Queen Victoria Market is one of the major significant landmarks in Melbourne, Australia. Sprawling over an area of 17 acres, it is one of the largest open-air markets in the Southern Hemisphere.

History

The market serves as both a retail and wholesale market for the rapidly growing population of Melbourne, Australia. The site development project began in 1867 in stages and took through 1936 for completion. The timeline is as follows

1868 Construction of the market first started
1869 Meat Hall opening, formerly used as a wholesale market
1874 Flea hall began to operate as a retail market
1878 Inaugurated officially by Mayor Queen Victoria Market, Cr. Pigdon, John
Shops built along Victoria Parade 1888-89
1884 Shops developed along Elizabeth Street
1884 and 1890 Major replanning of the market’s public facades
1930 Built stores on Franklin Street
1979 (March 25) The Queen Vic First Sunday Market.
1988 Shops opened at Victoria Square
1998 Market at first night

Getting There

The market is located moments away from the city centre, bounded by Peel, Franklin, Victoria & Elizabeth Streets. One can reach the market by driving down if they are hiring a self-drive vehicle. It is also easily accessible by trams. Trams route 19, 57, 58 or 59 stop right outside the Market and depart as often as every 5 minutes.

Best Things To Do

Queen Victoria is a large market place that has everything to offer ranging from fresh produce to speciality shopping. Few of the highlights can be found below.

Fresh Produce / Eat & Drink

Beer, Wine & Liquor
Bread, Cakes & Pastries
Certified Organic
Delicatessen
Fresh Produce
Ice Cream
Meat & Poultry
Organics
Restaurants & Cafes
Seafood
Speciality Grocers

Also Read: Best Things to Do in Melbourne, Australia

Speciality Shopping

Artists & Designers
Barber
Clothing, Shoes & Accessories
Florists, Gardens & Nurseries
Gifts & Stationery
Hardware
Health, Wellbeing & Beauty
Kitchen & Homewares
Pets & Livestock
Services
Souvenirs
Sporting Goods
Technology
Toys & Children

Also Read: Best things to shop for in Australia

Ways to Explore

The best-suggested way to explore the market is by foot. The visitors can opt for either a full-on guided walking tour of the region ranging from a couple of hours to 4. Although the best option would be is to explore the market on your own pace in a full day and engage in a full-fledged shopping spree.

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