Location: Corner of Elizabeth & Victoria St, Melbourne
The Queen Victoria Markets in Melbourne are the largest markets operating in the Southern Hemisphere with a 140 year history bringing fresh produce, merchandise and services to the people in the heart of the city.
The markets officially opened in March 1878 after an interesting past as a cemetery and live stock market before its current status as a central marketplace.
A wander around the heritage listed markets are a treat for the senses and a feast for the eyes as you see and smell all the delicious culinary treats on display to taste and purchase.
Among some of the vendors that you can find here are fresh seafood from fishmongers, cheese shops, a delicatessen, organic produce, fresh fruit and vegetables, breads, cakes and pastries, ice cream and specialty products.
There are also permanent cafes selling breakfast and lunch to all those who start feeling peckish walking around the markets.
Whether your vice is cheese, chocolate or shopping- the heritage-listed Queen Victoria Markets are a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds with yummy treats on every corner.
Visitors will find that this is a great place to pick up a gift or souvenir, whether it is for clothing, arts and crafts, UGG boots, leather items, children’s toys and clothing, jewellery, accessories plus health and beauty products.
If you want to discover and meet the producers of some of the most popular markets then a 90 minute foodie tour is a great place to start to discover the marketplace.
A tour such as this will lead you around the market with 10 food tastings and a complimentary glass of wine and a famous Melbourne hot jam doughnut.
Tours run on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 9am and 11am in small groups of no more than 15 people for a more intimate, personal experience.
If you prefer to visit on your own then the markets are open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday with the fresh produce section open at 6am and the specialty shopping open from 8am.
The best way to get to the Queen Victoria Markets is via tram with the markets sitting in the free tram zone. Look out for Trams 19, 57, 58 and 59 which stop at Elizabeth Streets or Peel Streets just outside the markets.