Markets in Melbourne and Victoria: Update
Suzuki Night Market. Picture Ian Kenins
Victoria’s markets are an integral place for local producers, artisans and operators to showcase their wares. Here’s a snapshot of what’s new and what to look forward to market-wise as we head towards summer.
New self-guided tour at Queen Victoria Market, Situated at the fringe of the CBD on the corner of Victoria Street and Elizabeth Street, the Queen Victoria Market (QVM) is the largest market in Australia. Opened in 1878, the QVM is not only a shopping mecca for those seeking fresh produce, gourmet offerings, clothing and souvenirs; it is also one of the city’s historical landmarks. A new way to discover the heritage behind the markets is the recently launched Queen Victoria Market Self-guided Heritage Trail which is available as a free downloadable map from the QVM website.
Every Wednesday evening in summer, QVM transforms into a festival ground for the Suzuki Night Market which opens again from 16 November. A colourful showcase for international cuisine, world music and the work of local designers and craftsmen, the Suzuki Night Market was awarded the Best Event/Festival at the 2010 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards. Over 400,000 local and international visitors attended its last season.
Also over summer, the team behind the QVM organises the Geelong Night Market which will run out of Johnstone Park in Geelong for six nights throughout January and February 2012. Currently in its fourth year, the event provides visitors the opportunity to sample international street food and buy local artisan wares whilst enjoying live entertainment and music.
Riding on the increasing popularity of night markets, QVM teamed up with the City of Moreland last year to start a third night market in Coburg. This season the Coburg Night Market will run every Friday evening in Bridges Rserve, Coburg, from November 17 to December 23 and similar to the other night markets will offer artisan wares, global flavours and lively entertainment.
On the other end of town, South Melbourne Market welcomes back Style After Dark, a fashion focused night market featuring a range of vibrant clothing, jewellery and accessory designers. This market runs on Thursday evenings from 5.30pm, 20 October to 24 November. Stalls will set up under the wide veranda of Cecil and Coventry Streets, and customers can enjoy dinner and drinks along the buzzing new Cecil Street dining precinct. Food offerings include fiery paella and Spanish tapas at Simply Spanish to classically Chinese roast duck at Linx BBQ and Yum Cha to fresh seafood and teppanyaki-style dishes at the newly opened Claypots Evening Star.
For more information: www.visitvictoria.com
Media contact: Elizabeth Ee, Tourism Victoria, Ph: (03) 9653 9716
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