Are you looking for a place to shop, eat, and have fun in Melbourne? If so, you should definitely check out the South Melbourne Market, one of the oldest and most popular markets in the city. Whether you are a local or a visitor, you will find something to suit your taste and budget at this vibrant and diverse market.
In this article, we will give you a local’s guide to the best stalls, experiences, and tips at the South Melbourne Market. You will learn how to reach the market, when to visit, what to do, and how to make the most of your visit. So, let’s get started!
How to Reach
The South Melbourne Market is located at the corner of Coventry and Cecil Streets in South Melbourne, just 2 km from the CBD. You can easily get to the market by public transport, bike, or car. Here are some of the options:
Tram:
You can take the Route 96 tram from Bourke Street in the city and get off at Stop 127. The market is just a short walk from there. Alternatively, you can take the Route 12 tram from Collins Street in the city and get off at Stop 129. The market is across the road from there.
Bus:
You can take the Route 234 bus from Queen Street in the city and get off at the corner of York and Clarendon Streets. The market is a 5-minute walk from there.
Bike:
You can ride your bike to the market and park it at one of the free bike racks available at the market entrances. You can also use the Melbourne Bike Share service and pick up or drop off a bike at the station near the corner of Cecil and York Streets.
Car:
You can drive your car to the market and park it at one of the paid car parks available at the market. The parking fees are $1.10 per hour on weekdays and $5.50 per hour on weekends. You can also use the free shuttle bus service that runs between the market and the MSAC car park on Aughtie Drive every 15 minutes on market days.
Opening Hours
The South Melbourne Market is open four days a week, from Wednesday to Sunday. The opening hours are as follows:
Wednesday: 8 am to 4 pm
Friday: 8 am to 5 pm
Saturday: 8 am to 4 pm
Sunday: 8 am to 4 pm
The market is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays. However, some of the stalls may open on these days, so you can check their individual websites for more information.
The best time to visit the market depends on your preference and purpose. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a relaxed shopping experience, you should visit the market on Wednesday or Friday mornings. If you want to catch the buzz and excitement of the market, you should visit the market on Saturday or Sunday afternoons.
If you want to experience the special events and activities that the market hosts throughout the year, such as the Night Market, the Port Phillip Mussel and Jazz Festival, the South Melbourne Market Dim Sim Eating Competition, and more, you should check the market’s website for the latest updates and schedules.
Things to Do
There is no shortage of things to do at the South Melbourne Market. Whether you are looking for fresh produce, gourmet food, fashion, home, beauty, or entertainment, you will find it all at the market. Here are some of the things you can do at the market:
Shop:
The market has over 150 stalls that sell a variety of goods, from fruits and vegetables, meat and seafood, cheese and deli, to clothing and accessories, homewares and gifts, books and stationery, and more. You can browse through the stalls and find some unique and quality products that you won’t find anywhere else. Some of the best stalls at the market are:
Emerald Hill Deli: This stall offers a wide range of cheeses, charcuterie, antipasti, and other delicacies from around the world. You can sample some of their products and get expert advice from their friendly staff.
Georgie’s Harvest: This stall specializes in seasonal and organic fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts, dried fruits, honey, and more. You can find some rare and exotic produce that you won’t see in supermarkets, such as finger limes, dragon fruit, and purple carrots.
South Melbourne Seafoods: This stall sells fresh and sustainable seafood, such as fish, prawns, oysters, mussels, and more. You can also order cooked seafood, such as fish and chips, calamari, and seafood platters, and enjoy them at their outdoor seating area.
Fruits on Coventry: This stall is a family-owned business that has been operating at the market for over 40 years. They sell a variety of fruits, juices, smoothies, and salads, as well as some of the best bananas in town.
SO:ME Space: This stall is a curated space that showcases some of the best local and emerging designers and artists. You can find some unique and creative products, such as clothing, jewellery, accessories, art, and more.
Eat:
The market has plenty of eateries and cafes that cater to different tastes and budgets. You can find some of the best food and coffee in Melbourne at the market, from Asian to European, from sweet to savoury, from cheap to fancy. Some of the best eateries and cafes at the market are:
Mama Tran Dumpling: This stall serves authentic and delicious Vietnamese dumplings, such as pork and prawn, chicken and mushroom, and vegetarian. You can also try their other dishes, such as pho, rice paper rolls, and banh mi.
Agathé Patisserie: This stall is a French bakery that makes mouth-watering pastries, such as croissants, danishes, eclairs, and more. You can also try their specialty, the cruffin, which is a cross between a croissant and a muffin, filled with various flavours, such as Nutella, lemon curd, and salted caramel.
Claypots Evening Star: This stall is a seafood restaurant that serves fresh and tasty dishes, such as grilled fish, seafood paella, and mussels in white wine sauce. You can also enjoy live music and a lively atmosphere at this stall.
Padre Coffee: This stall is a coffee roaster that sources and roasts some of the best beans from around the world. You can enjoy a cup of their signature blend, the Daddy’s Girl, or try one of their single origins, such as the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or the Colombian La Esperanza.
Proper & Son: This stall is a cafe that serves breakfast and lunch, as well as catering and takeaway. You can try their dishes, such as the smashed avocado, the pulled pork burger, or the salmon poke bowl, made with fresh and local ingredients from the market.
Drink:
The market has some of the best bars and pubs in the area, where you can enjoy a drink and a chat with your friends or family. You can find a range of drinks, from beer and wine, to cocktails and spirits, to suit your mood and occasion. Some of the best bars and pubs at the market are:
The Crafty Squire: This pub is a microbrewery that makes and serves its own craft beers, such as the James Squire One Fifty Lashes Pale Ale, the James Squire The Chancer Golden Ale, and the James Squire The Swindler Summer Ale. You can also try their food, such as the chicken parma, the fish and chips, or the nachos.
The Market Hotel: This pub is a historic and iconic venue that has been operating since 1870. You can enjoy a drink and a meal at their indoor or outdoor seating areas, or catch a live show or a sports event at their stage or screen. You can also try their happy hour specials, such as $5 pints, $6 wines, and $10 cocktails, from Monday to Friday, 4 pm to 7 pm.
The Clarendon: This pub is a modern and stylish venue that offers a range of drinks and food, as well as functions and events. You can enjoy a drink and a snack at their bar, or a meal and a dessert at their restaurant. You can also try their bottomless brunch deal, which includes unlimited drinks and food for two hours, for $59 per person, on Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am to 1 pm.
Have Fun:
The market is not only a place to shop, eat, and drink, but also a place to have fun and enjoy yourself. You can find some of the best entertainment and wellness options at the market, such as music, art, yoga, and more. Some of the things you can do at the market are:
Listen to live music: The market hosts live music performances every weekend, featuring local and emerging artists and bands. You can listen to various genres of music, such as jazz, blues, folk, rock, and more, at different locations around the market, such as the Food Hall, the SO:ME Space, and the Claypots Evening Star.
Explore the art scene: The market showcases some of the best local and emerging artists and their works, such as paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and more. You can explore the art scene at the market at the SO:ME Space, the South Melbourne Market Wellness Collective, and the Emerald Hill Library and Heritage Centre. You can also join some of the art workshops and classes that the market offers, such as pottery, painting, and drawing.
Relax and rejuvenate: The market offers some of the best wellness and relaxation options, such as yoga, massage, acupuncture, and more. You can relax and rejuvenate at the market at the South Melbourne Market Wellness Collective, which is a hub of health and wellbeing practitioners and services. You can also join some of the wellness workshops and classes that the market offers, such as meditation, pilates, and tai chi.
Tips and Advice
To make the most of your visit to the South Melbourne Market, here are some tips and advice that you should keep in mind:
Plan ahead: The market has a lot to offer, so you should plan ahead and decide what you want to see and do at the market. You can use the market’s website and social media to get the latest information and updates on the market’s stalls, events, and activities. You can also download the market’s app to get access to the market map, stall directory, opening hours, parking information, and more.
Bring cash: The market is mostly a cash-only place, so you should bring enough cash to pay for your purchases. Some of the stalls may accept cards or mobile payments, but they may charge a fee or have a minimum spend requirement. You can also use the ATMs available at the market, but they may charge a fee or have a limit on withdrawals.
Bring your own bags: The market is an environmentally friendly place, so you should bring your own bags to carry your purchases. You can also buy or borrow some of the reusable bags available at the market, such as the South Melbourne Market Boomerang Bags, which are made from recycled materials and can be returned to the market for reuse.
Enjoy the freebies: The market offers some freebies and perks that you can enjoy, such as the free wifi, the free bike racks, the free shuttle bus service, and the free samples from some of the stalls. You can also join the market’s loyalty program, which gives you access to exclusive offers, discounts, and rewards from the market and its partners.
The South Melbourne Market is one of the best places to visit in Melbourne, whether you are a local or a visitor. You can find everything you need and want at the market, from fresh produce, gourmet food, fashion, home, beauty, to entertainment, art, wellness, and more. You can also experience the market’s history, culture, and vibe, as well as the special events and activities that the market hosts throughout the year.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit the South Melbourne Market today and discover its wonders for yourself!
