Sydney - Australia 2004 - page 166

CRAFTS
Australian Craftworks This place showcases some of Australia's best arts
and crafts, collected from some 300 Australian artists from around the country.
It's all displayed in a former police station built in 1882, a time of economic
depression when mob riots and clashes with police were common in this area.
The cells and administration areas are today used as gallery spaces. Open daily
from 8:30am to 7pm. 127 George St., The Rocks. & 02/9247 7156.
The Puppet Shop at the Rocks I can't believe I kept walking past the
sign outside this place for so many years without looking in. Deep down in the
bowels of a historic building, I eventually came across several cramped rooms
absolutely packed with puppets, costing from a couple of dollars to a couple of
hundred. The owners make their own puppets—mostly Australian in style
(emus, koalas, and that sort of thing)—as well as import things from all over the
world. Wooden toys abound, too. It's the best shop in Sydney! Open daily from
10am to 5:30pm. 77 George St., The Rocks. & 02/9247 9137.
Telopea Gallery This shop is run by the New South Wales Society of Arts
and Crafts, which exhibits works by its members, all of whom are New South
Wales residents. There are some wonderful glass, textile, ceramic, jewelry, fine-
metal, and wood-turned items for sale. Open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm.
Shop 2 in the Metcalfe Arcade, 80-84 George St., The Rocks. & 02/9241 1673.
DEPARTMENT STORES
The two big names in Sydney shopping are David Jones and Grace Brothers.
David Jones ( & 02/9266 5544 ) is the city's largest department store, selling
everything from fashion to designer furniture. You'll find the women's section on
the corner of Elizabeth and Market streets, and the men's section on the corner
of Castlereagh and Market streets.
Grace Brothers ( & 02/9238 9111 ) is similar to David Jones, but the build-
ing is newer and flashier. It's located on the corner of George and Market streets.
Both stores are open Monday through Wednesday and Friday through Saturday
from 9am to 6pm, Thursday from 9am to 9pm, and Sunday from 11am to 5pm.
DUTY-FREE SHOPS
Sydney has several duty-free shops selling goods at a discount. To take advantage
of the bargains, you need a passport and a flight ticket, and you must export
what you buy. The duty-free shop with the best buys is Downtown Duty Free,
which has two city outlets, one on the basement level of the Strand Arcade, off
Pitt Street Mall ( & 02/9233 3166 ) and one at 105 Pitt St. ( & 02/9221 4444 ).
Five more stores are at Sydney International Airport and are open from the first
to the last flight of the day.
FASHION
The best places to shop for fashion are the QVB and the Sydney Central Plaza
(on the ground floor of the mall next to the Grace Brothers department store on
Pitt Street Mall). Otherwise, the major Pitt Street Mall outlets will keep you up-
to-date. For really trendy clothing head to Paddington, and for alternative
clothes, go to Newtown.
Australian Outback Clothing
R.M. Williams Moleskin trousers may not be the height of fashion at the
moment, but you never know. R.M. Williams boots are famous for being both

Finds