I don't know about you, but the thought of dragging kids who are bored on school holidays around the shops whilst battling the crowds, parking stress and the demands for toys, games and movies...well it just leaves me exhausted before it even starts!
If you're looking for a shopping centre within 30 minutes of Brisbane's CBD, with big brand retail chains, a lovely atmosphere and plenty of specialty stores but without the crowds, then look no further than Westfield Strathpine.
Nearby shopping centres, Westfield North Lakes and Westfield Chermside, might have a bright sparkling look, as well as the glitter and glamour stores but they also have the crowds. Smaller nearby shopping centres, such as Morayfield, Toombul and the Hypermarket lack the interest and variety of stores.
Plenty of free parks at Westfield Strathpine
However, Strathpine is a lovely place to spend a lazy morning wandering around the shops. I'm not entirely sure why, but the shopping centre just lacks crowds, which is great for shoppers but not so good for the retailers. Established more than 30 years ago, Westfield Strathpine has had several makeovers, ensuring that it still has a modern and happy feel.
For the kids and familiesWestfield Strathpine offers Birch Carroll and Coyle Cinemas, a dedicated gaming arcade, ten pin bowling and a good EB Games. It is also nearby to the Strathpine Library which holds regular kids promotions and activities. The Lawnton Pool is just a few kilometres down the road.
For the Man in the familyBesides the department stores, this Westfield has a large JB HiFi store and several men's clothing stores. The Four Mile Creek Tavern is across the road as well as a large Dan Murphys.
For the Lady of the houseWomen are kept happy here with a big selection of speciality clothing and jewellery stores, as well as designer homewares and $2 shops adorning the aisles, making it easy to spend a good three or four hours wandering around.
Large clean aisles without crowds
Apart from the cinemas, bowling and games arcade which keeps the kids happy, this shopping centre is great for Mums and Dads. The lack of crowds means it's easier to negotiate the stores with young children. The parents rooms are large, well equipped and roomy with plenty of privacy areas. The many department stores means that shopping for kids clothes and toys is easy and you're likely to find some good sales on any given day.
For a lovely relaxed lunchOutback Jack's Restaurant is just outside the food court and open until late. This lovely relaxed restaurant is reasonably priced, has an Australian feel and happily caters to children. It regularly has live music as well, give them a call or check out their website if this matters to you to find out when they next have entertainment.
Add to this the abundance of coffee shops, Big W, Target, Best and Less, Coles, Aldi and Woolworths and you have a fantastic shopping centre which is likely to be able to cater to the everyone's needs without the stress and fuss of the more high end busy shopping centres. For a list of all of the speciality and retail stores, check out the Westfield Strathpine website
here.
Free parking, including a lot of it under-cover, eliminates parking stress and my family loves the many dedicated parents with prams carparks - there are a lot of undercover parents with prams parks here which makes life easier for parents of babies and toddlers.
As this is a Westfield, they have regular school holiday promotions and activities for kids. Promotional events are well advertised on their
website and by email.
All in all, this shopping centre is well worth a day out. Just 30 minutes from Brisbane's CBD and easy to find on Gympie Road, you'll be pleasantly surprised with this stress free shopping centre.
