Sights, sounds and tastes of Victoria’s most iconic market
Experience the sights and sounds (and tastes) of Victoria’s most iconic market.
The history
Opened in 1878, the Queen Victoria Market is one of Melbourne’s great historic sites. A number of markets had operated on the site prior to that time, but were eventually consolidated and turned into one grand complex. Most of the buildings you see today date from the early 1900s and have been meticulously restored over the years. It’s now the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere and covers more than 17 acres. Fun fact: the market is not actually named after Queen Victoria. The name comes from its location, at the corner of Queen and Victoria streets.
The stalls
The market is bursting with fresh produce, arts and crafts, souvenirs and places to eat. For fresh produce, make your way through the different halls for Dairy, Meat & Fish, Fruit & Vegetables and Organic. Individual stalls will also be selling fresh bread and cakes, gelato, spices, tea and coffee, preserves, nuts, wine and beer. There will be lots to sample as well as purchase. In the huge general merchandise halls you can find everything from clothing and toys to stationery, sporting goods, games, toys, technology, hardware, beauty products and flowers.
The details
The market is close to the centre of Melbourne, just north of the CBD. It’s around a 20-minute walk from the main hub of Collins Street and is within the zone of the city’s free tram. The market is open five days a week (closed Monday and Wednesday) from 6 or 8am and closing in the early afternoon or evening.
Take a tour
There’s so much to see at the Queen Vic Market that a tour can be a great way to start. The Ultimate Foodie Tour is a guided 90-minute walk through the heritage listed stalls and includes 10 tastings of food from the best producers, like seafood, pasta, cheese, cured meats and antipasto, and finishes off with a glass of Victorian wine and a hot jam doughnut. Your guide will also reveal some of the market’s secrets, special stories about its past and introduce you to the people behind the produce.
Winter Night Markets
On Wednesdays from June 7 to August 30 every year, the Queen Victoria Market stays open until 10pm for a special winter celebration. Wander through 50 specialty and design stores, 30 gourmet food stalls, live music performances, roaring fires and beautiful lighting installations with a warming glass of mulled wine in hand. It’s a truly magical Melbourne night.
Have you ever been to the Queen Victoria Market?