The Markets of Melbourne

words by niall roeder

We live in an online world and we’re being chased by digital zombies demanding we create logins for sites we’ll never use, and the need to actually go to a physical shop and (god forbid) talk to someone with your mouth is becoming less and less. However, despite this clickable truth, it’s nice to know that somehow public markets are thriving. It’s like an anti-online rebellion is stirring, an uprising in favour of face to face chinwagging and fuelled by a frustration with the new idiot box – the smart phone.

Whether it’s trying on a vintage Akubra, haggling for screen print or sampling a slice of Danish salami, we’re yearning for human interaction and good old fashioned try-before-you-buy. Markets are about those very things and Melbourne has markets aplenty:

Prahran Market
Prahran Market has been going for donkeys. Self-described as Australia’s premier food market, Prahran Market trades all types of gourmet grub, hard-to-find flavours and of course, cheese. If you’re fond of the yellow meat, take out your phone and make note of these stalls – Maker & Monger, Pete n Rosie’s Deli, The Fresh Pasta Shop, The Cheese Shop Deli, Cleo’s Deli, Fritz Gelato and Naheda’s Choice. Now get out there amongst the goodness… and if a cheesemonger offers you a sample, I say take it!

Queen Victoria Market
The QVM is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere and claims “the banter is as fresh as the produce”. Wednesday nights have been taken over by summer night markets – a collection of global street food, stylised bars, artisan and vintage stalls and other pop-ups, all nodding to the tune of live music stages and roaming buskers. Head straight for a Running Bull Sangria and a serving from That Arancini Guy, and start exploring.

We're still closed today, but we invite you to continue your Boxing Day shopping at the market tomorrow! Enjoy reduced car parking rates and explore the historic sheds of the Queen Victoria Market! (Produce stalls open on Thursday.) #vicmarket #tradinghours #boxingday #christmas2016 #shopping #inmelbcity #melbournecity #melbourne #melbournetodo #melbournelife #openinghours #market #marketshopping

A post shared by Queen Victoria Market (@vicmarket) on Dec 25, 2016 at 5:37pm PST

St Kilda Twilight Market
Every Thursday evening in summer the O’Donnell Gardens are home to an abundance of stalls hawking artworks, vintage and exotic couture, hand-designed fashion and jewellery, fresh produce, and foods from around the world. These markets are found amongst the palm trees next to Luna Park.

It's going to be a nice night for a trip to the St Kilda Twilight Market! Anyone heading down? | ?: @grahamdenholm #stkildatwilightmarket #stkilda #melbourne

A post shared by timeoutmelbourne (@timeoutmelbourne) on Jan 20, 2016 at 11:02pm PST

Rose Street Artists’ Market
Each Saturday and Sunday creatives and art appreciators surge onto Rose St to scope out Melbourne’s emerging and established artists and designers. From stencils to canvases, fashion and collectables – this market is all about the art, man.

Camberwell Sunday Market
Someone told me that 40 is the new 30. Whatever it means, it’s not true when it comes to wine and markets. The Camberwell Sunday Market turns 40 this year, which is testament to its popularity. Their slogan is “Vintage. Retro. Antique. Collectibles. Hot jam donuts”. Need I say more?