Central Sydney is arguably the largest shopping area in Australia and therefore the South Pacific. This cosmopolitan city caters for every need. It does not matter what your taste or style, Sydney offers endless choices.

With names like Cartier, Hugo Boss, Hermes, Celine, Hardy Brothers, Louis Vitton, Chanel, Gucci, Dunhill, Christian Lacroix, Jag, Benetton, Pierre Cardin and Akubra, shopping here is of an international standard including, of course, duty free. For a more local browse, visit the beach resort of Manly.

On the narrow strip of land between harbour and ocean is The Corso, the famous pedestrian plaza. Shopping here - and elsewhere, is easy and fun.

At weekends and public holidays visit the outdoor Arts and Craft Market on the beach front, featuring locally made creations.

Bookshop (207 Oxford St) is the specialist in gay and lesbian books. You'll also find a wide range of contemporary magazines here.

Sax Fetish (110-A Oxford St) shines as Australia's preeminent fetish department store with a prominent Oxford St location. Sax is a "must visit" catering for the widest possible range of perverse pleasures. Quality fetish clothing and BDSM accessories plus toys for those indulging every spasm of lust.

If you go by size, Toolshed (three locations: 81 Oxford St, 191 Oxford St at Taylor Square, and 198 King St) is a giant among gay and lesbian adult stores in Sydney. They sell adult products, clothing, cards, and unique pride items -- and a vast array of adult porn.

Kaos (197-199 Oxford St) offers an adult store catering to men on its second floor level. The range of items at hand includes oodles of DVDs, toys, accessories, and some clothing. Internet kiosks are also on premises.

Aussie Boys (102 Oxford St) sells gay clothing and accessories, footwear, leather goods, toiletries, CDs, hand-made cards, and more.

Daly Male (90 Oxford St) has a vast array of T-shirts, jackets, party wear, gym gear and accessories at great prices. This is home to "Haard," a retro bulge-enhancing line of swimwear.

Bang (4 Flinders St) vends gay clothing labels from around the world. Specializing in a wide range of men's swimwear, gym wear, underwear, club wear, and accessories, Bang also has sister stores in Melbourne and Victoria.

Markets and Antiques

Queen Street in Woollahra has loads of antiques, while Crown Street in Surry Hills has contemporary furniture and decor. "Look for Chee Soon & Fitzgerald [387 Crown St., 011-61-2-9360-1031] and Planet Furniture [419 Crown St., 011-61-2-9698-0680]

Paddington Markets takes place every Saturday from 10 am and is packed with authentic local art and crafts.

The Rocks Market offers more upscale shopping in a historic district dating from the 1800s.

Looking Good

Beauty Room (220 Goulburn Street) proffers the pampering of professionally-trained therapists (both male and female) at this skincare center for men and women. You may choose from a large selection of relaxing treatments, ranging from facial peels to micro dermabrasion or maybe a massage to relax you after a busy day touring around Sydney. Take time to retreat from the street and visit this internationally known salon.

City Gym (107 Crown St) thrives as the oldest shrine to gay narcissism in Sydney, offering three levels of facilities, several studios, two fitness rooms and an entire (main) floor for strength training.

Fitness Network (63 Oxford St), with over 70 clubs across Australia and many more abroad, is also gay-mobbed. A Beginner's Training Area with workout machines specially designed for 'first timers' of any age is unique here