Queen Victoria Market

In the mid-1800s, a market started to the east from the heart of Melbourne. Still, Queen Victoria Market did not open at its current location until March of 1878. Today, the historic building is a landmark in the city that attracts visitors and all those who enjoy fresh and local foods as well as crafts and curio stands selling goods at low prices.

The market has different departments. Some sections are for meats, others for organics and still others are for local wines. A department for general merchandise is the place for bargains and souvenirs. A variety of different food departments are a delight of flavors and aromas.

Hours Open for Trading

Sunday - 9 am to 4 pm

Tuesday and Thursday - 6 am to 2 pm

Friday - 6 am to 5 pm (Except for the General Merchandise department that closes at 4 pm)

Saturday - 6 am to 3 pm

Days Closed

The market is closed all Mondays and Wednesdays. Queen Victoria Market is also closed the following holidays: Good Friday, Anzac Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day

Location and Transportation

Address is:

513 Elizabeth Street
Melbourne, Victoria 3000

Easily found on the corner of Elizabeth Street and Victoria Street, the Queen Victoria Market is right in the downtown area. Public transportation brings people to the market such as buses, trams and trains. Visitors to the historic location can also come on foot or by car. A car park is provided and is open during market hours.

Cooking Classes - Professionals in the food industry, chefs and authors of cook books come together to provide seasonal cooking classes. International food classes are also offered like Thai, Indian and Spanish. Classes for children encourage children to enjoy the process of preparing food. The variety of instruction satisfies any interest in cooking. Prices are about $70 per individual for two and one half hour sessions. Reserved tickets for specific sessions are offered.

Food Tours - A tour with a friendly guide is available from 10 am to 12 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. People can tour all the best foods, flavors and vendors of the market. The tour visits the departments of dairy, fish, meat and vegetables. The tour is educational, demonstrating how to select the best produce, cuts of meat and more.

Helping the Environment

The Queen Victoria Market strives to make a positive impact on the natural environment. Creative ideas are constantly put into practice that helps the natural world. For instance in the Dairy and Meat Halls, plastic bags are banned. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own re-usable bags and containers that are eco-friendly, but biodegradable bags and containers are readily available. Vendors are welcomed to provide items such as "Green Bags" and paper bags made from recycled paper.