Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey, BPharmSci, MPharm, Owner and Pharmacist, Ahpra registration PHA0001976405.
General health information from a registered pharmacist. It doesn’t replace advice from your own pharmacist or doctor. How we write and check our articles.
Australian vitamins, Lucas’ Papaw Ointment and lanolin creams are some of the most popular things visitors take home from the Gold Coast, as gifts or to stock up for family. You’ll find them all at Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair in Broadbeach. If you’re leaving Australia within 60 days and spend AU$300 or more with us, you can usually claim the GST back at the airport through the Tourist Refund Scheme. Buying in bulk? Contact us before you visit: we may be able to offer a discount and help arrange postage.
Australian vitamins and supplements
Popular choices include multivitamins, fish oil, probiotics, magnesium, vitamin D, calcium, and vitamins for pregnancy and for children. Brands we stock include Blackmores, Swisse, BioCeuticals, Nature’s Way, Nature’s Own, Bioglan, Herbs of Gold, Ethical Nutrients, Cenovis and Ostelin. Ranges vary, so ask us if you’re after something specific, or see our vitamins and supplements page.
Before you buy:
- Look for the AUST L or AUST R number on the label. It shows the product is entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods and can be legally sold in Australia. Most vitamins are AUST L, the low-risk “listed” category.
- Check the expiry date, especially if you’re buying gifts or stocking up for months ahead. We’re happy to check for you.
- Ask a pharmacist first if the vitamins are for someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, a child, an older person, or anyone who takes prescription medicines, because some supplements interact with medicines. Advice is free and you don’t need to book. Our guide to supplements that interact with medicines explains more.
- Buying more doesn’t mean taking more. Take them as the label says, and don’t go over the recommended dose.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Buying vitamins in bulk
Stocking up for family and friends at home? Contact us before you visit: we may be able to offer a discount and help arrange postage. Call (07) 5592 2099 or email info@pricelinepf.com.au with the products and quantities you’re after.
Before you go, check your home country’s customs rules. Many countries only allow vitamins and medicines in amounts for personal use, and you may have to pay duty on more. Remember your airline’s baggage weight limits too, and keep your receipts.
Lucas’ Papaw Ointment
Lucas’ Papaw Ointment, which many people search for as “Lucas paw paw”, is a Queensland classic. It was developed more than a century ago by Brisbane doctor Thomas Pennington Lucas, and his family’s company still makes it in Brisbane today. Its key ingredient is fermented papaw (papaya).
The label lists uses including minor burns, cuts, insect bites, nappy rash and chafing. It comes in sizes from a small lip applicator tube to a large jar, so it’s easy to buy as small gifts.
- For a minor burn, cool it under cool running water for 20 minutes first. Our guide to treating a cut or scrape covers first aid for small wounds.
- See a doctor for a serious burn or wound, or if a sore looks infected.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Lanolin cream
Lanolin is a natural wax from sheep’s wool, and Australian lanolin creams are a popular moisturiser and gift. They’re rich and thick, so a little goes a long way, especially on dry hands, elbows and feet.
Lanolin allergy is uncommon, but it’s more likely if you have eczema or broken skin. Try a small amount on a patch of skin first, and stop using it if your skin becomes red or itchy.
Claiming the GST back: the Tourist Refund Scheme
If you’re leaving Australia within 60 days, you can usually claim back the GST (goods and services tax) on what you buy through the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS):
- Spend AU$300 or more (GST included) with us, in one purchase or several.
- Ask for a tax invoice when you pay. For purchases of $1,000 or more, the invoice needs your full name as it appears on your passport.
- Keep the goods unopened and carry them in your hand luggage. Larger liquids, aerosols and gels can go in checked luggage, but show them to the Australian Border Force before you check in.
- Make your claim at the TRS counter in the international departure area of the airport, such as Gold Coast or Brisbane Airport. Claims close 30 minutes before departure, so leave plenty of time. You can enter your details in the TRS app beforehand to save time.
- You can only claim back GST you paid. Most vitamins, skincare and fragrance include GST, while prescription medicines don’t.
The full rules are on the Australian Border Force website.
Packing for your flight
- Creams and ointments count as liquids at airport security. On international flights, containers in your hand luggage are usually limited to 100 mL each, so pack larger jars in your checked luggage. Check your airline’s rules before you fly.
- Keep vitamins in their original packaging with the label on, which helps if a customs officer asks about them.
Shopping at Pacific Fair
Pacific Fair in Broadbeach is one of the Gold Coast’s biggest shopping centres. We’re on the ground floor, on the north-eastern side next to Proud Smile.
- By tram: take the G:link light rail to Broadbeach South, right out the front.
- By car: park in the Orange car park, directly under us (Gate 7 is closest). The first 4 hours are free.
- Opening hours: we’re open 7 days, and until 9pm on Thursdays. See our opening hours and directions and public holiday hours.
- Paying: we accept most international cards, including UnionPay. If you’d like to pay with Alipay, please check at the counter first. Our team speaks English and is happy to use a translation app; a photo of the product on your phone helps.
- Feeling unwell on holiday? Our pharmacists can help with minor illnesses, and Help Medical, an independent general practice located inside our store, welcomes visitors. If you’ve left your medicine at home, see what to do if you forget your medication on holiday.
- Staying nearby? We deliver everyday health and beauty products across the Gold Coast through Uber Eats.
There’s more for visitors on our Gold Coast visitors page.
How can our pharmacists help?
Our pharmacists and beauty team at Pacific Fair can help you choose vitamins that suit you or your family, check them against any medicines you take, and put together a bulk order or gifts to take home.
Sources
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.
Talk to our pharmacists at Pacific Fair
Pop in, no appointment needed. We’re on the ground floor of Pacific Fair (Pac Fair), Broadbeach, open 7 days and until 9pm on Thursdays. Park in the Orange car park, directly under us. Gate 7 is the closest entry, and the first 4 hours are free.