There are many markets in Melbourne, and around Australia for that matter, so why should you visit the Queen Victoria Markets? Here’s why. Melbourne is known as Australia’s foodie capital. And one of the best places to get tasting some of this amazing food is with a visit to Queen Victoria Markets.
The Queen Victoria Market, often called the Queen Vic Market, is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere being spread over two city blocks. Here you will find various fresh produce, including fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, cheese, and various small goods. Besides fresh produce, the market also has various handmade crafts. From local artisans and designers and a range of other items including clothing, jewellery, footwear, toys and leather goods for sale. You can also buy ‘tacky’ Aussie souvenirs.
I was amazed at how big the market is on my first visit. When I moved to Melbourne I worked near the Queen Victoria Market and I would often shop there buying fresh produce for dinner and other meals. I liked shopping there because there was so much variety of different foods. I thought it one of the best places to visit in Melbourne because it appeals to people of all ages including kids because of the wide variety of items you can find there.
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Queen Victoria Market Traders
As well as being the largest open-air market, Queen Victoria Market is over 145 years old. And the markets are spread over four buildings making it large enough to be home to more than 600 small businesses.
The Fresh Produce Section is where you will find:
- breads, cakes and pastries
- speciality food and grocers, delis
- beer, wine and liquor,
- fruit, vegetables and organics
- Meat, poultry and game
- Seafood
- Restaurants and Cafes
Speciality Shopping is where you will find:
- Flowers, plants and gardending
- Health, wellbeing and beauty products
- Pets
- Hardware and technology
- Travel and Souvenirs
- Books and stationery
- Toys
- Clothing and Accessories
Get more details of traders and a map of where they are located in the market at the official Queen Victoria Market website.
so much fresh fruit and veg at the market
Queen Victoria Market Details
Address: You will find the Queen Victoria Market at the corner Victoria and Elizabeth Street, Melbourne (but is bounded by Peel, Franklin, Victoria & Elizabeth Streets).
Queen Victoria Market Opening Hours:
Tuesdays 6am – 3pm
Thursday 6am – 3pm
Friday 6am – 3pm
Saturday 6am – 4pm
Sunday 9am – 4pm
Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to enter the Queen Victoria Markets.
The Winter Night Market
Since 2013, Queen Victoria Market continues to make Wednesday nights during winter a special night with its Winter Night Market. If you are in Melbourne on a Wednesday night during winter, the night market will be showcasing some of the city’s best street food, warming beverages and speciality shopping.
How to get to Queen Victoria Market
The Market is located on the northern fringe of Melbourne’s Central Business District and it is easily reached by catching the 19, 57, or 59 tram to Stop 7 Elizabeth Street, or tram 58 to Stop 9 Peel Street. The Market is located within Melbourne’s free tram zone. And I think the best way to get to the Queen Victoria Market is to use Melbourne’s public transport system.
If you’re coming by train, the market is approximately a 7 minute walk from Melbourne Central or Flagstaff station.
Parking: Parking is available at the Queen Victoria Market car park and is free for the first hour on market days. You can access the car park via Franklin or Queen Street. However, parking can be chaotic with the large amounts of people visiting.
Tours of the Queen Victoria Market
It is easy to walk around the Queen Victoria Market yourself, but for the ultimate foodie experience, join a Foodie Tour. If you do, during the course of 90 minutes, you will be taken on a guided tour of the various food halls, meet stallholders, try fresh produce and learn about the history of the market. You can book a foodie tour of the market through GetYourGuide.
Are You Ready to Visit the Queen Victoria Market?
No matter if you are a local or visitor to Melbourne on a day trip, weekend escape or 7 day visit, I highly suggest including a visit to the Queen Victoria Market on your list. Have you been to the markets? I’d love to hear.
I love checking out local markets when I’m travelling! A foodie tour here is something I would really enjoy.
I love checking out local markets also as there is so much ‘good stuff’ you can find. A foodie tour is very appealing and a good way to discover more about the Queen Victoria Market.
Australia has been on my bucket list for years, and Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne sounds like a must-visit when I finally get there! I love exploring local markets when I travel, and this one seems like the perfect mix of fresh produce, artisan goods, and local flavors. I had no idea it was the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere—that’s impressive! Can’t wait to experience the foodie scene in Melbourne one day.
The foodie scene is very good in Melbourne. You won’t be disappointed.
I spent an afternoon wandering the market while my husband finished up his business trip. If I lived close, I would definitely stop for the fresh produce.
That is wonderful you chose the market to wander around while you husband finished up his business trip. I hope you got some bargains?
I’d love to visit this market! A foodie tour sounds like it would be a great way to experience the market.
The Queen Victoria Market is massive and well worth a visit. A foodie tour is a great way to discover it.
When I travel one of my favorite things to do is visit the local market. The Queen Victoria market looks fabulous and definitely worth a visit when in Melbourne.
I think markets show a lot about a place and the Queen Victoria Market is definitely worth a visit when in Melbourne.