Fresh food, gifts and nostalgia at Queen Victoria Market
A morning at Melbourne’s most-loved market, from the vendors who’ve been there for decades to the ethical shopping precinct most visitors walk straight past.
Ask almost any Melburnian about Queen Victoria Market and you’ll get a story: a grandmother who did the weekly shop there, a first date over a bag of continental sausages, a Saturday ritual that’s lasted decades. Established in 1878 and spread across two city blocks, it’s one of the city’s great constants — a place people return to for a week’s worth of fruit and veg, a good gift, or a chat with a stallholder who’s been trading there longer than most of us have lived in Melbourne.
Explore the Queen Victoria Market
Open five days a week, Queen Victoria Market invites you into a world of sights, sounds, and aromas, home to over 600 small businesses. The fruit and veg stalls are the heart of it, but the specialty food and artisan stalls tucked between them are worth wandering past too — regulars still stumble on ones they’ve never noticed.
Taking a leisurely stroll through the aisles, we love chatting with the vendors — some of whom have been trading here for more than fifty years. If you want to hear what that looks like up close, we’ve told two of their stories in full: Max Thompson, who spent half a century as one of the market’s most colourful butchers before retiring, and the Caiafa family, who have run their bread stall since 1974. Both are worth a read before your next visit — they’ll change the way you see the market.
Related reading: 26 Melbourne Sunday Markets To Explore This Weekend
Chris’ review
Excitement, nostalgia, and uncertainty are all emotions I felt when visiting Victoria Market on a recent outing.
Enjoyable memories of regular visits to Vic Market, back when I was still a student, to get the weekly supply of fresh fruit and veggies, meat at affordable prices and deli treats engulfed my thoughts.
I recalled jostling through the throng of shoppers with my backpack getting increasingly heavy, trying to decipher what the stall-holders were calling out to advertise their garden fare, drooling over the continental sausages and cheeses displayed in the dairy hall, the Polish ladies ladling freshly pickled ogórkis from a huge vat and immersing myself in the smells and sounds of the fresh seafood and meat.
Today, all these experiences are still there, but to a lesser degree. Vic Market has evolved to a major gastronomic attraction and, with access to a variety of awesome restaurants and cuisines, the new Food Hall is a crowded but wonderful illustration of changes I found welcome after 50 years.
The clothing, footwear and accessories section seems larger with more variety and spaces to sit down and rest between the stalls but, the really good news is, the caravan with hot, jam-filled, deep fried, dough balls, coated in sugar is still there and the doughnuts are still delicious. Some things just shouldn’t change!
– Chris
Shopping at Queen Vic Market
The open-air sheds are the spot for gifts and homewares — fashion, jewellery and cookware stalls sit side by side, so it’s easy to tick off a few birthdays in one visit.
String Bean Alley at Queen Victoria Market is home to twenty-six independent retailers, a mix of artisanal chocolatiers, folk art importers, skincare makers and booksellers, all under one roof. The alleyway, named in homage to its historical roots, provides a nostalgic yet modern shopping experience.
Christine’s review
Visiting Queen Victoria Markets, for the first time ever, was really special. So much more to the markets than just piles of veggies, (that great little hat shop springs to mind!)
Interesting too to hear Chris’ memories of how the markets have evolved over the years, and then to top it all off with a jam doughnut from the American Doughnut Kitchen bus. Bliss!
– Christine
The Purpose Precinct: Shopping With a Conscience
Tucked into the upper end of F Shed along Peel Street is a part of the market many regular visitors walk straight past. The Purpose Precinct brings together more than 90 Victorian social enterprises — businesses that put people and planet ahead of profit, with the proceeds going back into things like training young people, supporting First Nations communities, and reducing food waste.
Start with a coffee at STREAT Café, right at the entrance to the Precinct, then browse homewares, preserves, clothing and gifts, all made or sourced ethically. Guided tours run once or twice a month and include a taste from the on-site Moving Feast Kitchen, which turns unsold market produce into chutneys, jams and sauces. We’ve written a review and guide to the Purpose Precinct, including opening hours and how to book a tour, if you’d like to make it part of your next visit.
Dining at Queen Vic Market
It’s easy to assume the Food Hall is the only place to eat, but good food is scattered right across the market, and half the fun is stumbling on it between the fruit and veg.
The Food Hall itself is worth a stop for a sit-down meal, with a mix of cuisines including Sri Lankan street food, Spanish tapas, Malaysian, American barbecue and a sushi and oyster bar, plus coffee and cocktails if you’re taking a longer break.
But the Dairy Produce Hall is where a lot of the market’s best eating actually happens, even if you’re only grazing. Delis like Big Vic Deli, Hellenic Deli, the Polish Deli and Dianne’s Delights sell cold meats, cheeses and prepared antipasto by the piece, so it’s easy to put together a picnic lunch as you wander. Ripe stocks more than 50 Australian cheeses if you want to take some home, and Koko Black, tucked into the same hall, is a reliable stop for a truffle or hot chocolate if you need a mid-morning treat.
And of course, no visit is complete without a hot jam doughnut from the American Doughnut Kitchen van — it’s been a market fixture for decades and shows no sign of going anywhere.
Ultimate Foodie Experience
For a truly immersive experience, consider joining a Foodie Tour at the Queen Victoria Market. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour takes you on a culinary journey through the market, showcasing the best produce, sharing fascinating stories, and highlighting specialty foods you won’t want to miss.
Over two hours, savour fresh, award-winning produce and scrumptious delicacies. Participants receive a complimentary shopping bag and a $5 voucher for market stalls.
It’s a fantastic way to deepen your appreciation for the market’s offerings and learn more about the local food scene. We didn’t join a tour, but it’s on our list of must-dos!
Terrie’s review
Vic Market! Just how old is it? I am 71 now but remember when I was a young child my mother occasionally went by train from St Albans, western suburbs, to what was then Spencer St Station, then on to Vic Market. I would look out for her coming home. I still have a memory of her walking home with 2 overladen tote bags. I never thought about it then but they must have been very heavy to carry all that way.
Vic Market was a regular place to visit for my husband Chris and myself when we were first married and lived in Bentleigh. A Saturday morning train ride, then walk to the market. We only had a backpack to put all our goodies in, but we did pack it well. The delicatessen area was our favourite, lots of cheeses, sausages, salamis, pickled gherkins, so much to choose from my polish heritage. Things that were not available in the general supermarket.
I’ve always loved the atmosphere of the fruit and veggie section. Vendors calling out their best produce and prices. We used to always listen out for one particularly loud voiced vendor and head for his stall. We still reminisce about the magnificent huge juicy oranges, only obtained from the Vic Market. I can even recall stalls with live chickens for sale too!
Its been quite a few years now… It has also changed since Covid lockdown. However visiting recently reminded me how much the Vic Market has just always been there and it was like visiting an old friend.
– Terrie
Sustainability
It’s great to see the Queen Victoria Market is committed to sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
By banning single-use plastic bags and straws market-wide, the market encourages shoppers to embrace eco-friendly practices. Additionally, the market operates five worm farms on-site, converting food waste into nutrient-rich fertiliser used to support plant life throughout the market.
Entry and accessibility
The marketplace is wheelchair friendly and for visitors requiring assistance, Queen Victoria Market offers free wheelchair for hire at the Information Hub, and visitors with specific access needs can contact the market’s Tours and Visitor Experience Co-ordinator ahead of their visit. Accessible public toilets are located in two different areas. Find more accessible advice here.
A fair amount of seating is provided throughout the market stalls, and a Visitor Information Hub is located on the corner of F Shed and Queen Street.
Additionally, online shopping is available for those unable to visit the market in person, with a wide selection of products for delivery or click and collect.
Keep an eye out for seasonal events and festivals, including the Night Market, held every Wednesday evening over select seasons. Note we’ve been warned about the night market being very busy and crowded.
Terrie’s review
The Food Hall was lovely. Numerous food shops with different cuisines to choose from. Comfortable seating area and toilets nearby. So after a tasty lunch (I chose a Rueben sandwich) and coffee, we had a nostalgic walk through all the aisles.
Still some bargains to be had from the market stalls. I bought two “Anna and Elsa” dresses for my granddaughters, and also a lovely sun hat for myself , as well as a casserole dish for a gift. Very pleased with my purchases. And we couldn’t leave without looking out for the Hot Donut Van and YES it was still there and the donuts were delicious! You just cannot go to Vic Market and not have a hot donut. It’s a must !
As we walked along we came to an amazing small shop “Books for Cooks.” Set out beautifully, there was every cookbook under the sun available. It was hard not to purchase anything, but I already have about 100 cookery books at home.
We continued walking a short distance to naarm ngarrgu Library. A new building, with lots of books and activities for young children, then up to the third floor, more books and a magnificent view. Lots of families taking advantage of this beautiful space. Outside on the terrace, beautiful, peaceful gardens surrounded the building and again lots of young students sitting and enjoying the lovely sunny day while studying.
Before making our way back to the train station to go home, we called into Brick Lane Brewing and had a delightful cocktail up on the first floor balcony, looking back at the Vic Market. Delightful ginger beer to finish a delightful day, full of memories and promises to come back more often.
– Terrie
Tidbits for visiting the Queen Vic Market
- Bring a backpack, fridge bag or trolley, and stock up on many bargains;
- Think about upcoming birthdays or occasions, as it’s a great spot to buy unique and affordable gifts;
- Book a Foodie Tour for the ultimate guided (and tasty!) market experience;
- If you or someone you know loves cooking, a stop at Books for Cooks, is a must;
- Don’t miss Melbourne’s most iconic Hot Jam Doughnut;
- A visit to Queen’s Food Hall provides lots of fresh and tasty lunch options;
- Stop by the Purpose Precinct or book a tour;
- If you live in Greater Melbourne, order delicious market produce online as delivery is available to more than 220 suburbs;
- If you’re not local, and in a hurry, you can order online for click & collect (including the hot jam doughnuts!);
- Side Trip: we recommend a look in at naarm ngarrgu Library, and an afternoon tipple at Brick Lane Brewing or Rewine nearby;
Queen Vic Market accessibility
- The entire marketplace is wheelchair friendly;
- A free wheelchair is available to hire from the Information Hub (no bookings taken — arrive early);
- Accessible public toilets are located in two different areas;
- Find more accessible advice here;
- Visitor Information Hub is located on the corner of F Shed and Queen Street.
Getting there:
Tram routes 19, 57, 58 or 59 stop right outside the Market.
Via train it’s 700 metres from Melbourne Central and Flagstaff Stations. Walk north along Elizabeth or William Street.
Car parking options include the Open Air Car Park accessible via Queen St, and Undercover Car Park accessible via Queen St.
Opening hours:
Tues, Thurs, Fri from 6 am – 3pm
Sat 6 am – 4 pm
Sun 9 am – 4 pm
Closed Mon & Wed
Queen Victoria Market
Queen St, Melbourne
(03) 9320 5822
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