Queen Victoria Market Tours and Activities

Queen Victoria Market showing signage, street scenes and markets
Queen Victoria Market featuring markets, food and interior views
Queen Victoria Market which includes markets and food
Queen Victoria Market
Queen Victoria Market showing food and markets

Soak up the atmosphere and bag yourself a bargain at this popular Melbourne institution.

Queen Victoria Market has been the number one open-air shopping destination in Melbourne for over 130 years. This historic market is built over an old cemetery and is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, comprising more than 600 stalls.

The market, which is open every day except Monday and Wednesday, is famous for its fresh produce, including fruit and vegetables, seafood, meat and dairy products. If you shop here, you’ll be in good company – many of the city’s top chefs source their supplies from the local traders. Mornings are particularly busy, with early-bird shoppers hunting for the best value and freshest quality and stallholders competing good-naturedly for trade.

When the morning rush starts to subside, it’s a good time to wander round some of the other stalls. The market is a magnet for fashion-lovers, who enjoy hunting for pre-owned pieces or rummaging for bargains among the rails of vintage and modern clothes, designer items and hand-made accessories. This is a great place to find unusual gifts or souvenirs to take home, at prices that will help to make your pennies go further too.

During the summer months, the market stays open late into the evening, selling deliciously tempting street food from a huge variety of vendors. Make friends with the locals and enjoy the heady atmosphere and appetising smells of one of Melbourne’s favourite al-fresco eateries.

First-timers who find the vast market a bit overwhelming are well advised to take a guided tour. This will help to familiarise you with the layout and give you valuable insider tips for spotting the best bargains, while also discovering a little more about the market's fascinating history. Tours can be booked on the Queen Victoria Market website, where self-guided tour information can also be downloaded for those who prefer to create their own itinerary. The market is easily reached on foot or by tram to the main entrance on Elizabeth Street, and there is a car park in Franklin Street to the rear.

Plan a trip to see Queen Victoria Market

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YEHS Hotel Melbourne CBD

YEHS Hotel Melbourne CBD

3.5 out of 5
Melbourne Central Business District
Save 100% on your flight
per person
27 Oct - 30 Oct
found 9 hours ago
Return flight included
Adelaide (ADL) to Melbourne (MEL)
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
I had a comfortable 3-night stay at this hotel. The room was clean and quiet, and the staff were very friendly, especially Jennifer. It’s so close to Southern Cross that I could go everywhere easily. Would definitely stay here again!

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Aussie Escape Apartments - Skyline Collins Tower

Aussie Escape Apartments - Skyline Collins Tower

3.5 out of 5
Melbourne Central Business District
Save 100% on your flight
per person
27 Oct - 30 Oct
found 9 hours ago
Return flight included
Adelaide (ADL) to Melbourne (MEL)
8.2/10 Very Good! (330 reviews)
The view from our room was fantastic One issue was the bathrooms flooded after each shower. Drier did not work well to dry floor mats. We paid money to open the other bathroom only to find it very dirty and dusty. The toilet was not cleaned, the drawers to basin had water marks on them. Dust everywhere Needs more bin liners for all bins. Apart from that it was great. Thank u

Reviewed on 12 Jun. 2025

Melbourne Private Apartments - Collins Street Waterfront, Docklands

Melbourne Private Apartments - Collins Street Waterfront, Docklands

4.5 out of 5
Docklands
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26 Sept - 3 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
Perth (PER) to Melbourne (MEL)
8/10 Very Good! (28 reviews)
Tram stop out the front. Woolworths across the street. Great pub for dinner at tap86. Apartment was clean, quiet, easy to access. Would definitely stay again👍

Reviewed on 29 Jul. 2025

Tours & day trips

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From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Wildlife Tour

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Wildlife Tour

Activity duration is 13 hours and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 76 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$105 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Full-Day Private Australian Wildlife Tour of Phillip Island

Full-Day Private Australian Wildlife Tour of Phillip Island

Activity duration is 9 hours
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Price is AU$1,000 per traveller*
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Melbourne: French and Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition

Melbourne: French and Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition

Activity duration is 12 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$279 per adult
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Peninsula Hot Springs: Entry Ticket with Bath House

Peninsula Hot Springs: Entry Ticket with Bath House

Activity duration is 5 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 6 reviews
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Top Queen Victoria Market Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Dorsett Melbourne

Dorsett Melbourne

4 out of 5
615 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC
Dorsett Melbourne
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

4 out of 5
589-599 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
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Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

4 out of 5
300 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne
Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne

Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne

4 out of 5
380 William Street, Melbourne, VIC
Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne
Pegasus Apart'Hotel

Pegasus Apart'Hotel

4 out of 5
206 A'Beckett Street, Melbourne, VIC
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Rydges Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
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Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
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The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
215 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
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Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

4 out of 5
35-47 City Road, Southbank, VIC
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See all 5,427 properties in Queen Victoria Market
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Queen Victoria Market

At Queen Victoria Market, visitors can indulge in vibrant shopping for fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique souvenirs. The market also features local art and theatre performances, providing a lively cultural experience. For those seeking more adventure, tour buses are available to explore the surrounding attractions. Whether you're after a bite to eat or a taste of Melbourne's creative scene, Queen Victoria Market is a must-visit destination for every traveller.

Shopping

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Queen Victoria Market, where you can find unique gifts and souvenirs. Nearby, Melbourne Central offers a mix of entertainment and shopping, just 644m away. If you're up for a drive, South Melbourne Market, 3.2km away, is another great spot for local treasures.

Recreation

At Marvel Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events, perfect for adrenaline seekers. Enjoy the vibrant performances at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, where music and entertainment combine. For family fun, the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre offers a range of activities, including swimming and fitness classes.

Adventure

The Merri Creek Trail offers an invigorating hiking experience with stunning outdoor scenery located 3.2km from Queen Victoria Market. For a leisurely stroll, the Tan Track, also 3.2km away, provides beautiful outdoor vibes. For an unforgettable aerial adventure, Melbourne Seaplanes, 8.0km from the market, showcases breathtaking views.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Queen Victoria Market by catching a show at the Regent Theatre or Her Majesty's Theatre, both showcasing captivating performances. For a unique comedy night, head to the Comedy Theatre, where laughter and culture blend seamlessly for a memorable evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne is a vibrant hub offering an array of attractions, from bustling street markets to serene urban parks. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying family-friendly experiences. Explore the lively market square and soak up the atmosphere of central Melbourne, all while discovering the rich heritage of Queen Victoria herself. This destination promises a delightful blend of excitement and charm for every traveller.

  • Collins Street: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Collins Street, a bustling hub known for its upscale boutiques, grand architecture, and lively cafés. It's the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, offering a taste of Melbourne's cosmopolitan lifestyle, just 1.1km from Queen Victoria Market.
  • Rod Laver Arena: Dive into the excitement at Rod Laver Arena, located 3.2km away. This iconic venue hosts major sporting events and concerts, making it a family-friendly destination where you can create lasting memories surrounded by the thrill of live entertainment.
  • Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: Situated 1.6km from Queen Victoria Market, this state-of-the-art venue is perfect for business events and exhibitions. Its modern facilities and vibrant atmosphere make it a key player in Melbourne's bustling conference scene.

Best time to go to Queen Victoria Market

The best time to visit Queen Victoria Market can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Queen Victoria Market falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Queen Victoria Market falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
February68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July48.9°F (9.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
September53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Queen Victoria Market

To save money on your visit to Queen Victoria Market, consider travelling during the cheaper months of May to June and August, avoiding the pricier January, March, and November. Stay on a Monday for the best accommodation rates, as Saturdays tend to be the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to find eco-friendly hotels, sort prices from low to high, and take advantage of package deals that combine flights and activities. Additionally, look for free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Queen Victoria Market are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January, March and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Queen Victoria Market is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Queen Victoria Market is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase hotels that are sustainable and environmentally friendly, available for booking at this moment. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay near Queen Victoria Market with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.