Help with sheepskin in Australia
 

I am in Cairns for a quick layover before Fiji and was interested in buying a sheepskin rug. Does anyone know if it would even be worth it to buy one here and haul it back to the US? Are prices that much better?

If so, can someone recommend a good shop?

Thanks

I've only bought sheepskin in New Zealand, but if I were to look near Cairns, I'd look for a small, out-of-the-way shop on the outskirts of town. If they are anything like the shops in NZ, the farther afield from the city, the lower the prices. Also, if you do get sheepskin, ask if they can vacuum pack it for travel. Its amazing how low the density of sheepskin is, and how small a package results when the air is sucked out.

Is it worth it? Perhaps, especially if you are interested in the larger pieces. Again, in NZ I found that the price of seconds (with sometimes barely perceptible flaws) would be very low... e.g. US$30 or so for a full skin. Sometimes they botch the dye job which also results in low prices.

Sorry I couldn't offer specifics on a local shop. Perhaps one of our Aussie FT brethren can pitch in and help http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I think its a bit hot for sheep in cairns-therefore sheepskin isnt too much in demand. but maybe in the airport!!ask the consierge at your hotel to find you some. they do have a shop at Sydney airport and probably brisbane if you are going via there. I think its always nice to buy something from the country of origin. also with the $ being 50c it must be good value.