1. Photograph: Supplied/David Hannah
    Photograph: Supplied/David Hannah
  2. Photograph: Supplied/Ewen Bell
    Photograph: Supplied/Ewen Bell
  3. Photograph: Supplied/Ewen Bell
    Photograph: Supplied/Ewen Bell
  4. Photograph: Supplied/David Hannah
    Photograph: Supplied/David Hannah
  5. Photograph: Supplied/David Hannah
    Photograph: Supplied/David Hannah
  6. Photograph: Supplied/David Hannah
    Photograph: Supplied/David Hannah

Queen Victoria Market

It may have been established in 1878, but this Melbourne institution is still moving with the times
  • Shopping
  • Melbourne
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Time Out says

The open-air Queen Victoria Market is loud and proud, packed with veteran stallholders who are passionate about fresh produce (and are happy to tell you about it). It's popular with locals as their go-to for fresh fruit, veggies, meat and an outstanding variety of dairy and small goods, but has also become something of a 'must visit' for tourists. 

And why not? With a huge number of stalls selling clothes, accessories and other bric-a-brac, the markets have evolved into more than just the place to get your weekly shop. Cafés line the market's outskirts and are usually heaving with brunchers every weekend. Be mindful of Queen Vic's opening hours before visiting (it's closed Monday and Wednesday) and be sure to get a hot jam doughnut before you leave. 

In summer and winter, be sure to visit the Night Markets, held every Wednesday evening. Here, the market takes on a new guise as a hub for designers, food trucks and live performances.

RECOMMENDED: How to do Queen Vic Market like a pro.

Details

Address
Cnr Elizabeth & Therry Sts
Melbourne
3000
Transport:
Nearby stations: Melbourne Central; Flagstaff
Opening hours:
Tue, Thu 6am-2pm; Fri 6am-5pm; Sat 6am-3pm; Sun 9am-4pm

What’s on

Queen Victoria Winter Night Market

Mark your calendars and grab your warmest winter woolies, Melburnians: Queen Victoria Market's beloved Winter Night Market is back. From June 4 to August 27 you can spend cosy Wednesday evenings enjoying live entertainment, huddling around open fires and feasting on goodies from a selection of global street food stalls, carts, trucks and festival bars. This year, expect to see beloved traders from previous years, as well as a number of new and exciting additions across the market's roaring 13-week season. Highlights include piping hot soup served in a bread roll by the Soup Factory (lobster chowder, anyone?), juicy smash burgers by Smashville and ginormous churro bowls of chocolate-drizzled vanilla ice cream, courtesy of Churro Kitchen. And check out all the newbies making an appearance, this year! Take your pick from artisan-made hot pasta dishes from La Trafila, cannoli from Cannoleria, heavenly bowls of laksa from Laksa Shack, plus raclette and actual French garlic butter snails from The Little Paris. As always, you can expect roving performers, tarot reading, the famous silent disco and a rotating line-up of homegrown talent. After sipping and snacking, be sure to explore dozens of specialty stalls selling one-of-a-kind treaures including jewellery, art, vintage fashion, skincare, books and homewares.  Find out more at the Queen Victoria Winter Night Market website. Looking for more things to do? Check out our round-up of the best things happening in Melbourne this week.
  • Markets

Bastille Day French Festival

When revolutionaries stormed and captured the Bastille fortress – which was used to imprison political and religious dissidents – on July 14, 1789, it was considered the start of the French Revolution and the beginning of the end for the French monarchy. That fateful day became known as Bastille Day, and celebrations are held annually all across France. If you're keen to join in on the fun, swap your beanie for a beret and head over to Queen Victoria Market on July 12-13 for the Bastille Day French Festival – now in its tenth year. Sheds C and D will transport you to a wintery French town square complete with vendors peddling cheeses, crêpes, Champagne and pastries (it wouldn't be a Gallic celebration without the scent of croissants in the air). While you feast, live entertainment like can-can dancers, mime artists, talented accordionists will take over the main stage.  Ticketed talks, walking tours and interactive masterclasses will also run over the two days – and if you can't make it in person, you can still tune into some Bastille Day-themed online events. Best of all, think of it as an opportunity to practice your French language skills amongst French expats, Francophones and Francophiles – oui, oui! For more information, visit the Bastille Day French Festival website. Craving French food now? Consult our guide to the best French restaurants in Melbourne.
  • Fairs and festivals
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