For fruit, vegetables, local produce or just a relaxing weekly escape, be sure to check out these farmers markets in Melbourne…
There’s no denying that farmers markets provide us city dwellers with a taste of rural life. It’s like a countryside escape without ever having to leave the heart of the CBD.
If you’re looking to switch up your weekly food shop, try something new, fill up your weekend plans or support local farmers and businesses, these Victorian farmers markets are sure to tick all of your boxes.
So, with a coffee in one hand and shopping bags in the other, for fruit, vegetables and everything in between, be sure to check out these best farmers markets in Melbourne this weekend!
Photographed by Scott Warman. Image via Unsplash.
Camberwell Fresh Food Market
This fruit and vegetable farmers market in Melbourne is at the heart of its community. Operating for 85 years, the Camberwell Fresh Food Market boasts a no-name tag policy for its vendors – because you don’t need name tags when everyone already knows each other’s name! But don’t be intimidated, upon arrival you will be welcomed with warm smiles and aisles stacked with beautiful fresh produce. This Melbourne market is a place where local butchers, fishmongers, florists and fruiteries can come together under one roof and provide their produce to the public with love.
Photographed by Erol Ahmed. Image via Unsplash.
Elwood Farmers Market
Elwood Farmers Market is a fortnightly market with a focus on providing authentic local and regional produce. Each stall has a variety of products on offer, including everything from fresh flowers to artisan cheeses, as well as your usual groceries. With around 50 stalls being set up each fortnight, no two retailers are ever quite the same. Better yet, you can stay up to date with the stallholders on Elwood Farmers Market Facebook page! Located in Elwood Park, this venue creates the perfect opportunity to bring your four-legged furry friends along too.
Image supplied.
GasWorks Farmers Market
This unique venue is host to a fresh farmers market on the third Saturday of every month. GasWorks Art Park is a green-grass inner city oasis, located in Albert Park. The area is rich with art studios and cafes, as well as the GasWorks Theatre which have all found a home within the buildings of the now defunct South Melbourne gas production plant. Take the opportunity to stock up on fresh produce and rejuvenate your senses as you roam around the lush outdoor space adorned with unique sculptures, murals and more. The space has a quirky charm, reminiscent of childhood curiosity and is bound to spark inspiration.
Photographed by Dane Deaner. Image via Unsplash.
Gleadell Street Market
Every Saturday this urban farmers market on Richmond Street transforms into an oasis worthy of a rural town. The market boasts over 50 stalls providing seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as fresh bread, herbs and other gourmet treats. There are plenty of free range, organic and sustainable options available at most stalls throughout. And being located only 15 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, the Gleadell Street Market is the perfect spot for city dwellers to get a refreshing taste of the countryside at home. This market is plastic free so don’t forget to bring your reusable tote bag and coffee cup from home!
Photographed by Paul Philipson. Image via Visit Victoria.
Prahran Market
Hanging off Commercial Road, still to this day Prahran Marker uses the original facade of the building which was constructed at the market’s inception in 1864. And, 159 years on, Prahran Market has maintained its dedication to bringing quality produce to its town. Sustainable seafood and free-range meat are just some of the things this local produce market has to offer. On top of the many vendors that supply local organic produce and sought after ingredients from around the globe, Prahran Market also has several unique cafes and eateries for visitors to enjoy. It’s the perfect spot to stock up on groceries, or catch up for brunch.
Photographed by Kon Karampelas. Image via Unsplash.
Queen Victoria Market
The biggest open-air market in the southern hemisphere, Queen Victoria Market has been in operation since 1878. Melbournians are lucky to call this market their own, however for visitors to the city, the market is truly a must-visit location. Whether you’re looking for your weekly groceries or just craving a piping hot jam doughnut from the famous American Doughnut Kitchen, this market will provide a day out like no other. The bustling shoppers and booming voices of stall owners hawking their produce adds a refreshing buzz to any morning of the week. The market is open Tuesday through to Sunday, except for Wednesdays.
Image supplied.
South Melbourne Market
Established in 1867, South Melbourne Market is Melbourne’s longest continually running fresh produce market. The venue consists of nearly 150 small business stalls including fruit and vegetable markets, butchers, fishmongers, and culinary diverse restaurants. Open on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the market is a stone’s throw from the CBD and is easily accessible by car or public transport. Overall, South Melbourne Market is the perfect place to spend an afternoon and turn your weekly grocery shop into a delightful shopping and afternoon tea ritual.
Photographed by Chu Tai. Image via Unsplash.
Veg Out St Kilda Farmers Market
This gorgeous local farmers market is held right next to one of St Kilda’s most colourful community gardens. Open from 8:30am until 1pm on the first Saturday of each month, the market provides a delicious range of fresh produce and small-batch or homemade preserves, pickles, oils and honey as well as meat, eggs, bread and more. Every market stall promotes local Victorian produce with low food miles and in season produce. Veg Out St Kilda Farmers Market is plastic free, so remember to bring your reusable tote bags and coffee cups from home!
For cakes, pastries, bread and so much more, be sure to check out these 10 Best Bakeries in Melbourne of 2023. And, why not enjoy some of your local fresh produce at these 10 Most Scenic and Best Picnic Spots in Melbourne!
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land mentioned in our article, the people of the Woiworung Nation, and we recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
