Queen Victoria Market: Everything You Need to Know

What Is Queen Victoria Market?

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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