About Us

The Harbour Town outlet shopping adventure began on the Gold Coast in December 1999 when The Lewis Land Group of Companies opened Australia's first (and still largest) purpose-built brand direct outlet shopping centre at Biggera Waters, 15 minutes north of Surfers Paradise.

Outlet shopping was already a phenomenon in the United States and Europe. But before Harbour Town spearheaded the destination outlet centre concept in Australia, factory outlets tended to be scattered and isolated. Mostly they were warehouse-style operations where only the most dedicated bargain-hunters dared to venture.

Harbour Town changed all that, attracting top brands to open, stylish, beautifully-appointed stores selling quality merchandise in an entertaining and engaging environment. Discerning, value-conscious shoppers embraced the concept and a new shopping attraction was born.

The phenomenal success of Harbour Town Gold Coast attracted a 50% investment by ING Real Estate, part of the Dutch-based ING Group, one of the world's largest financial services providers and real estate developers.

The Lewis Land - ING partnership then expanded Harbour Town to other key centres in Australia, opening two new outlet centres in late 2003 in South Australia and Western Australia.

Adelaide, South Australia was chosen as the second roll-out. The 12,500m2 brand direct outlet centre was the first outlet centre of its kind in South Australia.  It opened in October, 2003 and was expanded in 2005 to include an additional 30 outlets stores.  The centre is currently under development with a Woolworths supermarket and an additional 30 outlet stores to open late 2008.

Harbour Town opened its third Centre in West Perth in December 2003.  With more than 3.8 million overnight visitors to the Perth region every year, the city location makes brand direct outlet centre an ideal choice for leisure activity.

Harbour Town at Waterfront City, Melbourne Docklands, is now open.  The Centre includes 41,000 square metres of diverse retail including over 90 outlets and in excess of 100 specialty stores.

The Centre is amongst a mixed use precinct including up to 80,000 square metres of commercial, up to 850 homes, and a unique events and entertainment precinct including Melbourne’s newest icon – a 120 metre Observation Wheel.

Since opening, Harbour Town has been recognised with a string of international and Australian commercial property, shopping industry and tourism awards, including:

Gold Coast

  • 2006 Finalist Queensland Tourism Awards – Excellence in Tourism Retailing
  • 2005 Winner Queensland Radio Awards “The Goldies” - Best Client Promotion – Non Metropolitan
  • 2005 Finalist Queensland Tourism Awards – Excellence in Tourism Retailing
  • 2004 Winner Queensland Tourism Awards – Excellence in Tourism Retailing
  • 2003 Finalist Queensland Tourism Awards – Excellence in Tourism Retailing
  • 2002 Merit International Council of Shopping Centres Awards – International Design & Development Award
  • 2001 Winner Property Council of Australia – Rider Hunt Queensland Award for Commercial Development
  • 2000 Merit International Council of Shopping Centres Awards – MAXI Award for Marketing Excellence
  • 2000 Winner Royal Australian Institute of Architects – Beatrice Hutton State Award for Commercial Architecture
  • 2000 Winner Royal Australian Institute of Architects – Gold Coast Building of the Year Award

Adelaide

  • 2007 Winner Property Council of Australia Presentation Excellence Award
  • 2007 Winner Property Council of Australia Environmental Excellence Award
  • 2007 Winner Property Council of Australia Award for Marketing Excellence
  • 2006 Winner Property Council of Australia Presentation Excellence Award
  • 2006 Winner Property Council of Australia Environmental Excellence Award
  • 2006 Winner Property Council of Australia Award for Marketing Excellence
  • 2006 Winner Radio Station Mix102.3 – Adelaide’s Best Fashion Precinct
  • 2005 Winner Property Council of Australia Presentation Excellence Award
  • 2005 Winner Property Council of Australia Environmental Encouragement Award
  • 2005 Winner Radio Station Mix102.3 – Adelaide’s Best Shopping Precinct
  • 2004 Winner Property Council of Australia Marketing Excellence Award
  • 2004 Highly Commended - South Australian Tourism Awards - New Tourism Development.
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