The best sunday markets in Melbourne for a quick weekend stroll
Sundays are fun, right? While it is a work-free day, most people dread how short of a day it can become as Monday approaches.
That’s why most people go to church to reflect and find peace, and some people go out of town and take one last rest. Meanwhile, some people choose to spend their time strolling through markets with varied offerings, which is where this article comes in handy.
Deep in the heart of the city lie some of the most interesting and hidden Sunday markets that Melbourne offers. If you don’t know where to go, our guide has everything you need to know!
Arts and crafts markets
St Kilda Esplanade Market
– Media credit: esplanademarket
Website: http://www.stkildaesplanademarket.com.au/
Address: The Esplanade, St Kilda VIC
Operating hours: Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Features: A seaside market featuring a diverse range of art, handmade crafts, and jewelry.
Situated by the beachside, St Kilda Esplanade Market is a refuge for all passionate arts and craft makers. For more than 50 years, they have been people’s destination for a range of high-quality arts and crafts.
You’ll have endless time to stroll through the market since they have about 90 artists and craftspeople in their open-air gallery by the sea. Tourists and locals can also enjoy occasional live music through the buskers that they permit to perform every now and then.
They’re pet-friendly, so make sure to bring your pets with you should you decide to take your time wandering through the diversity of their offerings. Make sure to keep them on a leash at all times so as not to disturb other customers.
Pro tip:
Take your dogs to the market between January 19 and December 28 so you can purchase a $2 puppuccino for a fundraiser. The proceeds will go to “LOVE YOUR SISTER”, Australia’s home of cancer vanquishment.
Rose Street Artists’ Market
– Media credit: therosestmarket
Website: http://www.rosestmarket.com.au/
Address: 60 Rose St, Fitzroy VIC
Operating hours: Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Features: Showcases original art and design from local artists
Rose Street Artists’ Market is Fitzroy’s hive for creativity. They give artists an opportunity to present, collect, source, and commission unique handmade works.
Despite being known as a Sunday market, they’re also open on Saturdays, so there’s more time for you to indulge in the various quirky and fashionable arts they have on display.
Aside from their array of furniture, jewelry, and paintings, they also offer good food to keep your stomach comfortable while you browse through the market.
Pro tip:
Visit them between March 1 and August 31 to support 120 local makers and shops who will showcase their original art and design.
Farmers’ and fresh produce markets
Queen Victoria Market
– Media credit: vicmarket
Website: https://qvm.com.au/
Address: Queen St
Operating hours:
- Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday – 6 AM to 3 PM
- Saturday – 6 AM to 4 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Features: A historic market offering a wide range of fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique souvenirs.
Queen Victoria Market has become one of Melbourne’s pioneer markets, having been established in March 1878. It has been recognized as a part of the National Heritage List for its continued demonstration of the 19th-century metropolitan produce market.
It is an inner-city market that hosts 600 small businesses that offer Australian fruit and vegetables, local and imported gourmet foods, clothing, and souvenirs.
Their offerings are available five days a week: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
While they are home to numerous businesses, they have implemented a number of initiatives to help shoppers shop with sustainability and environmentally friendly efforts.
Pro tip:
Should their location interest you for any of your future events, you can even hire the venue. Just email them or fill out their online form.
Melbourne Book Market at Queen Victoria Market
– Media credit: themelbournebookmarket
Website: https://www.themelbournebookmarket.au/
Address: Queen Victoria Market Elizabeth Street
Operating hours:
- Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Features: A curated collection of new and pre-loved books presented by experienced booksellers.
Located just within Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Book Market has curated a collection of more than 5,000 new and pre-loved books. They are sourced from some of Melbourne’s most experienced booksellers, as well as authors, illustrators, and book creators.
You can enjoy anything from literature, history, gardening, travel, art, and children’s books, as well as quality second-hand vinyl records and CDs.
Pro tip:
Before visiting their shed at the Queen Victoria Market, check out their 12 founding members through their website to get an idea of the books that they are offering.
Vintage and second-hand markets
Camberwell Sunday Market
– Media credit: camberwell_sunday_market
Website: https://camberwellsundaymarket.org/
Address: Market Pl, Camberwell
Operating hours: Sunday – 7 AM to 12:30 PM
Features: A popular trash and treasure market, offering a variety of vintage and second-hand items.
Established in 1976, the Camberwell Sunday Market has been a destination for people looking for vintage clothes, dolls, and even French art. In fact, many have found treasures in the market sold for less than their face value.
For professional hagglers, Camberwell Sunday Market is a haven. In 2000, one of their customers bought a canoe ornament for several hundred dollars, and it was then sold for thousands.
The market has got it all, from vintage memorabilia and clothing to jewellery and artworks. It only takes a keen eye for potential to understand how treasure-filled the market is.
Do note that they offer free all0day car parking on Inglesby Road for those visiting the market.
Pro tip:
We suggest arriving earlier than everyone else so you have a better chance of getting more valuable items. You can get designer clothes for cents if you’ll take the chance.
Bentleigh Sunday Market
– Media credit: bentleighmarket
Website: http://www.bentleighmarket.org/
Address: 4/383 Centre Rd, Bentleigh
Operating hours: Sunday – 7 AM to 12 PM
Features: Features over 130 stalls selling plants, clothing, cosmetics, jewelry, books, and more.
If you feel like extending a helping hand, check out Bentleigh Sunday Market. It is a fundraising project of the Rotary Club of Bentleigh Moorabbin Central where all proceeds go to local charities and Rotary projects.
There are more than 130 stalls that offer a range of goods such as plants, clothing, and cosmetics.
Unlike other markets, it is a lot cheaper and easier to sell products here, since the only thing you’ll have to pay is $10 for each table and clothing rack for hire.
While they have not previously allowed dogs to enter, they do now, accommodating a whole lot more customers.
Recognized as a “trash and treasure market run by volunteers”, the Bentleigh Sunday Market is one of Melbourne’s oldest markets, operating since 1977.
Pro tip:
If you want to contact one of their stallholders, you should take note of the stall number and email them to inquire about the stallholder’s contact details.
General and community markets
Southgate Sunday Market
– Media credit: southgate_melb
Website: https://www.southgatemelbourne.com.au/2024/06/whats-on/the-sunday-market/
Address: St Kilda Rd, Melbourne
Operating hours: Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Features: A curated selection of handmade arts and crafts located at the Southgate Shopping Centre.
The Southgate Sunday Market supports some of Melbourne’s local and grass root artisans. They feature art of all kinds and through varied art forms.
If you want to get your hands on some handmade cards, quality photographs, and stunning drawings of Melbourne landmarks, you can check them out every Sunday.
For 30 years, they’ve been located at the Arts Centre. Now, as they present local artworks at Southgate, they ensure that the legacy of the community, commerce, and creativity continues despite the change.
They also have food stalls to keep your taste buds interested as you scour through the treasures that Melbourne’s finest local artists have to offer.
Pro tip:
If you have any family member who depends on the use of a wheelchair, don’t be afraid to bring them here—this place welcomes people with access needs.