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Embark on a delicious culinary journey through the beating heart of Melbourne with the ultimate guided walking tour of the iconic Queen Victoria Market. Over two hours, you will immerse yourself in a vibrant sensory experience, tasting the freshest seasonal produce and discovering the rich history of this historic landmark. 🍏
Tour Highlights
- Meet the Locals: Connect with beloved market traders and hear the passionate stories behind their craft.
- Gourmet Tastings: Indulge in an abundance of flavours, from fresh local fruit and gourmet delicacies to sweet treats and classic market favourites. 🍩
- Heritage & Sustainability: Wander through heritage-listed food halls and learn about the market’s modern sustainability initiatives.
- Take-Home Treasure: Every guest receives a handy, reusable tote bag to carry their delicious market finds. 🛍️
Tour Details
This fun, informative, and flavour-packed experience is the ultimate way to discover the sights, smells, and tastes of Melbourne’s favourite market.
- Schedule: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 10:00 am
- Adults: $109
- Children (5–14 years): $89
- Littlies (0–4 years): FREE
- Carers: FREE (Must hold a valid carer or companion card)
Bookings are essential to secure your place on this popular tour.
Meeting Place
Your tour guide will meet you on the seats outside Market Espresso & Trolley Hire at the corner of String Bean Alley and Queen Street. They will be wearing a black apron and will be carrying a bundle of white QVM tote bags. Please arrive approximately 10 minutes before the start of the tour. Refunds will not be given for late arrivals.
What to Bring
We recommend dressing to outdoor weather conditions with comfortable walking shoes. In accordance with the Market’s sustainability policy, we do not provide bottled water. As water refill stations are situated throughout the Market, we recommend bringing a refillable bottle.
How to Get There
- Tram: The Market is located within the free tram zone. Take trams 19, 57 or 59 to stop 7, Elizabeth Street or Tram 58 to stop 9, Peel Street.
- Train: Only a 7 minute walk from Melbourne Central and Flagstaff Stations. Walk north along Elizabeth or William Streets.
- Car Parking: Enter the undercover and open-air carparks from Queen Street. https://www.carepark.com.au/find-a-care-park/queen-victoria-market/
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please note that we are unable to wait for late arrivals.
The Ultimate Foodie Tour has been designed to highlight the best and most distinctive foods from Market traders but the tastings may vary or be substituted from season to season. As this is a foodie tour, we are unable to cater to all dietary requirements.
For safety and security reasons, all children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Please note that we are unable to run the tour if minimum bookings are not reached. In the event that this occurs, we will try our utmost to fit you in on the next available tour that suits you.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations inside 24 hours of experience date are non-refundable.
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Easy to access either by foot or the free tram system. Walking immerses you in the streetscape and offers accidental discoveries in any neighbourhood. Arrive when it opens - things start to wind down around 1:30 pm. If you can, visit on a Saturday.
There are five areas / halls - meat & seafood, delicatessen, food court, produce, and artisan / vendor stalls. Consider picking up the supplies for a charcuterie in your hotel room. Fresh oysters are fabulous - try the briny Coffin Bay oysters or the creamy smooth St. Helen’s oysters. Shucked fresh and served with a simply lemon wedge - Tabasco at your option. Not a seafood fan - try the bratwurst place in the deli hall. Always a queue.
Spend a few hours taking in the sights, smells, and action. It will enrich your experience of Melbourne.
I'd been here several times before and always regretted that my accommodation didn't have a kitchen. This time, I made sure to stay at a BnB with one, specifically so I could bring some goodies back and cook for myself.
The indoor buildings have plenty of interesting offerings, but I think the outdoor deck area is where you'll find more variety--produce, crafts, food trucks, and more. And on Wednesday evenings during winter, the Night Market takes over, with even more delicious food trucks.
No matter how many times I visit, I never get tired of this place. There's always something tempting enough to make me question whether I really need to leave.
I bought oranges at $1.50 per kg and $1.99 per kg, 1 punnet of strawberries, blueberries and raspberry at $0.99 each.
Stalls accepts cards for payment.
Toilets can be found at the end near Victoria St.
So we landed up by 7.45 and the Market was throbbing like a living thing.
It was packed to the hilt.
People and produce and the smell of incredible food.
Loud, crowded, high energy, queues that would put a NY nightclub to shame, so long and patient.
It is a ‘must-do’ for anyone visiting Melbourne.
Going in one did not know what to expect.
Go prepared to eat food from across the world. Good food. Great people. Even some performers and performances.
It was amusing to watch the GuruDuddu guys dance to the music on their headphones.
The crowd was wild. So were we.
The daytime market offers an incredible variety of fresh produce, seafood, meat, deli products, baked goods, clothing, souvenirs, and unique local products. The atmosphere is lively, and it’s a great place to support local traders while discovering high-quality food and handmade items. There are plenty of opportunities to sample delicious treats and enjoy authentic flavours from around the world.
The Night Market takes the experience to another level. The entire market comes alive with colourful lights, live music, street performances, and an amazing selection of international street food. The atmosphere is vibrant, energetic, and perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for a fun evening out. There is something for everyone, from gourmet dishes and desserts to local crafts and unique gifts.
One of the best parts of the Night Market is simply walking around, enjoying the entertainment, and soaking up the lively atmosphere. The live bands and performers create a fantastic vibe that makes you want to stay for hours. It’s one of those places where every visit feels different because there are always new food stalls and vendors to discover.
The market is well organised, clean, and easily accessible by Melbourne’s public transport network. Although it can become quite busy during weekends and Night Market events, the lively crowd adds to the overall experience.
Overall, Queen Victoria Market is much more than a shopping destination—it’s a true Melbourne experience that combines fantastic food, local culture, entertainment, and history in one place. Whether you’re visiting for fresh produce, delicious street food, or simply to enjoy the atmosphere, it’s an unforgettable destination that I highly recommend to both locals and visitors.
One tip for first time visitors: don't buy from the first few shops you see at the entrance. Take your time to explore deeper into the market before making your purchases. We found better prices, more variety, and some fantastic bargains further inside.
The souvenir section is also worth exploring, with plenty of uniquely Australian gifts at different price points. The lively atmosphere, friendly vendors, and incredible selection make Queen Victoria Market much more than just a market. It's an experience that we would happily return to on our next visit to Melbourne.
We were also lucky to witness the winter night market that's held on every Wednesday. Food from all over the world , the vibes , music and entertainment were just perfect. Highly recommended.
The vendors are friendly and welcoming, and the market has a lively charm that makes the experience enjoyable whether you're shopping or simply wandering around. There are also plenty of great food stalls serving delicious meals, snacks, and excellent coffee.
Overall, Queen Victoria Market is much more than a place to shop—it's an iconic Melbourne experience that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the city.
Historic market, one of the attractions.
Crowded place at weekends. More comfortable to came at weekday, but some stalls will be closed weekdays. And rather hot in the summer.
Located at the edge of free tram zone. Fee payable carparks. Toilets are available.
There is a large market with simple decoration on the ceiling, divided into different sections. Wide varieties of goods: cooked food, bread, fresh meat, fruit and vegetables, snacks, clothes, shoes, handbags, accessories, toys, souvenirs, drawings, and etc. There are many eatries and food trucks. Tables and seats are available for people to dine in.
It's a tourist area. Not very cheap actually. But, good vibes.
We loved wandering through the different sections from vibrant fruit and vegetable stalls, quality meats and cheeses, to bakeries with warm pastries and international food stalls serving everything from paella to dumplings. The atmosphere is lively, friendly, and full of history; you can really feel the heritage of this 140+ year-old landmark.
Even on busy days, it’s easy to navigate, and the staff and vendors are welcoming and helpful. Don’t miss the famous hot jam doughnuts, fresh coffee, and the seasonal night markets, they add such a fun vibe. There are also plenty of seating areas to rest and enjoy your food.
Parking can be a bit tricky during peak hours, but public transport is very convenient. Whether you’re looking for ingredients, a tasty meal, or just a memorable experience, this market never disappoints. Highly recommended for locals and tourists alike!
There is a fantastic variety of donuts and sweet treats to try, from classic jam donuts and hot cinnamon donuts through to Greek loukoumades, mochi donuts and plenty of unique flavours. We also appreciated that there were gluten-free and dairy-free options available, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the festival.
The atmosphere was fun and family-friendly, with entertainment, photo opportunities and plenty to see as you wander through the market. Best of all, entry is free, so you can spend as much or as little as you like on treats.
If you’re a donut lover or looking for a fun family day out in Melbourne, we highly recommend adding this event to your calendar. We’ll definitely be back again this year!
The freshness and quality of the fruits, vegetables, and dry fruits were unmatched. The meat and seafood were incredibly fresh and succulent.
You can easily spend a whole day here without getting bored. We also enjoyed live music while exploring. A must-visit if you love bustling markets with everything under one roof.
If you’re in the area, just go. You won’t regret it.
As for the rest of the markets I enjoyed the used book stalls, whereas the various knick knacks and clothing sellers another part of the QVM were a bit naff. The fruit and vege looked decent, and I would expect if you were a local or you had a longer time in Melbourne then coming here and loading up on the food goodies would be a winning move. As it stands I'd suggest it does what it does better than say Haymarket does in Sydney, whereas it doesn't match the quality of food that you can get at Adelaide Central Markets.
The market is famous for its fresh produce, gourmet foods, seafood, meats, souvenirs, clothing, and unique handmade products. Walking through the different sections of the market is an exciting experience, with friendly vendors, delicious aromas, and colourful displays creating a lively and welcoming environment.
Beyond shopping and dining, the market holds historical significance as one of Melbourne’s oldest and most beloved landmarks. Its blend of heritage architecture and modern market culture makes it a unique destination full of character and energy.
Overall, Queen Victoria Market is a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to experience the true spirit of Melbourne. The combination of great food, local culture, shopping, and vibrant atmosphere makes every visit enjoyable and memorable.
It's the best market in Australia, always delivers. They are very organised, cleaned up properly and the toilets are clean, they even heated the tap water.
There are permanent shops: deli, seafood & butcher, Foodcourt, surrounding cafes and souvernir shops.
Outdoor under shed area: veg, souvernir, etc
They attract both locals and tourists alike. However you need to be careful not to fall into tourist traps, some are overpriced - not the management's fault, but yeah know the market prices and you'd be fine.
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and inclusive. Providing good back ground of the history and operations of the market.
From the moment we arrived, the whole place felt like a mini festival — lights everywhere, live music playing, and the smell of incredible street food in the air.
We wandered through rows of food stalls offering everything from dumplings and grilled meats to sweet desserts and refreshing drinks. It was hard to choose because everything looked so good!
There were also local artisan stalls selling handmade jewellery, art, and unique gifts — perfect for browsing between bites.
The live performances really added to the vibe. It felt relaxed but energetic at the same time — such a great way to spend a Wednesday night in Melbourne.
Definitely worth visiting if you love food, music, and a lively atmosphere.
The atmosphere is vibrant but very well organized. The infrastructure makes it easy to walk around and explore comfortably. Even during the busy lunchtime period, it felt relaxed and enjoyable rather than overwhelming.
We were there with our young daughters, and it was completely comfortable to move around with them. They truly enjoyed the experience as much as we did.
A fantastic place to eat, shop, and experience the local culture. Highly recommended!
Having said that, if you are looking to do a bit of shopping then there's plenty of other items on offer. I'd say the locals would be more inclined to purchase the fresh produce and if I lived nearby that would be my main use of this market.
A huge food court offering plenty of variety which also saves this market with a scattering of individual food stalls throughout the remainder of the area.
Worth a visit to check out if you've never been there but I'll see what other markets Melbourne has to offer.
Once you look past the food, the history of the place adds another layer. Knowing the market has been operating since the 1800s gives it a sense of continuity that you don’t get in more polished or modern food precincts. Some parts still feel very old-school in a good way, and that contrast between history and everyday trade is part of its charm.
It’s not perfect, though. It can be very busy and a little overwhelming at peak times, and some areas feel more functional than atmospheric. But that’s also part of what keeps it feeling real rather than staged.
Overall, it’s a solid 4/5 for me. The food is easily the best part, and the history makes it more than just a place to shop. Definitely worth a visit, whether you’re local or just in Melbourne for a few days.
There are many nice shops inside, from fruit to seafood to dessert!
And is one of the best market I have ever been in Australia! I’m glad this time I do the video for them in my YouTube channel!
So, go for look and you will like this place like I do !
And here is pretty and clean!
Highly recommend you to try Miss Amelie Gourmet Pie if their food truck is opened for business!!! Usually there’s a long queue, so you may have to wait 15-20min for your order to be ready. We ordered the cauliflower cheese flavour and it is one of the best pies I have eaten. The melted cheese in the baked cauliflower tastes awesomely delicious:)
The food offering at Victoria market is superb, with a most infinite selection of products. To describe it would take me pages and pages. It is the larder of the World! No tradition hang-ups in Australia, they are still creating their own. Inventive, but with a solid food tradition, chefs (but unfortunately not all) propose a culinary style that combines ingredients, and flavours from different cultures to create new and innovative dishes. Australian journalist, of course, love to brag the greatness of their food. Well accepted, they are far from the pioneers Mother countries, somewhere down under! Now, due to the fact, foreigners taught the Australian how to eat, they had to have wine of course. The European immigrants did not want warm ale. A wine industry slowly was born. It is an absolute pleasure to visit a foreign country like Australia and discover with an open mind, that their food reputation is well deserved. Well done, mates! The only downside, the market lacks the buzz European markets are always, full of. Shouting, music, dog barking bringing the final touch to the experience. Is it the residual British up-rightness??
Highly recommend to visit for the local Melbournian experience and is cheap.
The food options are a highlight. There’s a wide range of choices including hot snacks, international street food, coffee, and desserts. It’s easy to grab something quick and walk around while eating. Prices are generally reasonable, especially for fresh fruit, snacks, and casual meals, though some souvenir stalls can be a bit tourist-priced.
I enjoyed wandering through the different sections — the fresh produce area, deli halls, and general merchandise stalls all have a different vibe. It’s a great place for browsing, people-watching, and picking up small gifts or local products. You can easily spend a couple of hours here without realising how quickly time passes.
The atmosphere is busy but fun, especially on weekends. It can get crowded, so visiting earlier in the day is a good idea if you want to explore comfortably. The market is well located and easy to reach by tram, which makes it convenient for both locals and visitors.
Overall, Queen Victoria Market offers a genuine Melbourne experience. Whether you’re there to eat, shop, or just walk around, it’s lively, interesting, and worth a visit. I’d definitely recommend it as part of any Melbourne trip.
There was a great fruit and vegetable selection - I choose a few different fruit options to take back to my hotel later to enjoy. I LOVE mangosteen but it’s hard to get fresh ones in the US so was super stoked to see those available!
The indoor section with cheeses, meat and seafood was also super impressive! I snacked on some lobster and oysters then went outside and had some sugarcane juice and the BEST MUSSELS I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE. Such a great day at this market!!



















































