Traveling can be a thrill, but it's even better when you get the chance to score some fantastic duty free deals. Whether you're heading to Japan, New Zealand, or anywhere else, duty free shopping is the perfect way to stretch your dollars and pick up some incredible items at unbeatable prices.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top ten things worth buying duty free in Australia to make your trip even more rewarding. And with Melbourne Airport’s Laneway, shopping is more convenient than ever — with all the best deals in one place, ready for you to click, collect, and enjoy.

Shopping duty free means getting the same high-quality products you love without paying GST or other taxes, which means more savings. Here are some reasons why duty free shopping can be a smart choice for travellers:

• No GST or Value-Added Tax: Since items are tax-free, you avoid paying GST or value-added tax, making duty free prices much lower than typical retail.
• Convenience of Travel Retail: The ability to shop right before or after a flight means no need to deal with long queues or additional stops.
• No TRS Hassle: Forget about dealing with Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) paperwork. When you shop duty free, you’re getting goods without tax right from the start.
• Luxury Items for Less: From fragrances to leather goods, you can find high-end products at significant discounts.

If you're unsure where to start, we've got you covered. Here are the best duty free items to buy in Australia to make the most out of your money:

1. Alcohol

Alcohol is one of the top things to buy at duty free stores, especially if you want to stock up on your favourite spirits. Shopping on Laneway means not only getting great duty free alcohol prices, but also saving yourself from the hassle of carrying heavy bottles across the terminal. Simply pick them up when you arrive, which also means there's no risk of breakage mid-flight.

You can find a wide range of alcoholic drinks on Laneway, including cognac, liqueurs, vodka, gin, rum, tequila, American whiskey, and more. Top Australian brands, as well as popular picks from leading distilleries around the world, are available at incredible prices, making it a deal hard to pass up.

2. Australian Wines and Bubbly

For those who love wines, Laneway is the place to pick up some of the best Australian bottles. Wines and bubbly like Penfolds, Tahbilk, and Hardy's are renowned for their quality and flavour. Buying these brands duty free not only means better prices, but also ensures you're getting authentic Australian wine. There's nothing like taking a taste of Australia back home or gifting a loved one with a bottle of premium Aussie bubbly.

3. Beauty Products

Beauty lovers, the best time to stock up on makeup and bath products is when you shop duty free. On Laneway, you'll find all the essentials from top brands like Bobbi Brown, Guerlain, and Mac. The best part? You can grab these high-quality beauty products without paying extra tax, which means extra savings. From your favourite lipsticks to luxurious body scrubs, shopping duty free lets you indulge a little more.

4. Skincare Products

Skincare products can be quite an investment, but buying them at Laneway makes it a lot easier on the wallet. From Lancome to Clinique, Kiehl's, La Prairie, and more, you can find a full range of treatments, moisturisers, serums, and more. On Laneway, you get not just duty free prices, but also the convenience of picking everything up at the airport — no added baggage stress, and no risk of items being confiscated at security since you'll collect them after the security checks.

5. Designer Fragrances

There's something undeniably tempting about owning a designer fragrance. Duty free shopping on Laneway makes it easy and affordable to buy premium fragrances from brands like Jo Malone London, Carolina Herrera, Maison Margiela, and Bvlgari. With duty free prices, you can indulge in your favourite scent or even try something new without breaking the bank.

6. Confectionery

If you have a sweet tooth or know someone who does, duty free is the perfect place to stock up on confectionery. From Lindt to Patons and Cadbury, you can find a wide selection of chocolates and other treats. These make great gifts for friends and family, or even a little indulgence for yourself on the plane. Plus, duty free prices make these sweets even sweeter.

7. Travel Essentials

Since you can pre-order everything online and simply collect your items when you arrive at the airport, buying travel essentials at Laneway is perfect if you're running out of time.

Plus, there's no shortage of must-have travel items available - from tumblers to compression socks, travel pillows, adapters, and more. Brands like Kinto, Korjo, and Slip are all available at competitive prices, making it easier to stock up on the things you need for a comfortable trip.

8. Luxury Items

Luxury items, including fragrances, makeups, and sunglasses, are all available duty free on Laneway. That means picking up a luxury item will feel less like a splurge and more like a smart investment.

You’ll also find plenty of top luxury brands like Gucci, Burberry, Hermes, Prada, and Alexander McQueen. Shopping on Laneway also means you get access to exclusive bundles and limited-edition products that are often unavailable elsewhere.

Plus, with the convenience of pre-ordering and collecting at the airport, you save time, avoid carrying extra baggage, and enjoy a stress-free luxury shopping experience.

9. Watches

Watches are timeless accessories, and Laneway has a variety of high-quality brands like Sekonda available for duty free shoppers. Whether you’re buying a watch as a gift or adding one to your collection, purchasing it duty free allows you to enjoy a stylish timepiece at a fraction of the regular price.

10. Australian Specialties and Souvenirs

What better way to bring a part of Australia home than by picking up some local specialties and souvenirs? Tim Tams, a classic Aussie favourite, are available in large packs that are perfect for sharing (or not!). Laneway also offers a wide variety of Australian-made products, including koala-themed snacks and Australian whiskey, from brands like Starward, Gospel, and 23rd Street. You can also find beauty products from Aesop and Jurlique, as well as chocolates from Banksia Red and Melbourne Cocoa, all at duty free prices.

The best place to find amazing duty free deals is, obviously, on Laneway. Aside from the duty free prices, we also offer seasonal deals and bundles on your favourites. It means more savings on top of the duty free prices, what could be better than that?

Plus, when you shop on Laneway, you'll enjoy perks like:

• Online Shopping Convenience: Shop online and pre-order your items before you even reach the airport. No stress, no hassle.
• Flexible Payment Options: We accept major credit cards as well as Google Pay and Apple Pay.
• Avoid Australia Duty Free Limits: Shopping on Laneway means not having to worry about Australia Duty Free limits, which is capped at $900 AUD for general goods.
• Best Sellers All in One Place: We gather all the best sellers from across the airport duty free shops, so you can find everything you need in one place.

Before diving into your duty free shopping spree, there are a few important things to keep in mind to make your experience smooth and hassle-free:

• Limited to International Travellers: Laneway is only available to travellers leaving in or out of Australia via Melbourne International Airport.
• Duty Free Allowances: Every country has different duty free allowances, so if you're leaving Australia, make sure to check the rules for your destination.
• Age Requirements: At Laneway, you must be at least 18 years old to buy alcohol or tobacco products.
• Restricted Items: Be aware of the terms related to your purchases, as some items like alcohol and tobacco products (including e-cigarettes) may have restrictions depending on the country you're visiting (e.g., Singapore or Thailand).

To make sure you get the best deals and have a smooth experience, here are some top tips for duty free shopping:

• Pre-Order Online: Save time by pre-ordering your items through Laneway.
• Check Allowances: If you're flying out, make sure to know the duty free limits for your destination.
• Shop the Bundles: Bundles and multi-buy discounts can save you even more money.
• Watch Out for Seasonal Deals: Laneway offers seasonal deals all year round. So, make sure to keep an eye out for promotions, especially during peak travel seasons or holidays, to maximise your savings. 
• Look for Airport-Exclusive Items: Some brands launch products that are exclusively available at duty free stores like Laneway. These special items can't be found in other retail stores, making them unique finds for savvy travellers.

Duty free shopping can be one of the most enjoyable parts of your travel experience, and Laneway makes it even better. From exclusive bundles and top luxury brands to practical travel essentials, Laneway offers a wide range of products to cater to every traveller's needs. With convenient pre-order options and unbeatable tax-free prices, you can focus on enjoying your trip while we take care of your shopping. Browse Laneway today and make your next journey more memorable with the best duty free finds.