What is the Queen Victoria Market?
The Queen Victoria Market is a historic open-air market in Melbourne's CBD, opened in 1878. It sells fresh food, deli goods, clothing and souvenirs.
The market covers about seven hectares and is often described as the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. Its heritage-listed sheds and halls include a meat hall, a dairy hall and a fruit and vegetable section.
Part of the market sits on land that was once Melbourne's first cemetery. Thousands of people are believed to still be buried under the car park area, which has influenced redevelopment plans.
Night markets and food
Locals shop at the market for fresh produce, cheese, bread and seafood. Popular foods include hot jam doughnuts sold from a van that has operated for decades.
During summer and winter, evening night markets draw crowds with street food, music and stalls. The market is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Guided food tours introduce visitors to traders, many of whom are second or third generation stallholders. The market is a short walk or tram ride from the city centre and has its own car park.
Did You Know?
The market's American Doughnut Kitchen van has been selling hot jam doughnuts since the 1950s.