Melbourne's best markets

By Ute Junker

You never know what you'll find at one of Melbourne’s markets. From vintage treasures to handmade stationery, and from second-hand books to super-fresh produce, the city's vibrant markets offer plenty of bargains. Most of the action takes place on the weekend, but some markets are also open on weekdays.

Where: Corner of Elizabeth & Victoria Street, Melbourne
When: Tuesday and Thursday to Sunday, times vary

The Queen Vic, as locals know it, has a truly regal status among Melbourne's markets. With more than 700 stalls spread across seven hectares (17 acres), there is plenty to explore at Queen Victoria Market. You can find clothes, jewellery and homewares here, but the market is best known for its extraordinary range of food stalls. Along with the freshest meat, fish and vegetables, you can buy tempting treats such as locally grown olives and handmade, reverently produced cheese. Among the market's most popular food items are grilled bratwurst from the Bratwurst Shop & Co, and the hot jam doughnuts from the American Doughnut Kitchen van. The markets are also open Wednesdays for the Europa night market. The night markets are truly one of Melbourne's hidden gems.

Rose Street Artists Market

Where: 60 Rose Street, Fitzroy
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10am - 4pm 

Tucked down a side street in the shopping suburb of Fitzroy, the Rose Street Artists Market is the place to go if you're looking for one-of-a-kind gifts. Every Saturday and Sunday, some of Melbourne's best young creatives set up stalls here, including established local artist Sophie Perez and the team behind Retro Pop Homewares, known for their colourful printed cushions. You can also expect to find cute-as-a-button tiny earrings, chrome and glass terrariums, delicate rose gold rings, bandana bibs, beautifully moody prints, solid Japanese pottery, ropey, fragile ear cuffs, hand-drawn thick-cut thank you cards, fragile crystal rings, blonde wood mirrors, scarves of feathery Turkish cotton and more.

The Esplanade Markets

Where: Between Fitzroy and Acland Street, St Kilda
When: Every Sunday, from 10am - closing times vary

There's nothing quite like spending a Sunday by the sea, which makes a trip to St Kilda's closing times vary the perfect way to end the weekend. There can be up to 150 stalls stretching along St Kilda's palm tree-lined Esplanade, including photographers, jewellers and fashion designers. Part of the fun is chatting with the makers about their wares. Keep an eye out for Prue Griffiths' handmade hats and hand-carved wooden money boxes shaped like kangaroos and parrots. Round off the day by treating yourself to a ride on the Luna Park roller coaster.

South Melbourne Market

Where: Corner of Coventry & Cecil Street, South Melbourne
When: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 8am - closing times vary

It's easy to get a little lost in the maze-like interior of South Melbourne Market, but that's not necessarily a bad thing with so many delights to discover. Melbourne's oldest market (in operation since 1864) is best known for its food offerings, from fresh produce to spicy paella and delicate French pastries. However, there are also stalls selling everything from skateboards to Ugg boots. The market also hosts yoga, Pilates and has live music. 

Camberwell Sunday Market

Where: Market Place, Camberwell, Melbourne
When: Sunday, 7am - 12:30pm

For four decades the Camberwell Sunday Market has been the place to find the best vintage clothing bargains. It's a quick train trip from central Melbourne to Camberwell station, and the markets are just a block away. You will need to get up early to snap up the best items - the action is underway by 7am, and sellers start packing up around lunchtime. There are more than 300 stalls to browse and along with vintage clothing you will find antique toys, jewellery and second-hand books. The fact that you never know what you will find is part of Camberwell's charm; however, expect to find every era represented here, from Art Deco lamps to 1960s space age chairs, 1950s floral frocks to tribal inspired, hippie-era jewellery.