Shopping in the North

The style is relaxed and entertaining. Charming arcades, malls and markets of Tropical North Queensland stock not only the best local wares, but also the best imported goods and name brands from all over the world. The Far North itself is well known for its fine art works, quality opals, pink diamonds, South Sea pearls and handcrafted jewellery.

With such friendly service and without the parking problems of the big cities, the scene is set for a most delightfully hedonistic day.

Many of the smaller towns are home to art and craft galleries showcasing talents of our local artists; and weekend markets are a popular activity for primary producers to sell their fresh produce and secondary producers to sell their tasty delights.

Here in 'The North', Townsville has the largest regular market with Cotters Market held each Sunday morning in Flinders Street Mall; while in Cairns each evening from 4.30pm the Cairns Night Markets spring to life.

If you really want to experience the Far North Queensland local's lifestyle, Rusty's Market located in the centre of Cairns on Grafton Street, has been a fixture on the Cairns landscape for many years, where locals come on Fridays and Saturdays to buy their fresh fruit and vegetables from the Tablelands, coffee, breads, flowers, cookies, and other arts and crafts.

Up above the coast, Kuranda's main street is a plethora of the unexpected with anything from didgeridoos and Akubras to the finest artwork, opal jewellery and fashions. The Kuranda Heritage Markets are one of the main attractions in Kuranda and are open every day until 3pm.

On the Tablelands, Yungaburra Markets is a popular market, on the 4th Saturday of each month, with over 300 regular stallholders while the Port Douglas Markets are open every Sunday beside Dickson Inlet with a large choice of fresh local produce, gifts, arts and crafts.

Port Douglas features unique boutiques and shops along the full length of Macrossan Street as well as the wonderfully diverse and stylish Marina Mirage Shopping Centre. Here you can be fitted out in the real Australian fashion and accessories with R.M. Williams boots, Driza-bone coats, Helen Kaminski hats and lambswool ugg boots at the Australian Outback Club.

What you probably do not expect to find at Marina Mirage, situated on Dickson Inlet in 'Port', is Masters' Persian Carpet Gallery where the finest carpets, selected from the best artists and weavers of the world are displayed. Master's Persian Carpet Gallery is one of the many retailers in the Far North who offer tax free shopping (see conditions below) and delivery service worldwide for your purchases.

Back down the coast closer to Cairns, Palm Cove on Cairns' northern beaches is blossoming as a very quaint shopping village with boutiques, shops and galleries for a delightful afternoon of browsing.

Positioned in the city centre of Cairns, the shopping centres of The Pier, Orchid Plaza and Cairns Central, and retailers on The Esplanade and Grafton Street offer extended shopping hours for the convenience of visitors to the region. Fast becoming the trendy spot amongst locals in Cairns, Grafton Street reveals some amazing surprises like Tea Lily Boutique. Featuring many of Australia's finest designers as well as some overseas labels, Tea Lily can fit the buyer out for any event from a romantic picnic to the red carpet!

Orchid Plaza is a unique shopping experience offering a relaxed, cheerful ambience where the pace is unhurried, so you can take your time shopping for quality souvenirs and gifts, jewellery, authentic Aboriginal artifacts, clothing and beauty products and explore an array of specialty stores, all in air-conditioned comfort. There is a post office in the centre, and many restaurants and eateries offer a variety of food from around the world.

Located at the Abbott Street end of Orchid Plaza, Lagoon Jewellers is owned and operated by resident jewellery designers and manufacturers Amanda West and Liisa Maatta. Liisa completed her degree in Europe at an award winning design house, and has received many awards herself since making her home in Australia. Amanda is qualified as a gemmologist, diamond grader and jeweller and has an exceptional eye for creating the right piece of jewellery for the right opal, pearl or gemstone in very different modern styles or as a more traditional piece that will never be outdated.

Also on the ground floor of Orchid Plaza, Yaram Arts is owned and operated by George Tipo (Dilmyeng) and his wife Melissa On (Yaram) who opened the gallery with the dream to create awareness and understanding of their Aboriginal culture. George is the Great Grandson of King Billy Jagar -King of the Barron and Yirriganydji People whose tribal boundaries lie from Cairns to the Mowbray River before Port Douglas. Most people are familiar with this name because of the Irukandji Jellyfish which was named after the Yirriganydji Tribe where it was first discovered. And on his Grandmother's side was a member of the Kuku Yalanji tribe . Yaram is a Dak Djerait woman from the Northern Territory's Litchfield National Park. Together they employ many aboriginal family groups from the Cairns area and surrounding region. The Rainforest people of Cairns hunted and gathered food for thousands of years and the products in the Yaram Arts gallery are representations of the knowledge passed down through the centuries from generation to generation.

Susanne's Swimwear in Orchid Plaza makes selection of your swimwear very easy, with personalized fittings if required. Susanne stocks JETS Black Label as well as a large range of the Miraclesuit, LISA HO, Bond-Eye, Jantzen and Sunseeker in sizes 8 to 24.

But Far North Queensland reveals many treasures, and none are as special as Australia's National Gem, the opal; and not far behind it, the much loved Argyle pink diamonds and South Sea pearls. Retailers in Cairns, Port Douglas and Kuranda have taken these precious stones and pearls, along with the finest gold and silver, to create beautiful masterpieces.

Australia's National Gem - The Opal

Some Australian Aboriginal people call it 'The Rainbow Stone' , but others say it is 'Tears to the Eyes' because that is the effect that this most remarkable gift of nature has on those who find it and are drawn to it by the incredible ability of the gem to expose an infinite number of colours, forever moving with the light.

In one of the most harsh environments imaginable, the opal miner toils, digging around in temperatures of up to 55o Celsius and 98% humidity. That makes mining not only uncomfortable, but at times life threatening. Dehydration is a constant threat for the unwary, and impaired judgement caused by excessive heat makes life even more dangerous for those descending in to hand dug shafts or operating the heavy machinery on the large open mine cuts. Add to this the possibility that all the work may well be for little or no result and you've got a very special character that lives and works in these regions.

It is as much the call of the outback that lures the opal miner and keeps him going: scorched landscapes and blazing red sunsets; the night stars from horizon to horizon; a hauntingly beautiful country that penetrates one's soul.

In the early days there was no particular method for determining where to dig for opals. The tale is told that once surface indicators showed a possibility of finding the gem, a hat was thrown high into the air. Carried by the hot desert winds, wherever the hat landed, that's where you dig!

These days, however, with aerial photography to identify faults in the landscape (which are likely sites) and bore holes drilled to assess the potential, the gamble is not quite so 'hit and miss'. When a site is selected, machinery is brought in to excavate to just above what is called 'level'. This is the depth at which opal may be found, and can be as far down as 20 metres. At this point some material is removed and carefully inspected for opal. Of course, there is no guarantee of finding 'colour', and it is not surprising to learn that only ten percent of opal miners find it profitable.

As one miner put it, "Opal is made up of seven elements - silica, aluminium, manganese, nickel, iron, water ... and bloody good luck!"

The elusive opal was formed many years ago when liquid silica filtered down into the faults and fissures of sedimentary rock. When the water content evaporated, tiny spheres of silica remained and over time were solidified. Low grade or 'potch' opal (95% of what is found) is composed of irregularly placed spheres which produce little or no colour. But high grade opal (only 5% of what is found) has regularly placed spheres which allow light to be diffracted through them to produce the spectacular colours. The size of the spheres determines the colours, with the larger ones producing the fiery reds so sought after.

There are two basic varieties of opals mined in Australia - Seam Opal and Boulder Opal. The difference being that seam opal is found unattached or free in the ground, whereas boulder opal is attached to or within a host ironstone or sandstone rock. Both seam opal and boulder opal are categorized into three types:

• Black opal: Black referring to the dark grey, blue or black body colour that provides a striking contrast for the kaleidoscope of colour in the transparent to translucent crystals.
• Crystal opal: This being translucent to semi transparent without a grey or milky background and showing brilliant colours from a glossy background.
• Light Opal: This is more subdued with a spectrum of colours emanating from a white or light to milky background colour.

The value of the opal depends on the amount and brilliance of the colour, preferably being evenly distributed across the face of the polished opal. The greater the spectrum of colours from red to violet the better, with crimson, reds, and orange being rarer than the greens and blues. Milkiness, cloudiness or greyness detracts from the value.

Basically the greater the number of colours, the more prized the gem and if these are arranged in a block pattern, more value is added. The extremes are tiny pin sized dots of colour (pinfire) to one large sheet of colour (broadflash) covering the whole stone. The elusive 'harlequin' is the ultimate in this form but is very rare. A pattern in proportion to the size of the gem is desirable and each opal is individual. It may have a play of colours which is attractive in its own right or it may display a natural outback landscape scene.

Shapes of the finished opal vary considerably according to the characteristics of each stone. Boulder Opal is usually cut in baroque or free form, whereas seam opal is at its best presented in cabochon (domed) form.

If you are buying an unset opal, it is important to consider the way it will eventually be worn. For example, some opals will offer a better play of colour when worn vertically as in brooch or pendant, whereas others are best flat as in a ring setting. There is a great deal to consider when investing in your opal, but expert advice is available for your complete pleasure and pride in an ever-inspiring piece of jewellery.

Australian Pink Diamonds

There is one diamond that stands alone; one diamond that creates excitement and competition to own; one diamond that continues to command strong prices ... the Argyle pink diamond.

The Argyle Diamond Mine has been the world's leading volume producer of diamonds since 1986 when its operation in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia went into full production. Each year it produces approximately 30 million carats of diamonds, which is approximately one quarter of the world's total.

The diamonds produced by Argyle are found in a range of colours including white, champagne and pink. Argyle is the world's primary source of rare pink diamonds, which have become the company's signature stone.

The pink diamond is believed to have been created through structural pressures exerted on carbon molecules during diamond formation up to three billion years ago, and have been found in India, Brazil and Africa.

Pink diamonds are recovered in a range of shades from light rose to full-bodied purple-reds, and are polished in a wide range of sizes and shapes. Prices are dictated by the intensity of colour and significant pink diamonds are sold with certification from the leading grading authorities.

The ultimate glory of the stone comes in the cutting and polishing and the Argyle pinks are processed in Perth, Western Australia. The work of cutting and polishing is so delicate and exacting that eventually the artisan is able to tell, simply by rolling a stone in their fingers, whether or not it is perfectly rounded.

The beauty and the attraction of the Argyle pinks is immediately evident and overpowering and it is easy to understand how, for some people, they become an addiction, an object of adoration.

Argyle pink diamonds are available only at the finest jewellers.

Australian South Sea Pearls

Mankind has long held the fascination with the mystique and lustre of the pearl. The Australian South Sea pearl, which is the most precious of all pearls, comes to life in the pristine ocean waters of North Western Australia.

The miracle of nature is in its ability to never duplicate any of its creations. No two pearls are alike; and each is unique as the individual wearing them. Each pearl is judged on five special qualities. No quality, however, is to be considered without the others. Consideration of each makes for an informed decision.

Lustre - The distinctive characteristic, or great beauty of a pearl is its lustre (or orient). Lustre is a subdued iridescence and is the most important consideration when selecting a pearl. Lustre should be bright - never dull. While much attention is devoted to the remarkable size of these pearls, what really sets them apart is their exquisitely thick, creamy nacre which possesses an unmistakeable gentle deep glow.

Size - South Sea pearls are renowned for their size. All things being equal, the larger the pearl the greater the value. Sizes range from 9mm to 16mm and rarely reach 20mm and above.

Shape - South Sea pearls are varied in their form. Perfectly round pearls and perfect teardrops are extremely rare and therefore highly prized. This does not mean that other shapes do not have their own unique charm and value. Because of the thickness of the South Sea pearl nacre, pearls are found in an array of sizes and shapes, including round, semi-round, button, circled, oval, drop, semi-baroque and baroque.

Colour - South Sea pearls are highly desired for the subtle richness of their natural colours. From luminescent whites to sparkling golds, the stunning range of natural colours of South Sea pearls must be seen to be believed. While colour is not normally an indicator of the quality of South Sea pearls, premium prices are fetched for pearls displaying unusually beautiful orients of coloured overtones such as White Pink, Silver Pink and Deep Gold.

Surface - It is rare to find a pearl free from any surface blemishes - these are after all, gems created by nature. The most beautiful and valuable pearls may still have slight imperfections. These appear in the form of small pits or dimples. It is these 'beauty marks' that nature bestows, which makes each pearl unique. However, when found, a flawless surface will increase the value of a pearl significantly.

Shopping for Australian Opals, Pink Diamonds & South Sea Pearls

Evert Opals, Cairns, Kuranda, Port Douglas & Palm Cove.
Australian owned and operated company with the knowledge and expertise to showcase one of the largest ranges of Australian opals in the country. - www.evertopals.net

Diamond Gallery, Cairns
Australia's finest pink diamonds, opals and South Sea Pearls. - www.diamondgallery.com.au

Bejewel, The Bolands Centre, Spence St, Cairns T: 07 4041 0110
Fine jewellery gallery featuring diamonds and South Sea Pearls.

Hardy Brothers Jewellers, Cairns Brilliantly cut diamonds set in the finest white and yellow gold. - www.hardybrothers.com.au

Port Douglas Opal Centre, Macrossan St, Port Douglas. T:07 4099 6899
A family business with over 25 years experience in the opal industry, including mining, cutting and the finest jewellery manufacture.

Port Douglas Jewellery Centre, Macrossan St, Port Douglas T: 4099 5529
Original designs with beautiful gemstones and diamonds from Australia and around the world.

Secrets Shhh, Cairns Central Shopping Centre, McLeod St, Cairns
The world's finest simulated diamonds, guaranteed to retain their brilliance for life. - www.secrets-shhh.com

Lagoon Jewellers
Orchid Plaza, Abbott St, Cairns T: 07 4051 3144. - Exquisite designs from resident jewelers Amanda West & Liisa Maatta.

Duty Free Shopping

In Australia there are two ways to purchase goods tax free.

Firstly there is the TOURIST REFUND SCHEME (TRS). The TRS enables you to claim a refund, subject to certain conditions, of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia.

To claim a refund you must:

Spend $300 (GST inclusive) or more in the one store and get a single tax invoice

Buy goods no more than 30 days before departure

Wear or carry the goods on board the aircraft or ship and present them along with your original tax invoice, passport and international boarding pass to a Customs Officer at a TRS facility

Claims at airports are only available up to 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your flight.

Claims at seaports should be made no earlier than 4 hours and no later than 1 hour prior to the scheduled departure time of the vessel.

The refund only applies to goods you take with you as hand luggage or wear onto the aircraft or ship when you leave Australia. It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia, such as wine, chocolate or perfume. However, unlike other tourist shopping schemes, most of the goods, such as clothing and cameras, can be used in Australia before departure.

Secondly, there is the SEALED BAG SYSTEM in which you get the tax taken off in the shop and the goods go into a sealed bag. Duty Free shops usually operate this way. 'Duty' is a generic term describing various government tariffs, taxes and levies that are added to the price of products before they are imported or exported.

Travellers are allowed to bring into Australia the following goods duty/tax free. Goods bought overseas or bought duty/tax free before leaving Australia are included when determining your duty free allowance as follows:

A$900 worth of goods not including tobacco or alcohol (A$450 for travellers under 18 years of age). For example, cameras, electronic equipment, leather goods, perfume concentrate, jewellery, watches, sporting goods, etc.

2250ml alcoholic liquor (including wine, beer or spirits) for travellers aged 18 years and over.

Tobacco - 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of cigars or tobacco products other than cigarettes. (18 years +)

Most personal items such as new clothing, footwear, articles for personal hygiene/grooming.

Personal goods owned and used by you for at least 12 months can also be bought into Australia without payment of duty and tax (proof of purchase may be required).

Members of the same family who are travelling together may combine their individual duty/tax free allowances. Gifts (given to you or intended for others) are counted as part of the A$900 duty free allowance.

Information: www.customs.gov.au and shop at www.dutyfree.com.au