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We’ve all seen them: the boomerang that’s never been near a boomerang maker, the kangaroo-crossing sign fridge magnet, the “Australia” tea towel with a koala on it that turns out to have been made a long way from Australia.
There’s nothing wrong with a bit of kitsch. But if you want something you’ll still like in ten years, and that put money in the pocket of someone who actually lives here, here’s where to look.
How we pick
- Made by someone you can name. A maker, a farm, an art centre or a workshop, rather than an anonymous import.
- Origin from the maker. If we say something is made in Australia, that’s the maker’s claim and we link to it. In a shop, read the label: “designed in Australia” is not the same as “made in Australia”.
- Useful or beautiful. Ideally both.
- Fits in a suitcase. And gets through customs at home, with the tricky items flagged.
- Ethical where it matters, especially with Indigenous art.
1. Something from a regional producer
Food and drink from a specific place are some of the best souvenirs Australia has. Think wine from a cellar door, olive oil from a grove, honey from a local apiary, or chocolate or nougat from a small producer. You can taste where you’ve been.
Buy at the source: cellar doors, farm gates and farmers’ markets. Ask the producer what travels well, and whether they ship overseas so you don’t have to carry it.
Customs check: food and drink are the most restricted items for many countries. Check your home country’s rules before you buy, and check your airline’s rules for liquids and alcohol in luggage.
Visiting the South West of WA? See our guide to gifts from Margaret River.
2. Indigenous art, bought the right way
Original work by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artist is one of the most meaningful things you can take home. It matters a lot how you buy it.
- Buy from Aboriginal-owned art centres, or from galleries and dealers that are members of the Indigenous Art Code. The Code is a voluntary standard for fair and ethical trade with artists.
- Look for the artist’s name, community and a certificate of authenticity from the art centre.
- Central Australian art centres are supported by Desart, the peak body for Aboriginal art centres in the region, which is a good place to start researching.
- Avoid “Aboriginal-style” souvenirs with no named artist. Many are not made by Aboriginal people, and buying them takes money and recognition away from those who are.
3. A hat or boots that’ll outlast the trip
A wide-brimmed felt hat or a pair of elastic-sided boots is a souvenir you’ll actually wear. Two long-standing Australian makers:
- Akubra says it makes its hats in Kempsey, NSW. See Akubra
- R.M. Williams. Check its official site for where each product is made. See R.M. Williams
Both are an investment. If you’re in a capital city, try them on in store before you buy.
4. A print or original artwork from a local artist
Every region in Australia has artists painting, printing and photographing its landscapes, from wildflowers and ocean pools to red dirt and rainforest. A print packs flat in your suitcase, and an original is something nobody else has. Try regional galleries, weekend markets and artist-run shops, or browse online before you go.
Browse Australian landscape prints on Etsy
5. Handmade ceramics
A mug, a small bowl or a vase from a local potter is useful every day and reminds you of the trip every morning. Many regional towns have potters selling at markets or from their studios. Wrap pieces in clothes and pack them in the middle of your bag.
Browse Australian handmade ceramics on Etsy
6. Woodwork from Australian timbers
Jarrah from WA, Huon pine from Tasmania and red gum from the south-east are beautiful timbers, and woodworkers turn them into bowls, boards and small boxes. Ask whether the timber is salvaged or recycled; many makers work with reclaimed wood.
Customs check: some countries ask you to declare wooden items, and some want unfinished wood treated. Finished, sealed items are usually fine, but declare them if you’re asked.
Browse jarrah woodwork on Etsy
7. An opal, from a reputable dealer
Australia produces most of the world’s precious opal (Geoscience Australia puts it at 95%), from fields such as Lightning Ridge in NSW and Coober Pedy in South Australia. Opal is a lovely souvenir, but it’s easy to get it wrong:
- Learn the difference between solid opal, doublets and triplets. Doublets and triplets are thin slices of opal backed or capped with other materials. They’re fine if that’s what you want, but they should be clearly labelled and priced accordingly.
- Buy from a dealer who gives a written description of what you’re buying.
- If it’s a big purchase, ask whether they’re a member of an industry association.
8. Skincare and soap with native botanicals
Small makers use lemon myrtle, Kakadu plum, eucalyptus and other native ingredients in soaps, balms and candles. They’re light and packable, and they make good small gifts for people back home. Check the label for where it’s made, and watch liquid limits if you’re flying with carry-on only.
Browse lemon myrtle soap on Etsy
Quick guide: what to look for on the label
| Label says | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| “Made in Australia” | Substantially transformed here, not just packed or finished off here |
| “Product of Australia” | All significant ingredients from Australia, and all or virtually all processing done here |
| “Designed in Australia” | Designed here; probably made somewhere else |
| No origin stated | Ask, or assume it’s imported |
This is a simplified summary. For the exact rules, see the ACCC’s guide to country-of-origin claims.
Skip these
- “Aboriginal-style” art with no named artist.
- Anything made from protected wildlife.
- Seeds, soil, or plant material for your garden back home. Most countries will confiscate them.
- Shells, rocks and sand from national parks. Taking them is usually illegal, and it spoils it for the next person.
More from Gumnutly
- Best Australian-made gifts to send overseas
- Christmas gifts for Aussie expats missing home
- A Margaret River weekend itinerary
- How to buy First Nations art and gifts ethically
Written by our editors. Origin claims are the makers’ own, linked where stated. Last checked: 31 October 2026.