Kuranda, QLD

Often touted as Queensland's "village in the forest", the small, bushy town of Kuranda is fiercely patriotic. Alongside well-known Australian labels such as Vicki Vale and Gerry Shaw, shopkeepers will often stock decorative pieces made from local gems and stones.
Even the strip of boutiques housed along Coondoo Rd are set inside historic, Victorian terraces and bordered by a thick cluster of native trees.
Sales assistant at New To You boutique, Tracey, says that strong tourism means stores in the area must be uniquely Australian.
"There aren't any clothing chain stores in Kuranda at all; people can drive to Cairns for that. We have people that come here from all over Australia like Sydney and Brisbane just to come to our store."
Sourcing labels such as Mei Mei and Yashah, the boutique stocks a range of dresses, jewellery, medieval wear, bridal wear and even antique furnishings.
While Tracey says that developments are always in the works in Kuranda, a majority of them are locally owned and developed with visiting tourists in mind.
"Although they do call us the air-conditioned tablelands so we try and keep things as natural as possible!," she adds.
In keeping with the trend, local boutique Kuranda Summit also stocks local merchandise with brands such as Adam Hill, Australian Grown and D&C. Most tees feature Australiana prints with flora, fauna and landscapes while sarongs and locally produced accessories also maintain the store's patriotic theme.
Like Tracey, owners Yvonne Druppers and Nico Wouterse believe that the strongest selling items are those that reflect traditional values.
"Our shirts are definatley the most popular. They come with a variety of embroidery or printwork and de

Lowdown
Population:650
Location:27km from Cairns
Stores:New to You, Kuranda Summit
Brands:Mei Mei, Yashah, Adman Hill, Australian Grown