Melbourne is known for its culture, and one of the significant contributors to that is its market scene. From locally-made art to clothes and, of course, the food, you haven’t had a real Melbourne experience until you’ve spent time at the markets.
There is no shortage of Melbourne markets to choose from, some that are regular, others that are more sporadic, all that offer something different. So, we’ve compiled the ones that are worth your time so you can soak in some of the best local wares that the big city offers while getting to know some of the more popular suburbs.
This isn’t just a list of Melbourne markets; it’s a guide to the spots where culture in Victoria thrives. So dive in, experience it for yourself, and let’s go shopping!
We need to get the most famous one out of the way first, and it isn’t just because we are excited about Veriu’s new Queen Vic Market Hotel that will be opening soon. The Queen Vic market has been a Melbourne staple for over 140 years and is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere.
With over 600 stalls with everything from fresh produce to souvenirs and locally made clothing, you can spend all day browsing through the stalls. You’ll also enjoy the many great eateries in and around the markets when you need a break. Open until 3 pm on Tuesday – Friday and 4 pm on weekends; you can even catch the night markets in the summer.
Website: Queen Victoria Market
Address: Queen St, Melbourne
Arguably the second most well-known and popular market in Melbourne is South Melbourne Market, which opened way back in 1867. Slightly smaller than the Queen Vic markets, there are still plenty of delicious food stalls and shops to check out.
The Night Market is open on Wednesdays in January, complete with live music, and normal hours are Wednesday to Sunday until 4 pm You’ll find everything you could need here (locals use this as their main shopping hub), and there are plenty of great cafes for a meet-up and people watch.
Website: South Melbourne Market
Address: 322-326 Coventry St, South Melbourne
Arguably the second most well-known and popular market in Melbourne is South Melbourne Market, which opened way back in 1867. Slightly smaller than the Queen Vic markets, there are still plenty of delicious food stalls and shops to check out.
The Night Market is open on Wednesdays in January, complete with live music, and normal hours are Wednesday to Sunday until 4 pm You’ll find everything you could need here (locals use this as their main shopping hub), and there are plenty of great cafes for a meet-up and people watch.
Website: South Melbourne Market
Address: 322-326 Coventry St, South Melbourne
For one of the best markets in Melbourne on the beach on Sundays, head to the St Kilda Esplanade Market. Less food-focused and more concerned with locally-made clothing, arts and crafts, you’ll still be able to grab a bite at the food stalls to re-energise while you shop.
This open-air market features 175 stalls every Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm, where it has run since the 70s. Here you will find unique jewellery, homewares, plants, gifts, clothing, visual art and more from creators that represent the Melbourne art scene. So if you want something that you can’t find elsewhere, this is the spot to find it.
Website: St Kilda Esplanade Market
Address: The Esplanade, St Kilda
In 2003, the Rose Street Artists’ Market began, showcasing over a hundred creatives across art, furniture, jewellery, clothing and handmade goods. The eclectic vibe of Fitzroy is on display here, and you can even meet the artist’s behind the work!
This indoor and outdoor market takes place every Saturday and Sunday with different designers and artists rotating through, so you’ll always have new arts and crafts to find and fresh creatives to meet.
Website: Rose Market
Address: 60 Rose St, Fitzroy
When you head to Fitzroy for the artist’s market, make a day of it and check out Fitzroy Mills Market. While it is small, you’ll be able to stock up on some quality organic food. Open Saturdays from 9 am until 2 pm, grab a cold-pressed juice upon entry, and fill your reusable shopping bag with some boutique groceries that will make your tummy smile.
By shopping at the over 70 stalls at Fitzroy Mills, you support local vendors and Victorian farmers while keeping things exciting with unique flavours and foods that will impress the next person who sticks their head into your pantry.
Website: Fitzroy Mills
Address: 75 Rose St, Fitzroy
If you feel like digging for buried treasure (minus the dirt), you’ll want to head along to Camberwell Market. Get your fill of knickknacks, vintage clothes, records, and various antiques every Sunday from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Come prepared with one gold coin for entry in the car park of Camberwell Station, where the open-air market resides and get your fill of quirky wares!
Website: Camberwell Sunday Market
Address: Market Pl, Camberwell VIC 3124, Australia
People travel for this Farmers Market as they say it has the freshest fruits and vegetables around! You can grab all of the other grocery staples you need here, inclusive of a bakery and even flowers and plants!
Everything at the Alphington Farmer’s Market is directly from farmers to you in an open-air setting that takes place weekly.
Address: Melbourne Innovation Centre, 2 Wingrove St, Alphington
Kensington Market features roughly 70 stalls with a rotating range of boutique goodies that make for a fun shopping trip. From candles to jewellery, clothes, and homewares, you can find something fun, grab a snack and a coffee and relax on a Sunday.
Simply head to Kensington Town Hall on the third Sunday of the month from 10 am to 3 pm and get shopping!
Address: 30-34 Bellair Street, Kensington
You’ll definitely find a bargain at Dandenong Market, which has over 200 traders spanning categories like fresh produce, fashion, art and plenty more. The fun atmosphere of this market is perfect for a day out with the family, and you’ll find a variety of entertainment events like cooking demos and live music as well.
Website: Dandenong Market
Address: Corner of Clow and Cleeland Streets, Dandenong
Coburg Trash & Treasure is like a well-organised and much bigger garage sale. Want a copy of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on VHS? How about a full collection of original He-Man action figures? Both will more than likely be in here somewhere; you just have to have a dig.
In amongst these junk stalls, you’ll find the glory of something rare, special and brag-worthy. Good luck in your search!
Website: Coburg Trash & Treasure
Address: 155 Newlands Rd, Coburg
The list above shows how easy it is to fill your days with some market fun, and if you need a before or after drinks spot, we recommend Veriu’s Queen Vic Market Hotel or the Collingwood Hotel, which will cater as great meet locations for most of the markets above. So catch up with friends to plan your market attack or reflect on the treats you enjoyed afterwards at our stylish venues!
