sisters painting. Sunscreen is good too.

DH buys virtually all his summer clothes and shoes in Australia. The only place there is a decent choice in his size.

Penfolds Bin 389 🍷

Opal jewelry as pp suggest, or, if big budget, try to obtain a piece of aboriginal art (breathtakingly beautiful)

Bonds bamboo knickers… have lasted 4 years and counting. Op shop treasures, so many great vintage items

I like to buy useful souvenirs made in the country when I go on holiday. Bought back a set of table mats with matching coasters in an Aboriginal art design, made in Aus. Also a lovely tea towel with Australia birds as we had seen quite a range on our travels. The Botannical Gardens in Melbourne have a lovely gift shop.
Also agree opals, bought a beautiful silver pendant that I’ve worn loads of times over the years.
It’s also worth checking out pure Australian wool clothing and sheepskin slippers, check the label for origin.
If you are staying with family or friends it’s nice to take out a British gift (if you can find anything!). I’ve taken tea towels, oven gloves, tins of shortbread etc with funky British designs, it’s worth checking your local area or National Trust shops for gifts.

My kid adores the Bonds PJ. And I love the wonder suits.

Sunhats. They make fabulous sunhats.

Just remembered-Old Gold chocolate. Not just rum and raisins but more exotic and interesting flavours. I got a huge bar of espresso. Unfortunately I scarfed so much I thought I was having a heart attack from the caffeine. I regret not getting a Cancer Council breton sunhat. Flattering and washable.

Oh and pure australian cotton tshirts from Target. Cheap as, loads of colours and wash brilliantly.

Top Deck chocolate used to be my bring home item. Not sure its produced anymore. Came out eventually in the UK, but it wasn't as chunky or anywhere near as nice.

its 20yrs since I was there so I can’t vouch for how nice the chocolate is now, but I bloody LOVED Cherry Ripes, Caramello and Caramello Koalas. Making my mouth water thinking about them!

I can take a smaller suitcase now that Tim Tams are in Tesco's. I brought 15 packs home the last time I was in Australia before they arrived in the UK.

Chris Hemsworth