Hands up if you love to shop at the markets like me! Well I’m really excited to share with you my Ultimate Guide to Markets in Melbourne.
Market life is about embracing the best that local traders have on offer. It’s everything from fresh produce (fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, cheese and small goods) to local artisan creations (handmade jewellery, homewares, soaps, candles and leather goods), with the perfect balance of great quality and great prices.
Every market in Melbourne offers a truely authentic local experience and captures the history of the site and it’s people in their respective unique environment. Inside, outside, morning, afternoon and even at night, take your pick! The markets are the perfect way to embrace Melbourne’s culture and creativity, and here are are my top picks on our very best…
Queen Victoria Market
QVM is possibly Melbourne’s most iconic market destination, where you can wander through the heritage sheds for a laneway-like experience. In the sheds you can shop clothing, jewellery, souvenirs, fruit and vegetables. Or head inside their heritage halls to find some fresh (and delicious) meat, fish and deli produce.
My top tip for discovering all that QVM has on offer is to book one of their tours. Here you can learn about the market’s culture, heritage and historical features, as well as stories about the people who have shaped the market since it’s beginning in 1878. Or book the Ultimate Foodie Tour, to satisfy your cravings with some of the best food the market has to offer!
Dandenong Market
Home to over 200 traders, Dandenong Market is one of my go-to markets for sourcing seasonal produce and bargain buys. You too will be charmed by the hidden gems and the vast array of unique and affordable ingredients available for purchase. Stock up on every ingredient you can imagine (not to mention some you might never have dreamed of!) with the confidence in knowing where it came from, and great ways to incorporate it into your everyday cooking.
If you are passionate about food provenance and love to indulge in the ultimate market experience, then the Dandenong Market Food Discovery Tour is for you. All foodies on the FREE one hour tour receive a free Dandenong Market shopping bag and some delicious food samples.
Yering Station Farmer’s Market
The Farmer’s Market at Yering Station is the place to sample and stock up on the freshest local produce from around the Yarra Valley region, direct from the farmer or producer to you!
Held on the third Sunday of each month in Yering Station’s gorgeous, historic barn, it’s one of Victoria’s best farmers’ markets, with plenty of fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables available. You will also find a great selection of organic breads, biscuits, jams, preserves and sauces, olive oils, pies, fudge, honey, olives, meats, chocolates, fresh-ground coffee and beans, teas, ice-cream, fruit vinegars, homemade pasta, free-range eggs, locally-grown flowers and so much more!
PS. Keep an eye out for the Paella stand – the seafood paella is a must for lunch!
Prahran Market
Prahran Market is a food lovers’ market. Located just around the corner from bustling Chapel Street, they offer a great selection of heirloom produce and hard to find specialties, cheeses, small goods, artisan products, certified organic fruit and veg, as well as meat, seafood and game.
The traders are wonderful for offering expert advice on all your purchases; where they come from, what is best in season, how much to buy, how to prepare and ways to cook to perfection.
Be sure to make a pit stop at Market Lane coffee for one of the best caffeine hits in Melbourne.
The Creators Market
The Creators Market is a family-friendly market showcasing Australian designers, handmade and homemade creators, food, lifestyle, fashion and homeware products.
Popping up since 2015, The Creators Market support locally made products and small business owners in a friendly, approachable, fun and authentic environment. Their events are run in Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo and The Bellarine Peninsula and The Mornington Peninsula.
No two markets are ever the same, check out their website here for the next event. Entry is always free.
Night Noodle Markets
Over 18 nights, the Night Noodle Markets bring together a fusion of the best of Asian dining in Melbourne. I highly recommend heading along (at least once) to indulge in the food and soak up the wonderful atmosphere along Birrarung Marr.
With an Asian hawker-style market and pop-up outdoor festival, it showcases a delicious selection of food and bevvies, with a past line up including Mr Miyagi, Wonderbao, Hoy Pinoy as well as desserts from Gelato Messina and Black Star Pastry.
Entry is free and they usually run during November each year.
South Melbourne Markets
South Melbourne Markets have all the charm (and prices) you’d hope for from a village market. It’s the perfect place to shop for fresh food, supporting local farmers, artisans and producers.
It’s home to great coffee, specialty tea and a vibrant restaurant precinct, making it a great place to catch up with friends or grab a bite to eat between your shopping. There’s also a big range of merchandise and services with everything from clothing, homewares and second hand books to hairdressing and pet food.
With a full calendar of live music, events and activities (including a night market), it’s a great place to visit every week.
