Melbourne Markets
(Melbourne, Victoria - VIC, Australia)
There are certainly a number of quality markets to be found around Melbourne, with perhaps the best and certainly one of the most popular being the Queen Victoria Market. Dating back to the 1850s and officially founded in 1878, many locals refer to this as simply the Queen Vic and interestingly, this is actually the only remaining 19th-century market still in operation within the Central Business District of Melbourne.
Today, the Queen Victoria Market is an undeniable attraction for visitors to the city, with Wednesday evenings during the summer months featuring late-night trading, food and live entertainment, often drawing quite a crowd. Various guided tour packages are available, including the 'Foodies Dream Tour', 'Shop and Cook' and the 'Heritage and Cultural Tour', where you can explore the history and learn about the produce sold here in bygone days.
Queen Victoria Market
Address: Queen and Elizabeth Streets, Melbourne, Victoria (VIC), 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)3 9658 9600
Victoria Market, often referred to as the Queen Victoria Market, is located just north of Melbourne city centre. Full of countless bargains, this spreading indoor venue is one of the oldest and most famous in the city, dating back more than 100 years. With stalls selling a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, fish, cheeses, bread, flowers and general bric-a-brac, the historic Queen Victoria Market is also home to a popular Sunday gathering where you can find inexpensive jeans, T-shirts, jewellery, souvenirs, antiques, music and second-hand items.
Open hours: Tuesday and Thursday - 06:00 to 14:00, Friday - 06:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 06:00 to 15:00, Sunday - 09:00 to 16:00
Caribbean Gardens Market
Address: Stud Road, Scoresby, Melbourne, Victoria (VIC), 3179, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)3 9763 7688
The Caribbean Gardens Market is simply vast and is home to a variety of more than 1,000 interesting stalls. Selling a range of clothes, fabrics, fruit and vegetables, food, antiques, furniture, ceramics, collectors' items and general goods, traders at the Caribbean Gardens are always kept busy. Located on the outskirts, visitors will find the stalls surrounded by wonderful, lush gardens with many tourist attractions nearby.
Open hours: Sunday - 08:30 to 18:00, Wednesday - 08:30 to 16:30
Prahan Market
Address: 177 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria (VIC), Australia
Tel: +61 (0)3 9522 3302
Prahan Market offers a wide range of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, meat, dairy produce and bread. This is the perfect spot for food shopping and also includes stalls selling tasty delicatessen items and hot snacks.
Open hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
St. Kilda Market
Address: The Esplanade, St. Kilda, Melbourne, Victoria (VIC), 3182, Australia
St. Kilda Market is a busy Sunday shopping extravaganza and stands close to the seafront. Featuring an interesting selection of local arts and crafts, ceramics, paintings, handicrafts, jewellery, clothes, collector's items and souvenirs, St. Kilda is close to a number of popular sights, shops, restaurants, cafés and wine bars, as well as the nearby Luna Park amusement area. St. Kilda forms a backdrop to numerous street entertainers and buskers, creating a lively, exciting atmosphere.
Open hours: Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Victorian Arts and Crafts Market
Address: Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria (VIC), Australia
Held in Camberwell's spacious shopping centre car park, the Victorian Arts and Crafts Market is full of general bric-a-brac, including many genuine bargains and hidden treasures - don't be afraid to haggle!
Open hours: Sunday
Chapel Street Bazaar Market
Address: 217-223 Chapel Street, Melbourne, Victoria (VIC), Australia
Chapel Street Bazaar Market is a large and popular indoor flea market, with many inexpensive antiques, retro clothing, furniture, ceramics, jewellery, collector's items, souvenirs and handmade artisan goodies.
Open hours: daily