There are so many benefits to shopping at farmers’ markets—they’re sustainable, they support local and independent farmers, you can usually bring your dog, and you get to meet the people growing your food and support them directly by cutting out the middleman. Farmers’ markets are also a great place to snap up a farm to table homemade meal.
Melbourne has plenty of markets for you to choose from, so grab a basket and get a taste of country living at Melbourne’s best farmers’ markets.
Gasworks Farmers’ Market
Albert Park
Set inside the walls of the historic Gasworks Art Precinct, this market is nestled in amongst the trees just a couple of blocks from the beach. You’ll be able to find fresh, seasonal fruit and veggies, meat and seafood, baked goods and gourmet treats. Don’t forget your canvas bags because this market is plastic-free.
Where: 21 Graham Street, Albert Park
When: Third Saturday of every month, 8am-1pm
Entry: Free
Collingwood Farmers’ Market
Carlton
Melbourne’s OG farmers’ market started at the Collingwood Children’s Farm back in 2002 and has since gone on to become an award-winning market. With over 70 stall holders, the Collingwood market boasts one of the largest varieties of produce on offer, with live music and a family friendly atmosphere. Due to COVID-19, the market has temporarily relocated to Carlton North Primary School.
Where: Carlton North Primary School, Cnr Canning and O’Grady Streets, Carlton North.
When: Second Saturday of every month, 8am-1pm
Entry: $2
Boroondara Farmers’ Market
Hawthorn East
Selling produce from all over Victoria, the Boroondara Farmers’ Market is a great place to find all your fresh produce, as well as some wonderful gift ideas. Stall holders range from organic fruit and veg, eggs, cheese, meat, seafood, fresh pasta and baked goods, through to soaps, flowers, dog treats, chocolates, craft beers and wine. Make sure you get there earlier rather than later though because this market is a popular one and it’s not unusual to see stall holders selling out of produce by mid-morning.
Where: Patterson Reserve, Auburn Rd, Hawthorn East
When: Third and Fifth* Saturday of every month, 8am-12.30pm
Entry: $2
*when applicable
Veg Out St Kilda Farmers’ Market
St Kilda
With 14 years behind it, this market is a well-established favourite for both locals and shoppers from across Melbourne. There are lots of stalls for takeaway food as well as farm-fresh fruit and veg, so make sure you save plenty of room for filling up on all the culinary goodies on offer. The market also features live entertainment so it’s less of a shopping experience and more of a fun day out.
Where: Corner Shakespeare Grove and Chaucer Street, St Kilda
When: First Saturday of every month, 8.30-1pm
Entry: Free
University of Melbourne Farmers’ Market
Parkville
This market is more of a foodie hangout than a market. Set right in the middle of the university campus, this midweek market is the ideal place to grab a fresh lunch from local producers while stocking up on some produce. The market has wash stations for reusable cutlery and crockery too, so you can enjoy your takeaway lunch without the packaging.
Where: Union Lawn, University of Melbourne, Parkville
When: Wednesdays during semester dates, 10.30-2.30
Entry: Free
Kingston Farmers Market
Highett
The Kingston Farmers Market began in 2004, and now features 60-70 stalls at each market. Over the years, the market has grown into a community hub with returning stall holders and shoppers alike. The market slogan is ‘picked on Friday, sold on Saturday’ so you know you’re getting genuinely fresh stuff here. BYO bags and keep an eye out for their annual Christmas Market event.
Where: Sir William Fry Reserve, Nepean Highway and Bay Street, Highett
When: First Saturday of every month
Entry: $2
Flemington Farmers’ Market
Flemington
Most local markets run once or twice a month, but Flemington Farmers’ Market runs every Sunday so you can always get your weekly farm fresh fix here. It is the first weekly farmers’ market in Melbourne and brings you face to face with Victoria’s farmers and producers. You can stop by to stock up on veg, fruit, meat, dairy, bread and specialty goods. The full range of stall holders is available on the market website.
Where: Mt Alexander College, 175 Mt Alexander Road, Flemington
When: Every Sunday 9am-1pm
Entry: Free
Shop local this summer with Melbourne’s best summer markets here.
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