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A visitor's guide to Queen Victoria Market

There’s never a shortage of things to do at Queen Victoria Market . Home to hundreds of small businesses, it's the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere. If you've been missing the market, our all-day guide has all the essentials to tick off your list on your next visit.

Breakfast at Market Espresso

Start your day right with a coffee and pancetta brekkie roll from Market Espresso . Find this bustling café at the corner of String Bean Alley and Queen Street.

Stock up on fresh food and deli essentials

Then head straight for the fresh produce. Do a circuit of the Meat and Fish Hall, the Dairy Produce Hall, and the historic fruit and veg sheds for the full market experience. Many of the family-run stalls have been serving Melburnians for generations. Stop for a chat and a sample.

The Dairy Produce Hall is an emporium of all things smoked, cured, pickled, brined, and aged. Pick up spices, dips, and cheeses, to pastries and charcuterie for your basket. The Epicurean, The Corner Larder, and Curds and Whey are a cheese-lover's dream. Get your antipasto at Dianne’s Delights and try international treats from the Hellenic and Polish Delis or the French Shop. The freshly baked croissants at M&G Caiafa are a hit with early risers, but be quick. Peckish? Grab cheese and spinach borek and spicy grilled bratwurst.

Shop the sheds

For gifts and homewares, make a beeline for the open-air sheds and bag a bargain. Find fashion, jewellery and skincare. Pick up cooking and gardening essentials and browse books and art.

On Victoria street, home chefs are well catered for at Books for Cooks . Broaden your culinary skills with a new purchase, stock up on utensils from Australian Kitchen Gadgets and pick up a beautiful Australian timber board from Woodcrafts Australia to dish up your creation.

Stop for lunch

Snag a spot at the bar and order up a storm at Coffea Coffee . Order Italian treats like paninis, salads, pies and tarts. Or go for classic coffee and cake. At the top of Victoria Street enjoy delicious Vietnamese banh mi from Alex Canteen. Over in the food court sit back with traditional Spanish tapas at El Rincon .

Find something unique and support small makers

Visit The Hat Project for the latest trends for summer and local legend Bruce Goose for quirky socks. Handpick locally made essential oils from Inner Essentials or Victorian-made skincare from Petal Melbourne . Browse Annie’s Creation and Collection for gorgeous fashion and homewares.

Grab an afternoon pick-me-up

Make a mid-afternoon caffeine stop at Market Lane Coffee . Grab your takeaway and head for the American Doughnut Kitchen van. No visit to the market is complete without a bag of their famous hot jam doughnuts.

If you prefer something stronger, look no further than ReWine . Offering high quality, affordable Aussie wines, all are available for tasting before purchase. Even better, they let you bring back empty ReWine bottles to refill at a discounted price.

Accessibility at the market

If you need a little help getting around the stalls, the market's Access and Inclusion Service is on hand. Over the summer months from Friday to Sunday, you can find Travellers Aid outside the deli on Therry Street. There will be mobility equipment available for hire and volunteers to help navigate from tram stops to the market and within the market.

Can’t make it to the market?

If you can’t make it to the market, shop online for over 3,000 products from more than 45 traders. Same-day delivery is available for more than 220 suburbs. Meat, fish, poultry, fruit and vegetables, bread, eggs and deli products are all available to order. Nuts, organics, coffee, tea, wine and craft beer can also be delivered. You can also click and collect.

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Everything You Need To Know About The Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne

The Queen Victoria Market is an institution in Melbourne.

Steeped in history and brimming with diverse experiences, this iconic marketplace has been a destination for locals and tourists for over 135 years.

From fresh produce to artisanal crafts and cultural events to culinary delights, Queen Victoria Market offers a treasure trove of discoveries.

This comprehensive guide will take you on a journey to explore everything you need to know about this remarkable market, ensuring you make the most of your visit there.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time visitor to Melbourne, prepare to immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds and flavours that make the Queen Victoria Market an essential part of the city’s identity.

So, let’s delve into what exactly it is that defines this revered marketplace. Here is everything you need to know about the Queen Victoria Market.

A Historical Gem

Queen Victoria Market stands as a testament to Melbourne’s rich history and enduring spirit.

Established in 1878, it holds the distinction of being the city’s oldest and largest open-air market.

The market’s origins are rooted in the site’s historical significance as Melbourne’s original cemetery. Over the years, it has transformed into a vibrant hub of commerce and community, preserving its heritage through its distinctive architecture.

The blend of Victorian, Art Deco and modern styles found in the market’s buildings reflects the evolution of Melbourne itself. As you wander through its corridors and stalls, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe for the market’s enduring presence and its role as a cultural touchstone in the city.

Overall, Queen Victoria Market stands as a living historical gem, bridging the past and present and inviting visitors to become a part of its vibrant legacy.

Where Is It and How to Get There

Queen Victoria Market is conveniently located in the heart of Melbourne, making it easily accessible.

Situated at the corner of Elizabeth Street and Victoria Street, it spans several city blocks, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere.

Getting to the market is a breeze, thanks to the city’s efficient transportation network and infrastructure. Visitors can choose from various options, including:

Public Transportation

Melbourne’s extensive tram network is an excellent way to reach the market. Trams 19, 57 and 59 stop directly outside the market, providing convenient access. Additionally, the nearby Flagstaff and Melbourne Central train stations are within walking distance.

For those who prefer an eco-friendly and active mode of transportation, cycling to the market is a great option. The city also offers an extensive network of bike lanes and racks, allowing visitors to park their bicycles conveniently while exploring the market.

If you’re in the central area of Melbourne, the Queen Victoria Market is easily accessible on foot. The market is located within a reasonable walking distance from major landmarks such as Federation Square, Bourke Street Mall and Flinders Street Station.

If you prefer to drive, several parking options are available near the market. The Queen Victoria Market car park on Queen Street offers convenient parking facilities for visitors, although availability may vary depending on the time and day.

Market Precincts

The Queen Victoria Market is divided into distinct precincts, each offering its own unique charm and array of offerings. Exploring these precincts allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the diverse experiences the market has to offer.

They are as follows:

The Deli Hall

A food lover’s paradise showcasing an exquisite selection of speciality foods, from artisanal cheeses and cured meats to aromatic spices and delectable chocolates.

The Meat and Fish Hall

Boasts an impressive array of premium meats, including grass-fed beef, succulent poultry and a wide range of fresh seafood.

The Fruit and Vegetable Market

A haven of vibrant produce, both locally grown and internationally sourced, for those seeking the freshest available items.

The Victoria Street Shops

An adjacent area to the market that offers a delightful collection of speciality shops where visitors can find unique clothing, homewares, arts, crafts and souvenirs.

Whichever precincts you visit have their distinct character, allowing visitors to indulge in a sensory journey and explore the market’s diverse offerings.

Vibrant Events and Activities

Queen Victoria Market is not only a place for shopping and gastronomic delights but also a hub of exciting events and activities.

One of the most anticipated events is the Night Market series, which takes place during the summer months. The Night Market transforms the market into a buzzing twilight wonderland, featuring an enticing fusion of street food stalls, live music performances and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s an opportunity to savour an array of flavours from around the world while immersing yourself in the lively ambience.

Additionally, the market hosts regular cooking demonstrations, where local chefs showcase their culinary skills and share their passion for fresh produce. Visitors can learn new recipes, cooking techniques and insider tips while enjoying the vibrant market backdrop.

The market also offers speciality workshops, including wine tastings, coffee appreciation sessions and flower arranging classes, allowing visitors to explore their interests and learn from experts in their respective fields.

These events and activities add an extra layer of excitement and engagement to the Queen Victoria Market experience, making it a dynamic and ever-evolving destination.

Sustainability and Community

Queen Victoria Market celebrates Melbourne’s vibrant culture. But it also strives to impact the environment and local community positively.

The market is committed to sustainable practices, actively promoting waste reduction, recycling, and composting initiatives. Visitors can contribute to these efforts by utilising the recycling and composting facilities available within the market.

Moreover, the market prides itself on supporting local producers and small businesses. By showcasing their products, the market fosters a sense of community and encourages visitors to engage with local artisans and farmers. This support for local producers strengthens the local economy and promotes a sustainable approach to commerce.

Ultimately, Queen Victoria Market is not just a marketplace but a hub where sustainability, community and commerce converge. Creating a space where visitors can enjoy a unique and responsible shopping experience while contributing to the well-being of the local community and the

Best Time To Go

Queen Victoria Market welcomes visitors throughout the year, but there are certain times that offer a particularly enchanting experience.

The bustling market is at its liveliest during the weekends, especially on Saturdays when the entire market is open. The atmosphere is vibrant and you can witness the market in full swing, with traders showcasing their products and locals mingling with tourists.

If you’re looking to avoid crowds and have a more leisurely visit, consider going on a weekday. Weekdays offer a slightly quieter ambience, allowing you to explore the market at a relaxed pace and interact with friendly vendors.

The Night Market series, held during the summer months, is an absolute must-visit. With its vibrant lights, live performances and myriad of food stalls, the Night Market creates a magical atmosphere that is truly unforgettable.

Whether you’re seeking the hustle and bustle of the weekends or a more serene experience during weekdays, Queen Victoria Market has something to offer at any time of the day.

Queen Victoria Market stands as an iconic landmark in Melbourne, offering a vibrant tapestry of experiences that captivate visitors from near and far.

This historical gem, with its rich heritage and distinctive architecture, has evolved into a dynamic hub of commerce, culture and community.

From exploring the diverse precincts filled with speciality foods, fresh produce and unique products to immersing oneself in the exciting events and activities, the market offers an unforgettable journey for all who visit.

Moreover, the Queen Victoria Market’s commitment to sustainability and supporting local producers highlights its dedication to responsible practices and nurturing the local economy.

Whether you’re strolling through the bustling stalls on a weekend, savouring the flavours of the Night Market, or attending a cooking demonstration, the market provides an immersive experience that engages all the senses.

Essentially, a visit to Queen Victoria Market is not just a shopping excursion but an opportunity to connect with Melbourne’s history, culture and vibrant community. So, come and embrace the lively spirit of Queen Victoria Market, where traditions meet modernity and a world of culinary delights and unique treasures awaits.

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How to do Queen Victoria Market like a pro

She's a tough nut to crack – but here's a guide to make sure you're efficient, sated and not yelled at

Update 20/10/2020: In line with current restrictions, Melburnians living within 25km of Queen Victoria Market can visit for essential shopping. 

It's popular with locals as their go-to spot for fresh fruit, veggies, meat and an outstanding variety of dairy and smallgoods, but Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market  is also something of a must-visit for tourists. But for those looking to get the most out of their Queen Vic experience, we suggest keeping the following tips in mind. Especially number ten. Never forget number ten.

1. Always have cash.

While some venues are ditching cash in favour of card payments, the reality of a 140-year-old marketplace like Queen Vic means cash rules everything here (at least for now, anyway – it's 2020, after all, so many things are changing). You should know where the ATMs are (there are a couple on Queen Street between the sheds and the food hall, one next to shed A... but the least popular spot is usually the 7 Eleven on Elizabeth Street if you're coming from the city). 

2. Have your cash ready when you get to the front the line.

Don’t be that guy, digging around in his wallet while several people are eagerly waiting behind you. B e ready.

3.   Know you want when you get to the front of the line.

More than once I’ve witnessed someone wait in line for ten minutes only to get to the front of the line and ask, “Soooo, what’s good?” Come on! At least figure this out by seeing what everyone else is clambering to purchase ahead of you.

4. Be mindful of the market’s trading days.

Bore this into your memory, write it in the Notes section of your phone or get a tattoo on the back of your hand: Queen Vic Market is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays. Many a Melburnian has been tripped up by this, so you’re definitely not the first person to rock up at noon on a chilly Wednesday in the hopes of getting a bratwurst.

5. Buy your meat last.

If you’re doing a big shop, leave buying meat until last. That way you won’t have to carry a hunk of lamb around the cheese and bread stalls like a chump.

6. Always buy a borek.

You will regret it if you don’t.

7. Don’t gum up the borek line if you’re just waiting for a mate.

Leave space for those of us who are desperate for a borek, a gozleme, a delicious falafel wrap or one of the stall's coveted sweet pastries (get one, they’re great).

8. Always buy five doughnuts, one is never enough.

The hot jam doughnuts from the American Doughnut Kitchen van should be in a museum. They’ve got just the right amount of oily crunch, and they’re covered quite liberally with sugar. The best part? You can score a bag of five delicious, hot-from-the-fryer doughies for $6. 

9.   The queue at the jam doughnuts moves faster than you think.

We know what you’re thinking, that line looks ridiculously long and you definitely don’t have time to wait. Actually, the line will move faster than you think (it’s the reason why it’s one of the Melbourne food queues we reckon is actually worth the wait ).

10.   If you have a table at the Night Market and you see someone looking for a table, let them know that you’re leaving.

Everyone knows the trouble of searching for a spot to eat at the Night Market. It’s like the ultimate survival of the fittest, and on this occasion, any help from a successful table winner is much appreciated. (NB: We wrote this piece pre-pandemic so keep an eye out on whether the Night Market will be coming back soon, but at this stage, it's been postponed). 

11. And don’t unnecessarily sit at your coveted table for longer than you need to.

There’s always someone with an armful of paella and raclette in desperate need of a table, so if you’re done eating, do the right thing and give up your table for them.

12. Divide and conquer the food at the Night Market.

If you truly want to get the most out of your Night Market experience, split up and cover more ground. That way you’ll be able to line up, order and receive your food about the same time as your friends. 

13.   Don’t haggle with market traders.

It’s not that kind of a market.

14. If you want the freshest stuff, go on a Tuesday.

After a busy weekend, the market is closed on Mondays. We’ve heard rumours that this is when stallholders go out and stock up on produce for the remainder of the week, so you can expect some of the freshest stuff on Tuesdays.

15.   Don’t run over people with your trolley.

It’s hard to control those things, I know. Especially on the uneven bitumen under the sheds. But please be mindful of where you’re dragging your carts full of heavy veggies.

16.   Expect there to be a lot of tourists in the meat and fish section.

This place is swarming with tourists (or it is during normal, non-pandemic years). Hell, we put high on the best things to do in Melbourne , so you can probably blame us. But be mindful that there will be people blocking your path to the fresh fish (on the day you’re having a huge dinner party, no less!), so just be wary and maybe give yourself a little extra time for the inevitable tourist dodging.

17. Keep an eye (and ear) out for a good offer

There are plenty of bargain offers around the market, so pay attention. There are several cheese offers to find (four cheeses for $10, for instance), and listen out for the fishmongers and fruit vendors yelling out some bargains. It pays to pay attention here, people.  

18. Bring your reusable bags.

Queen Vic Market (like the rest of Victoria) went plastic bag free in 2019 so bring your reusable bags (and one more than you think you'll use, just in case).

While you're here, enjoy 17 Melbourne hacks to make your life easier.

Plus, 33 ways to not be a dick on melbourne public transport..

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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A Brief History of Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market

What does the queen victoria market have to offer, queen victoria market’s best stalls, queen victoria market’s best food, the queen victoria night market and special events, some local tips for the queen victoria market, what are the queen victoria market opening hours.

One of Melbourne’s most popular and beloved destinations amongst locals and visitors alike, the Queen Victoria Market has stood proudly at the top of the city’s CBD for nearly 150 years. The market is a hub of activity and personifies all the things Melbourne is loved for, from their people to their culture and their food. Offering fresh goods, as well as specialty stalls, cafe and food options, every Melbournian has their own personal relationship with this bustling place.

With Veriu’s new boutique apartments Veriu Queen Victoria Market right around the corner, we thought it best we put together our Local’s Guide to this iconic place. So take a look and come see what all the fuss is about.

The Queen Victoria Market is a site of local significance for many different people, playing an important role in Melbourne’s social and economic history. Beginning as a wholesale market it has continually grown and developed, particularly in the 1970’s, when the market reinvented itself and has today become a hub of activity with over 10 million people visiting annually. It stands as the last remaining market from the great group of Melbourne’s central 19th century markets. Along with the Prahran and South Melbourne markets, it is one of only three Victorian era markets remaining.

The site of Queen Victoria Market was originally known as Burial Hill. For nearly 20 years between 1837 and 1854, this was the site of the city’s first official cemetery, Old Melbourne Cemetery. There are still an estimated 6000-8000 early settlers buried beneath the modern day market. By 1854 the site was deemed too close to the city and too small for Melbourne’s growing population and moved to a bigger site in Carlton. If you look carefully as you stroll around the upper market area, you may find small metallic disks embedded in the ground marked with the words “Old Melbourne Cemetery boundary” have been installed in the ground marking out the perimeter of the original cemetery.

With a footprint that takes up over two city blocks and seven hectares, this market is home to over 600 small businesses that operate under its umbrella. Like many of the world’s great markets, Queen Vic offers everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, bakeries, butchers, fishmongers, local and imported gourmet foods and everything else in between. Then there’s the non-food items, with stalls dedicated to clothing, designer leather, lifestyle and beauty care, electronics, household goods, pet care, toys and souvenirs. To top this off there is a fantastic food court offering top notch fare from all over the globe, most using the produce and products found within the walls of the market itself. The boutique apartments Veriu Queen Victoria Market calls this place home also, so you don’t even have to leave.

With so many things on offer, it would take days to get through and enjoy all of what Queen Victoria Market has to offer. We thought we’d narrow things down a bit and give you a sample of some of our favourite stalls within the market we keep coming back to, over and over again.

Polish Deli: From smoked Polish sausage to soft potato pierogi and condiments from all over Eastern Europe, this stall has been looking after the Melbourne Polish community since the 60’s. Cold cuts are sliced on the spot to ensure the freshest possible hams and meats.

Happy Tuna: You really can’t go wrong among all fishmongers at QVM. These guys have been here since 1920 and are one of the standouts, with expert advice on all things seafood along with high quality fish caught straight out of the bay.

Bill’s Farm: Arguably one of the best cheesemongers in the country, this place has some of the best local and important cheese you will ever come across.

M&G Caiafa: A market staple, this corner stall has been baking and providing loaves to market-goers for over 40 years. Brownies, bagels, burnt Basque cheesecakes and warm croissants are just some of the crowd favourites from this busy little bakery.

Curds & Whey: From truffle-infused grana padano cheese to Warrnambool butter carved straight off the big slab on the counter, this place is a dairy wonderland. They also stock vinegars, passatas and other products that pair nicely with your cheese purchases.

G&C Produce: When it comes to fresh fruit and veg, Gus and Carmel Bressi are some of the most knowledgeable in the game. With a friendly smile they’ll guide you to the freshest in-season produce the market has.

The Borek Bakehouse: Spicy lamb, spicy potato, spinach and cheese…take your pick. The women at this small shop must make hundreds of boreks a day, and there aren’t many left at the end. Know what you want to order when you get to the counter, as things move fast here.

Meet Sando: Japanese katsu sandwiches, need we say more. Fillings include mushroom, pork, egg, prawn and chicken. The team serves Proud Mary coffee also.

Market Lane Coffee: For your caffeine fix look no further than these local brewing stars. Located in the Dairy Hall, this is one of their eight outposts in Melbourne. They also sell fresh bags of roasted beans and brewing equipment so you can test your barista skills at home.

American Doughnut Kitchen: You will see the queue before you see this doughnut van, located on QVM’s Queen Street side. Don’t worry, the line moves fast, and the doughnuts are warm and fresh. You’ll want more than one!

Little League: Head down String Bean Alley for some of the best coffee around and a sweet treat or two. Don’t miss the egg and bacon pastries or dark choc and raspberry muffins!

Bratwurst Shop & Co: This iconic stall always has hoards of people gathered waiting for the fix of perfectly cooked bratwurst accompanied by any number of sauces, sauerkrauts and cheeses.

If you feel like taking a break from the busy market area, North Melbourne’s shopping precinct is only a short stroll away and has plenty of great spots to rest your legs and grab a coffee and bite. Check out our Guide To North Melbourne’s Best Cafes for some inspiration.

Aside from the night markets, there are seasonal Book Markets, Craft Fairs, Rockabilly Retro Market and the String Bean Alley Christmas Night Market. The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival and Melbourne Music Week often incorporate events within the market site and there’s even been a vintage Holden car exhibition.

If you’re interested in learning about different parts of the Queen Victoria Market, there are several guided tours including the Ultimate Foodie’s Tour, Sustainable Shopping Tour and the Seafood Lover’s Tour.

Check out the Queen Victoria Market’s latest events .

Arrive Early: Beat the crowds so you don’t miss out on the best produce of the day before it sells out.

Arrive Late: Some of the best bargains you will find will be at the end of the day when stalls are trying to offload the last of their produce. Vendors will often offer up great deals and you could walk away with trays of fresh seafood and or a box of mangoes for under ten bucks.

Take Cash: Some stalls may offer a discount if you pay with cash. Reusable Bags: Be kind to the environment and bring a couple of spare reusable bags.

Make a Plan: Queen Victoria Market is big. It’s fun to wander, but if you’re time poor it’s best to come in with a plan. Check out the QVM Map so you can come prepared.

Take a Lap: Doing a tour of the different stalls and vendors before making any purchase decisions may pay dividends. You can compare the quality and prices of fresh produce between stalls, find your new favourite cheese shop or stumble across the best doughnuts you’ll ever taste.

Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 6am-3pm Saturday, Sunday 6am-4pm Monday, Wednesday (closed) Night Markets 5pm-10pm (seasonal)

Keep an eye on their trading hours as they often tend to open extra days around special events and public holidays.

Address: Corner of Elizabeth and Queen Streets, Melbourne 3000 Website: https://qvm.com.au/

How to get to the Queen Vic Market: A short walk from the city centre, you can access the market via Peel, Franklin, Victoria and Elizabeth Streets. The market is also just a short walk from the Veriu Queen Vic Market apartments , which are the perfect base for exploring the market and Melbourne.

By Bike: There is free bike parking in and around the market. Bike Lanes run along Victoria Parade and Elizabeth Street.

By Car: Paid parking is available in the market’s open air and undercover car parks, both accessible via Queen St. For early birds, parking is free between 6am and 9am, and then $6 for the first two hours after 9am. Click through to check out the parking map and rates. There is free 1P and 2P parking in the streets surrounding the market but it can be pretty tricky to nab a spot on market days.

By Tram: There is a tram stop directly in front of the Queen Victoria Market on Elizabeth St. Trams 19, 57, 58 ,59 all travel along that route. You can check up to date tram timetables at the Yarra Trams website.

By Train: The Queen Victoria Market is only a 7 minute walk from Melbourne Central Station, which connects to all Melbourne train lines. Check the Public Transport Victoria site for schedule and times.

Now that you have a better idea of what Queen Victoria Market is all about, you’re equipped for a big day of eating, shopping and taking in the atmosphere of this cultural icon. If you’re visiting Melbourne, make sure you check out Veriu Queen Victoria Market apartments , for a great place to stay right on the doorstep of the market and city. And after a big day at the market, we have a guide to the Best Restaurants to Try in North Melbourne , just a short walk from the market and Veriu apartments where you can relax and dine at some of Melbourne’s best dinner spots.

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Queen Victoria Market

Top choice in Melbourne

With more than 600 traders, 'Vic Market' is a large open-air market brimming with food, shopping and cultural experiences. Early mornings are best for fresh produce, taste-testing or dodging the booming cries of stall holders. Lunch hour sees shoppers queuing for street food and flower stalls, serenaded by a rotating cast of buskers.

The deli hall, lined with stalls selling everything from Australian cheeses, to Polish sausages and kangaroo biltong, has some Art Deco era flourishes.

Clothing and knick-knack stalls dominate on Sunday; they're big on variety, but don’t come looking for style (if you’re in the market for sheepskin moccasins or cheap T-shirts, this is the place).

Various tours are run by the market including heritage, cultural and food tours; check the official website for details.

Queen Victoria Market night market

In summer – and again in winter – there’s a hawker-style Night Market on a Wednesday after hours (5pm to 10pm) with pop-up bars, outdoor seating, live music and DJs, plus local makers selling boutique wares.

The market has been here for more than 130 years; before that, from 1837 to 1854, it was the old Melbourne Cemetery. Remarkably, around 9000 bodies remain buried here, from underneath Shed F to the car park leading to Franklin St. There's a small memorial on the corner of Queen and Therry Streets.

Redevelopment and parking

Note that an ongoing redevelopment program to preserve various market buildings is being rolled out in various phases, so you might find construction work on in sections when you visit.

Parking can be an issue, but most people use the many public transport options and bicycle parking is also available.

cnr Elizabeth & Victoria Sts. Melbourne

Get In Touch

03-9320 5822

https://​www​.qvm​.com​.au​/

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Melbourne Queen Victoria Market: Day, Night and Weekend

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Of all the Melbourne markets, the Queen Victoria Market is the most famous. In addition to the normal Queen Victoria Market hours, there are special event Queen Vic Market days and nights that are highly entertaining. Visiting the QVM – whether during the day, night or on a weekend – is a must-do in Melbourne, Australia!

Queen Victoria Market Melbourne, Australia

The buzzing halls of the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne have all the ingredients of a thriving metropolitan marketplace – meat, fish, produce, prepared food, clothing and gadgets. While some spaces like these have become geared toward tourists, there is no doubt that Queen Victoria Market is where urban locals do their shopping and their socializing. 

Queen Victoria Market History

The Queen Victoria Market has a long history in Melbourne. The QVM officially opened in 1878, but trading took place on the same site prior to that. Although the bazaar has seen numerous changes and renovations during its existence, it remains one of the best-preserved 19th century markets in Melbourne. 

Visiting QVM: Tips and Info

Today, the Queen Victoria Market has indoor and outdoor booths taking up more than two blocks – and we’ve covered every aisle! Kris, who normally isn’t nearly as enamored with these spaces as I am, was quite entertained at the Queen Victoria Market!

Where is Queen Vic Market?

The Melbourne Queen Victoria Market isn’t limited to a single address. However, the iconic entrance to the Queen Victoria Market Shops is at the southwest corner of Elizabeth and Victoria Streets. We’ve marked the entrance on this Queen Victoria Market Map. 

However, the majority of the Queen Victoria Market stalls are bounded by Queen Street, Victoria Street, Peel Street and the QVM car park (which is bordered by Franklin Street to the south). 

Use this pin drop for the Queen Victoria Market Address and directions from your location. 

When is Queen Vic Market Open?

Figuring out the Queen Victoria Market opening hours can be a bit confusing. The Queen Vic Market times vary by day of the week, season and is closed on public holidays. The regular Queen Victoria Market days of operation are as follows:

• Monday – Closed
• Tuesday – Open 6am to 3pm
• Wednesday – Closed
• Thursday – Open 6am to 3pm
• Friday – Open 6am to 3pm
• Saturday – Open 6am to 4pm
• Sunday – Open 9am to 4pm

Special QVM Market Functions and Event Hours

Sections of the QV Markets are also open for special events. For example, the seasonal Queen Vic Night Market is open on Wednesdays only during summer and winter. Also, the QV in Melbourne hosts a multitude of festivals, which typically take place on the weekends. 

• Seasonal Night Market – Wednesday; 5pm to 10pm
• Specialty Shopping Events – Begin at 9am

Top Tip:  Confirm current hours and special events on the QVM official website .

What are Queen Victoria Market Events?

QVM ranks as one of the best markets in Melbourne – and it’s not just for the shopping opportunities! During special events at Queen Victoria Market visitors are able to partake in a range of programs, tours, festivals and entertainment. 

We were so enthralled by the QV Market events that in addition to visiting the regular market during the day, we also went to the Winter Night Market and Euro Union Sunday Market.

What To Do at QV Markets in Melbourne

Those planning to visit the Melbourne QV Markets should determine which one is most appealing – as the Traditional Day Market, Night Market and Weekend Events Markets can all offer something quite unique. 

We are highlighting the best things to do at the different markets to help fellow travelers determine which to include in their Melbourne Itinerary . 

Queen Victoria Market: Traditional Day Market

During the day, the Queen Vic Market stalls are open for business and bustling! The massive market can feel overwhelming, but it is actually all extremely organized and easy to navigate. Just let yourself wander and take in the atmosphere!

Specialty Shopping and General Merchandise

One of the most interesting places in the Melbourne Queen Victoria Market in the general merchandise section. Housed along Queen Street, the maze of goods is where we started our first exploration of QVM. Guests can spend hours strolling through the seemingly endless aisles of clothing, purses and kitschy trinkets. The individual trading booths spread out like a grid in the warehouse-like setting.

The market is a fabulous place to pick up souvenirs – and anything else that you might need for your Melbourne trip. Scarves, jerseys, socks, stuffed kangaroos, sweaters and painted boomerangs are all for sale. But, wait, there’s more! Traders also sell heaps of jewelry, a variety of coats, useful kitchen utensils, an abundance of shoes and a diverse collection of hats.

Queen Victoria Market Doughnuts

The American Doughnut Kitchen is a mainstay at the QV Market in Melbourne. Serving up Hot Jam Doughnuts since the 1950s, indulging in the sugary treat during your visit is a must! 

The bus-turned-kitchen sits between the Specialty Merchandise Shed and the Produce Shed. A sign in the windshield of the American Doughnut Kitchen bus, “Hot Doughnuts Now Ready”, indicates that they are open. You’ll likely locate the long line to the driver side window first.

The “5 for $5.50” deal is now “10 for $20” but each doughnut costs $2 regardless, unless you order 200 or more! For us, one bite told the story of the queue; the warm cherry-filled, sugar-covered nugget was probably the best doughnut we’ve had in years.

Top Tip:  Don’t lollygag, these delectable donuts are typically sold out by 2pm!

Fruit and Veg at QVM

Seeing the bright and buzzing QVM produce section is a highlight of the market. Fruits are displayed in colorful bursts. Energetic vendors shout out deals. Vegetables are weighed on old-fashioned scales and shoppers quickly fill their bags.

Traditionally, produce is quite cheap at the QV Market (although prices may be on the rise). Personally, I took note of the inexpensive prices of apples and pears and realized I pay double to triple the amount at our local Melbourne supermarket.

Meat and Fish Hall QVM

The small meat and seafood hall of the Queen Vic Market is an interesting place to see – but not likely a place for tourists to shop. 

Nevertheless, we recommend strolling through the market to see the types of food on offer. The thick slabs of meat and whole fresh fish were displayed on trays and kept in cooled glass cases. The meat hall is actually quite similar to a grocery store setting and unlike other, perhaps less regulated, markets that we’ve visited around the globe. 

QVM Dairy Produce Hall

The Deli Hall – or Dairy Produce Hall – at Queen Victoria Market has tantalizing displays of local cheeses, cured meats and chocolate treats. Prepared foods and fresh baked goods tempt the taste buds. 

When we entered, we were overcome by the glorious scent of pastries hot-from-the-oven and savory sausages. After sampling a delicious creamy blue cheese, we couldn’t resist trying the fragrant Turkish lamb borek, followed by a decadent chocolate brownie bar!

Queen Victoria Market – Night Market

The Queen Victoria Winter Night Market is a completely different experience from the day time adventure. Unlike the traditional day market, the QVM night event is all about feasting and entertainment.

Set outdoors under the sheds, food vendors at the Queen Vic Night Markets are situated in a large ring around the perimeter of the hall, while a handful of art and craft stalls sit in the center. Meanwhile a DJ, live band or silent disco entertains the crowds. 

To keep warm during the Winter Night Market at QVM, blazing fire pits are set up outside, but a glass of mulled wine could also do the trick!

Plan Your Visit to the Queen Vic Market Night Event

The Queen Victoria Night Market is a seasonal weekly event that takes place throughout the year – either as the Queen Vic Summer or Queen Vic Winter Night Market. The hours of the QVM Melbourne Wednesday Night Market are 5pm until 10pm. 

What To Eat at Queen Victoria Market Night Market

The food stalls at the Queen Victoria Night Market offer tempting international fare as chefs cook an eclectic array of aromatic dishes. The smoke and scents mingle together in the enormous shed and encourage visitors to get a little bit of everything.

With so many choices – hot soup in a bread bowl, ramen burgers, grilled seafood and sizzling meat – it can be difficult to commit to just one choice. On our trip to the QVC Night Market, we tried an array of artfully crafted dishes – from Roti Canai to grilled satay chicken skewers. 

Queen Victoria Market – Weekend

In addition to the Queen Victoria Market at night, there are other special programs on weekends. From book fairs to festivals to workshops, the QV Market is especially fun to visit on weekends!

Queen Victoria Market Sunday

Our Melbourne visit coincided with a special event at QVM: the Euro Union Sunday Market – which included a mix of elements from the day and night QVM markets. The regular day market was operating, but on Queen Street, between the merchandise and produce (where the American Doughnut bus sits), there was a pop-up Queen Victoria Market Food Court. 

A handful of food stalls were cranking out European street food for the fun festival. Pizza, kebabs, paella, sausages and crepes were among the offerings. There was a small beer garden serving local Melbourne brews and a performer was strumming Spanish tunes. The QV Market Melbourne was the perfect way to idle away an afternoon. 

Queen Victoria Market Tour

Another fabulous way to experience the market is on a guided tour. While we love exploring places on our own, sometimes it is better with a guide – especially when food is involved! Queen Victoria Market tours are an excellent way to discover the best of the QVM – with a little help from a local.

Queen Victoria Market Foodie Tour

The QVM Ultimate Foodie Tour is the official tour at the market. The 2-hour tour is led by a local guide who shares insight into the history of the market. Participants get to sample local delicacies (like grilled kangaroo and hot jam donuts) and sip regional wine. The small-group tours are limited to just 12 people per tour. Reserve Your Space!  

More Food Markets in Melbourne

While the QV Market ranks supreme, there are other Melbourne food markets where travelers can get a taste of local eats and enjoy the busy atmosphere. 

The South Melbourne Market is a top spot for foodies and a good pick for gourmet eats and organic food is the popular Prahran Market. 

Melbourne Travel Tips and Australia Travel Guides

We have spent months traveling around the Land Down Under. There are heaps of helpful insights and honest advice in our articles to help you prepare for your vacation to Australia!

• Best Melbourne Things To Do
• Perfect 3 Days in Melbourne
• Self-Guided Melbourne Walking Tour
• Free Tours in Melbourne
• Famous Melbourne Laneways
• Great Ocean Road Tour on a Budget 
• Hobart, Tasmania Itinerary
• Visit spectacular Sydney , tropical Cairns and beautiful Brisbane
• Tour pleasant Perth , hit the beaches on the Gold Coast and trek in the Blue Mountains

Start planning your trip to Australia ! Search for the lowest airfare s, the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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Our trading hours:

• Tuesday: 6am - 3pm
• Thursday: 6am - 3pm
• Friday: 6am - 3pm
• Saturday: 6am - 4pm
• Sunday: 9am - 4pm

Please note specialty shopping opens at 9am every Market day.

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Welcome to the official website of Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne’s iconic Marketplace.

A Brief  History

Also known affectionately as ‘Vic Market’ or ‘Queen Vic’, the Queen Victoria Market has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for more than a century. An historic landmark spread over two city blocks, it’s a vibrant and bustling inner-city market where you can shop at over 600 small businesses for everything from Australian fruit and vegetables, local and imported gourmet foods, clothing and souvenirs.

Click  here  for more information about the Market’s history.

Come and Visit Us

The Market is open five days a week: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Click here  for a full list of our trading hours.

Experience our Ultimate Foodie Tour 

Experience the Market at its liveliest on our Ultimate Foodie Tour. Led by your local Market guide, you’ll discover the very best produce on offer, learn fascinating history and uncover the specialty foods you can buy. Click here to book a tour today. Please note our tours are not currently running during COVID-19.

Commitment to Sustainability 

Queen Victoria Market has implemented a number of initiatives to enable shoppers to shop with sustainability and the environment in mind.

In May 2019, the Market introduced a market-wide ban of single use plastic bags and straws.

Visitors to the Market have a variety of options available to shop without plastic bags – hire a trolley from Market Espresso , buy a reusable bag from the Queen Victoria Market Visitor Hub, or fill a cardboard box from Pick-A-Box locations on Queen Street and I Shed.

The Market also has five worm farms on site which can receive 2kgs of fresh food waste each day. This waste is converted into nutrient-rich fertiliser by the worms which then is used around the Market in potted trees and plants.

For more information on sustainability at the Market, click here.

Stay up to date with us! 

Want to stay in the know with us here at the Market?

Sign-up to our monthly enewsletter here. Follow us on Facebook . Follow us on Instagram .

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23 Spectacular Melbourne tourist attractions you can’t miss

In a city like Melbourne, you can get stuck eating all the food for your whole visit. Many people visiting Melbourne come for the tiny laneways filled with some of the best food in the world, the cafe culture that many other countries wish they had and the beauty that has won us the most liveable city in the world numerous times…but what are some of the best Melbourne tourist attractions you can’t miss?

For locals, we have our Melbourne favourites, and some Melbourne tourist attractions get lost in the memory bank by accident. There are new Melbourne attractions popping up continuously and changing on a regular basis and at times it is hard to keep up and choose which ones to go to.

Places of interest in Melbourne for visitors and residents alike are everywhere in one of the world’s most liveable cities. Let us introduce you to some cool places to visit in Melbourne.

The best Melbourne tourist attractions

Melbourne city is easy to get around and you will find so many amazing things to do in Melbourne. There are Melbourne tourist attractions for all ages, all abilities and for every budget.

Spending time in Melbourne is brilliant. If you are visiting Melbourne for a weekend away you can always find some new Melbourne tourist attractions that you have not been to before. Melbourne is a wonderful city full of culture, fabulous food and sites for everyone.

These Melbourne tourist attractions should go on your next Melbourne getaway itinerary.

Melbourne Skydeck (Eureka Skydeck)

Located on Southbank this viewing platform will give you breathtaking views over the city of Melbourne . The building is just over 297 meters high and the viewing platform has floor-to-ceiling windows giving you an uninterrupted, spectacular view.

If you love heights and want an extra experience at the Eureka Skydeck you can go on The Edge. A top Melbourne tourist attraction that has a unique angle for the thrill-seeker. This glass cube hangs out over the Melbourne streets from the 88th floor.

You will find a small kiosk with snack foods and drinks, with a few seating options, so you can get the full experience while watching the views over Melbourne. If you’re on a romantic evening out in Melbourne, there is a fine dining restaurant with great views you can eat at as well.

Eureka 89 restaurant

If you are looking for an unforgettable Melbourne experience then a meal in the Eureka Skydeck restaurant would make your trip to Melbourne unforgettable.

Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing deck!

Address: 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006

Opening hours: Daily 12 pm – 10 pm

Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium

Explore Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium in the heart of Melbourne, Australia. Witness awe-inspiring marine life in the massive Oceanarium, interact with penguins in the Antarctic Adventure zone, and admire delicate seahorses in Seahorse Pier.

Discover jellyfish, and vibrant coral reefs, and even try Shark Dive Xtreme for a thrilling experience. Nearby, you can stay at the conveniently located apartments and hotels in Melbourne’s CBD , making it easy to access this aquatic wonderland.

Dive into a world of underwater marvels at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. Book your Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium tickets today.

Address: King St, Melbourne, VIC 3000

Opening Hours: 10.00-5.00 Monday to Friday and 9.30-5.00 on weekends.

Australian Sporting Museum – Melbourne sightseeing

The Australian Sporting Museum is located at the MCG and is a top of the Melbourne tourist attraction for anyone who loves sport. With interactive displays and a chance to actually play some games, there is a plethora of information about the history of some of the most popular sports in Australia and Victoria.

Address: MCG, Brunton Ave, Melbourne VIC 3000

Opening hours: Daily 10 am – 5 pm

The MCG – Tourist Attractions Melbourne

The ‘G’ as many Australians would lovingly call it is the home of sport and one of the top Melbourne tourist attractions. For visitors to Melbourne, this is where you can see some of the sports played in our country, which is an experience in itself!

The MCG is the home to AFL (season running from March to September) and cricket (season running from November to February) and with seating available for 100,000 people it is one of the biggest arenas in the world. Not only can you watch a sporting spectacle you can also tor the stadium and learn about the history and home of all sports in Melbourne.

Did you know the Melbourne Cricket Ground held the Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956 and Pope John Paul II held a mass here on his visit in 1986?

Address: Brunton Ave, Richmond VIC 3002

Opening hours: This will depend on your activity

Shrine of Remembrance

The Shrine of Remembrance is a War Memorial to honour all who served in the Australian Military . It is the National War Memorial of Victoria and is the largest in the State. This makes the Shrine of Remembrance a top Melbourne tourist attraction for anyone who loves history.

You will find the museum at the Royal Botanic Gardens featuring many displays from Returned Soldiers and their families who have donated items, letters and stories to be handed down to the next generations.

Address: Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3001

St Kilda Beach – Melbourne tourist spots

A little over 30 minutes out of the Melbourne CBD you can escape to the St Kilda beach on a hot Melbourne day. Here you will find a calm beach where you can have a paddle or a sunbake while getting beautiful views of the Melbourne skyline. You can get access to the beach via car or easily by public transport.

The St Kilda beach is also a wonderful place to sit and eat at one of the brilliant cafes that line the shore.

St Kilda Beach Little Penguin colony

Another bonus is that St Kilda Beach has a colony of Little Penguins that live there. If you are lucky you can see them come in from the water before dusk along the promenade at the St Kilda Breakwater .

Discover more of Victoria: 11 fun-filled day trips from Melbourne you have to do!

Melbourne Sights – Luna Park

If you have had your fill at the St Kilda beach, then make your way to the iconic Luna Park . This old-time funfair will have you entertained for hours with a hair-raising ride to one of the oldest continually running wooden roller coasters in the world.

There is parking around Luna Park but it is limited and it can be expensive. It is timed and the inspectors are all over it if you are late. The fines are astronomical if you don’t pay.

Address: 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182

Opening hours: Daily 11 am – 10 pm

Southbank – Melbourne places to visit

Wander beside the famous Yarra River with some of the very best restaurants in Melbourne at your fingertips. This is also a lot on during the evening which makes it a perfect romantic stroll. It is busy at times with street performers and art installations. the perfect location for Going on a date in Melbourne .

Planning a day at Luna Park? Here is everything you need to know to plan an epic visit to Luna Park

National Gallery of Victoria

Locally known as the NGV the National Gallery of Victoria is the oldest art gallery in Australia. Here you will find art from all over the world and at times travelling exhibitions as well.

Address: 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006

The City Circle Tram

The iconic Melbourne trams are one of the main features of the city and one that anyone visiting Melbourne must experience. Route 35 is a free route through the streets of Melbourne in an old-style W6 class tram and will see you pass many of the best Melbourne tourist attractions.

Using this tram is a great way to see the city, but it can get busy during holidays. You can plan your trip to Melbourne and all of the Melbourne tourist attractions that are on your must-see list easily with city circle tram route 35.

Cruise the iconic Yarra River

There is no better way to see a city than from the water and a cruise on the Yarra River in Melbourne is no different. Seeing all the best Melbourne tourist attractions from the water takes away the large crowds that can gather in the city and gives you a different view of Melbourne.

There are so many options to cruising the Yarra River when you visit Melbourne, from short cruises to dinner and show options.

Take a scenic 1 hour cruise on the Yarra

With dinner and drinks

Regional Victoria wants YOU! 21 of the best places to visit in Victoria

Queen Victoria Market – Melbourne City attractions

Want a Melbourne tourist attraction with a bit of everything? Then Queen Victoria Market is for you! This amazing mixture of everything Melbourne is famous for is held in one place. Here you will find a food hall with foods from all over the world and a huge fresh food market.

In the back of the market is a large shopping area with Melnpourne tourist souvenirs for you to take home or buy a Melbourne souvenir for friends.

During the year Queen Victoria Market also olds twilight markets and food truck events, making it one of the most popular Melbourne tourist attractions for the locals too!

China Town Melbourne

Many people visiting Melbourne love to spend some time in Chinatown Melbourne. Not only will you find fantastic food here, but there are plenty of bars with live music and clubs for you to dance the night away.

If you are looking for a great night out with a great meal, China Town is one of the best Melbourne tourist attractions.

Budget travel in Melbourne? Yes!  Here are the best free things to do in Melbourne

Old Melbourne Gaol

One of the oldest Melbourne tourist attractions and probably one with the most colourful past, the Melbourne Gaol can, at times, leave you with goosebumps.

The old bluestone building was home to some of Melbourne’s worst criminals from 1845 until its closure in 1924 and is now a museum where all can learn about the history of the Melbourne criminal system.

Cells are open, and you can also tour the adjourning watch house. The old Melbourne Gaol is also where Ned Kelly was hung.

Address: 377 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 10 am – 5 pm

Melbourne Museum and The Exhibition Building

Not only is Melbourne blessed with Australia’s oldest Art Gallery, the NGV, but it also has the largest history and cultural museum. Here you will find a plethora of displays, from Australian artefacts to ancient fossils.

At times the Melbourne Museum is also home to touring exhibitions usually held for a few months at a time to give visitors enough time to experience it.

The Melbourne Museum is located in the Carlton Gardens and is next door to the Royal Exhibition Building which is a UNESCO-graded building.

Address: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053

Opening hours: Daily 9 am – 5 pm

ArtVo – Melbourne tourist places

Artvo at the Docklands puts you in the picture. This immersive ‘trick-art’ gallery allows you to get amazing pictures. You become part of the art with 3D images putting you on a surfboard in big waves, hanging off the side of a Melbourne tram or riding a gondola in Venice.

You will walk through various zones, including the fantasy zone, where people explore the ocean, polar ice caps, space and the forest. If you are visiting Melbourne with kids, this is one of the top Melbourne tourist attractions for families.

Address: 07 Level/1 26 Star Cres, Docklands VIC 3008

Opening hours: Daily 10 am – 6 pm

Sightseeing in Melbourne – Fitzroy Gardens

At the Fitzroy Gardens in Melbourne, you will find the Fairy Tree. The tree was one of the original trees planted over 300 years ago and has fairies carved into it today. Captain Cooks’s cottage was taken stone by stone in England and rebuilt in Melbourne Park. Cook founded Australia on one of his many exploration journeys.

You can wander the gardens and even bring a blanket for a wonderful picnic in the Fitzroy Gardens. This is one of the best Melbourne tourist attractions for relaxing free of charge in the city.

Need summer holiday plans? We have you covered with the best places for a summer holiday in Victoria

Federation Square – a famous place in Melbourne

Once deemed an eyesore by many Victorians, Federation Square has now grown on us and is part of the Melbourne tourist attractions you can’t miss. There are numerous bars and eateries where you can watch the Melbourne world go by. If you are looking for a budget option in Melbourne you can grab a sandwich or take away and sit on the steps.

You will also find on occasions that free events are happening in the square.

Flinders Street Station – sightseeing Melbourne

I’ll meet you under the clock! It’s an old saying and one that many Melbournians will know well. It meant I would meet you out the front of Flinders Steet Station, and as the saying says, there are clocks out the front. Flinders Street station was opened in 1854 and is Australia’s oldest train station.

Tour Parliament House

Another great free Melbourne tourist attraction is a tour of the Melbourne Parliament House. Here you can tour the Parliament on weekdays on a 45-minute guided tour. For entry, you will need proof of identity for all who have booked a ticket.

Everyone LOVES a road trip: Use our easy drive North East Victorian road trip itinerary for an epic journey!

Melbourne Immigration Museum

The Melbourne Immigration Museum is a wonderful collection of information and first-hand recollections from people who took the leap and immigrated to Victoria. It goes through the hardships and joys that people find once they reach Victoria.

Here you will also discover the people who helped get Melbourne the reputation of one of the most multicultural cities in the world.

Address: 400 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Opening hours: Daily from 10 am – 5 pm

Melbourne Zoo

Although visiting a zoo these days is not high on people’s lists of top places to visit, Melbourne Zoo is leading the way in animal conservation, especially for the unique Australian wildlife. Here, you can see all the Aussie animals you have read about in large enclosures with state-of-the-art equipment to keep them safe and healthy.

If you are looking for a full day out then a top Melbourne tourist attraction is the Melbourne Zoo. Many people would rank this as the best Melbourne tourist attraction for tourists visiting Melbourne but locals love it as well.

Overnight camping at Melbourne Zoo in tents!

Address: Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052

Arcades and famous laneways – Melbourne sightseeing

They are all over Instagram, and you can see them on the pamphlets that are released by the Victorian tourism associations, looking magnificent rain, hail or shine. The Melbourne Laneways and alleys are not only picture-worthy they are filled to the brim with amazing cafes, original art shops and quirky, vintage clothes sellers. You can find yourself lost in what treasures they hold for hours.

Melbourne Street art – what not to miss in Melbourne

One of the very best free Melbourne tourist attractions is the Melbourne street art installations. These amazing works of art are located all over the city in small lanes and painted by local artists as well as visiting artists from all over the world.

You will find so many around the city with more being added every day. If you are looking for some free Melbourne tourist attractions to visit then the Melbourne street art lanes are for you.

Some Melbourne street art lanes are:

• Hosier Lane

Secret galleries, hidden shops, and lane way cafés.

There are so many amazing Melbourne tourist attractions, so put some of these amazing places on your next Melbourne trip itinerary. Attractions in Melbourne are everywhere, and you will never be short of Melbourne things to do.

Don’t forget, there are numerous places to go in Melbourne, ranging from the iconic Federation Square to the vibrant laneways filled with street art and trendy cafes. Melbourne offers a wide range of attractions for families, including the Melbourne Zoo, Luna Park, and the Royal Botanic Gardens

We hope this article from us here at Explore Victoria has inspired you to embark on your adventure in Victoria, Australia, from popular  caravan parks  and  pristine beaches  to drives along the  Great Ocean Road . Enjoy weekends away on the Mornington Peninsula and discover the cosmopolitan charm of  Melbourne, Victoria ,  with a range of experiences for every traveller who wants to visit Victoria.

Whether you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of the Grampians, the cultural richness of Ballarat , or the autumn colours of  Bright  and  Northern Victoria , there’s no shortage of hidden gems waiting to be discovered in Victoria.

Even if you love  exploring Gippsland  or driving the  Great Alpine Road , Victoria has something special for you, and there is so much more for you to discover. If you are looking for more incredible and best places to  visit in Melbourne  or more travel in Victoria destinations,  Explore Victoria  has some more articles below for you to check out. Expand your horizons and get out and about in Victoria, Australia, for an unforgettable experience. 

If you have an idea, attraction, or top spot in Victoria, please comment or email us at  [email protected] .

More best places to visit in Victoria inspiration

Fun things to do with kids in Victoria

All the best things to do in Bright – weekend itinerary

11 of the very best Victorian beaches

Bec Wyld is the creative force behind the words, blending Explore Victora with a touch of wanderlust. With an innate ability to tell a story that resonates, Bec invites readers on a journey through her home of Victoria Australia. Beyond the keyboard, Bec works in Aged Care helping people to live a better life. With a pen in one hand and on the road in front Bec is on a quest to inspire those looking to explore Victoria through words, images and lifestyle

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Interesting Facts About Queen Victoria Market | Melbourne

• Features:  Melbourne’s inner city market
• Opening Times:   6am-2pm (Tue, Thu), 6am-6pm (Fri), 6am-3pm (Sat), 9am-4pm (Sun)
• Best Time to Visit: Saturday morning/afternoon
• Duration: 1 to   2 hours
• Transport Options:  Train, tram
• Cost:  FREE
• Address: 513 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Victoria,   Australia
• Type:  Market

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Visit the Queen Victoria Market for a real, old-fashioned market experience. Read interesting facts and history about the Market and find lots of information about the market stalls, night markets, tours, opening hours and how to get there.

Full Article

Interesting facts about queen victoria market.

• Queen Victoria Market is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere
• The Market was officially opened on 20 March 1878 and has been running for more than 137 years
• The Market is built on the site of the original Melbourne General Cemetery
• The complex occupies two city blocks, hosts more than 600 traders and attracts over 130,000 visitors per week
• The Market sells everything from fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish to live rabbits and bargain clothes
• The Market is open five days a week and also hosts a Night Market
• The Queen Victoria Market continues to thrive as one of Melbourne’s last remaining traditional working markets

Queen Victoria Market History

Melbourne’s main fresh produce and general goods market has a strange history, occupying the site of the original Melbourne General Cemetery, the city’s biggest cemetery from 1838-1920. In 1877, the idea of converting part of the original cemetery into a marketplace for fruits and vegetables was considered a practical one. At the time, it involved the relocation of only three graves. However, the choice created controversy which did not settle down for some time, as the market’s popularity made it necessary to acquire further portions of the cemetery. In 1917, an act of Parliament granted the removal of 10,000 remains. Identifiable graves were disinterred but some 9,000 corpses remain buried under what is now the carpark. They include the bodies of the first people executed in the city, Aboriginal resistance fighters Robert Smallboy and Jack Napoleon Tunninerpareway.

The market began with the construction of the Wholesale Meat Market in 1878. In 1884, the Meat Market and Elizabeth Street shop facades were built. Further extensions continued to be built until 1936. Today the complex occupying 7 hectares (17 acres) attracts 130,000 visitors per week. Its decorative, high-vaulted ceilings and open sides add to its ornate atmosphere. About 1,000 stalls sell fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meat, cheese, organic food and souvenirs and clothing.

Queen Victoria Market Stalls

The Queen Victoria Market is home to the best and freshest produce in Melbourne. Saturdays are hectic, with thousands of Melburnians stocking up on fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. Clothing and knick-knack stalls dominate on Sundays.

Built in 1927, the beautiful art-deco Dairy Hall is a gourmet foodie’s dream and it’s here you’ll find the famous boreks, bratwurst and countless other mouth-watering goods to tempt your tastebuds. Among the 37 outlets are delicatessens, bakeries and patisseries, a boutique beer and wine shop, confectionaries and a specialist tea and coffee merchant.

Whether you’re after top-quality gourmet sausages, free-range or organic meats (the Market is home to Victoria’s first certified organic butcher), or bracingly fresh seafood – you’ll find it in the Meat Hall. A stately and fully enclosed building, the Meat Hall has 37 outlets selling the freshest available meat, fish and poultry.

Queen Victoria Market offers the largest selection of organic produce in Melbourne. Situated near the corner of Therry and Queen Streets, I Shed has three certified organic fresh fruit and vegetable outlets and includes organic dry goods.

Fruit & Vegetables

Find some of Melbourne’s best and freshest seasonal fruit and vegetables sprawled over four sheds or refuel with a freshly made juice or smoothie. There is also an incredible array of exotic spices and dried herbs, dried fruit and nuts, and an eco-friendly stall stocking the best Australian wines.

Vic Market Place Food Hall

For those wanting to soak up the atmosphere over a meal or light snack, Vic Market Place is the place to be. Vic Market Place is home to the delicious and exotic flavours of the Middle East and India, as well as Australia, Italy and Asia. Choose from any number of dishes, prepared using the finest Market ingredients.

General Merchandise Stalls

The Market’s famous sheds are pure shopping heaven. There is a huge range of clothing and footwear, cosmetics, leather goods, jewellery, handicrafts and homewares, authentic Australian artefacts, souvenirs and much, much more – all at unbeatable prices.

The Market has 500 General Merchandise outlets including:

185 Fashion

60 Art and Craft

85 Accessories

45 Homewares, Furniture and Outdoors

40 Souvenirs, Gifts, Books and Music

25 Footwear

21 Health, Beauty and Wellbeing

15 Services

15 Technical and Eletrical

15 Toys and Games

10 Luggage and Travel Goods

5 Hardware and Automotive

2 Pet Accessories

F-Shed Laneway

Orirignally constructed in 1878, this row of shops comprises an eclectic blend of vibrant cafes and vendors selling covetable homewares, clothes, souvenirs and more.

Victoria Street Shops

You’ll fall in love with these quaint specialty shops, each beautifully restored, offering a gorgeous range of boutique items and quirky, one-of-a-kind finds.

Elizabeth Street Shops

From the fanciful delights of Ambiance to gorgeous cafes, these shops were built in 1884 and have been classified as Historic Buildings.

String Bean Alley

(open Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

Discover this laneway of shipping containers housing artisan wares, local design and specialty coffee.

Queen Victoria Night Market

In addition to the day market held at the Queen Victoria Market five days a week, there’s also a Night Market held in Winter and Summer.

Summer Night Market

The award-winning Summer Night Market attracts more than 25,000 people on Wednesday evenings in summer. The lively Night Market showcases some of Melbourne’s finest artisans, as well as hawker-style global food and some of Melbourne’s best live music and entertainment acts.

Open every Wednesday night from November to March

Queen St, 5pm-10pm

Winter Night Market

The Winter Night Market is a whimsical wonderland where you can enjoy the sound of crackling fires and the smells of deliciously warming soul food, while shopping for goods from some of the region’s best designers and artisans.

Open every Wednesday night from June to August

Queen Victoria Market Tours

Food lovers from all over world will love the Queen Victoria Market tours. During each of the tours, you will take in the life, sounds, stories and the tastes of the iconic seven hectare open-air market. Knowledgeable guides will lead you on a journey through the historic market, while you taste your way around the halls and stalls of glorious, seemingly endless food.

Learn about the historic market, discover Melbourne’s evolving food and coffee culture, and pick up hints on selecting the best seasonal produce. Choose from one of our unique Queen Victoria Market tours below.

Queen Victoria Market Opening Hours

Queen Victoria Market is open five days a week. It is closed on Mondays, Wednesdays and public holidays.

Fresh produce                         Specialty shopping

Tuesday – 6am-2pm                8am-2pm

Thursday – 6am-2pm              8am-2pm

Friday – 6am-6pm                   8am-3pm

Saturday – 6am-3pm               8am-3pm

Sunday – 9am-4pm                 9am-4pm

String Bean Alley is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Queen Victoria Market Address

513 Elizabeth Street (Cnr Elizabeth & Victoria Streets)

How to get to Queen Victoria Market?

Located at the north-western edge of Melbourne central business district, Queen Victoria Market is bounded by Peel, Franklin, Victoria and Elizabeth Streets. The Market is a short stroll from the City centre and can be easily reached via train, tram and the Melbourne Visitor Shuttle bus.

By train: Alight at the Elizabeth Street exit of either the Melbourne Central or Flagstaff Station and walk north along Elizabeth or William Street, respectively.

By tram: Catch any tram travelling north along William Street or Elizabeth Street and get off at Queen Victoria Market stop. Tram No. 19, 55, 57, 59.

Melbourne Visitor Shuttle : Stop 8 on this popular, half-hourly service which operates daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm (excluding Christmas Day). On Labour Day and Anzac Day the service operates from 1pm to 4:30pm.

Queen Victoria Market Parking

Queen Victoria Market has its own paid car park located south of the market. Enter via Franklin or Queen Streets.

FREE parking for early Market shoppers – Enter and exit the Market Carpark between 6am – 10am Sunday to Friday or 6am – 8am on Saturday and don’t pay a cent.

Opening Times

Monday – Friday: 6am-7pm

Saturday: 6am-6pm

Sunday: 6am-6pm

Free parking near Queen Victoria Market can be hard to find particularly during the warm summer months. If you’re looking for free parking, consider browsing the side streets north of Victoria Street.

Queen Victoria Market Map

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. If you have any questions or additions to our Queen Victoria Market page, please add them too.

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The 20 Top Things to Do in Melbourne

Marina is a freelance writer who began contributing to TripSavvy in 2019. She set off with a one-way ticket to Asia in 2017 and has been living and traveling abroad ever since.

Whether you like the finer things in life or you’re backpacking your way around the world , Melbourne caters to every kind of traveler. There are heaps of attractions, museums, food, nightlife, and outdoor activities in this city—it's impossible to get bored here. Instead, you might get overwhelmed with the number of things to tick off the bucket list. That’s not a drama, mate. To help you with your itinerary, we've made a list of the top 20 things to do in Melbourne.

Learn About Melbourne’s Famous Arcades and Laneways

TripSavvy / Maria Ligaya

Melbourne is known for its underground street art—in fact, the city has 40 laneways and arcades practically dedicated to the craft. Take a stroll around Melbourne Central Business District to get a glimpse at this artsy scene, or better yet, hop on a tour . You’ll be guided through Hosier Lane, ACDC Lane, and Hardware Lane—among others—to learn all about Melbourne’s artistic personality. 

Shop for Souvenirs at Queen Victoria Market

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Queen Victoria Market is a significant landmark in Melbourne . It opened in 1878 and has turned into a prime center for food and shopping in the city. Known as “Queen Vic” or “Vic Market” by locals, it’s the place to go if you want to purchase Australian fruits and vegetables, local and imported gourmet foods, or clothing and souvenirs. To learn more about the market stalls, hop on a food tour . It’s open until 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and until 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. In the summer and winter, Queen Vic hosts Wednesday Night Markets, during which it transforms into a lively spot for street food, drinks, and live entertainment.

Wander Through the Royal Botanic Gardens

TripSavvy / Ana Alarcon

The Royal Botanic Gardens offer a quiet escape from the noise of the big city center. Featuring nearly 50,000 plants—both native and non-native—it stretches across 94 acres. You can take a walk along a path called The Tan or throw down a blanket and breathe in the fresh air. There are usually events happening in the gardens, such as heritage walks, wellness experiences, and movie screenings. You’ll find the Royal Botanic Gardens on the south side of the Yarra River.

Ride the Roller Coaster at Luna Park

An amusement park in St Kilda, Luna Park is home to the oldest, continually operating wooden roller coaster in the world. While you’re there, try fairy floss if you haven't already; it’s Australia’s version of cotton candy. And don’t forget to take a picture in front of the open-mouthed, colorful entrance. Luna Park is only open Friday through Sunday and costs AU$5 for a single entry ticket into the park. Once you’re in, you have to purchase a separate ticket for each ride.

Relax at the Peninsula Hot Springs

Take a day trip down the Mornington Peninsula to visit the hot springs. It’s an indoor and outdoor spa with thermal hot baths that reach up to 107 degrees F. For a social experience, visit the Bath House, where you’ll share the naturally-heated pools with other people. There’s a shuttle service that will take you to and from the Peninsula Hot Springs on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Otherwise, it’s an hour and a half drive from Melbourne CBD.

Hop on a Winery Tour of the Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is an Australian wine region that’s an hour’s drive west of the city. The cool and wet climate makes it a prime area for producing wine, particularly Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The best way to experience the Yarra Valley is to hop on a winery tour or hire a car service . Not into wine? Yarra Valley is also known for its artisanal cheese, rich chocolate, and craft beer. If you’re in the area during the end of March, there’s a fun music festival in the vineyards .

Go to a BYOB Restaurant in Chinatown

Melbourne can be an expensive city to visit, so to make things a little cheaper, head to a BYOB restaurant in Chinatown. You have your pick of options here. Shanghai Village Dumpling is a no-frills spot that serves 15 dumplings for AU$7—it's the perfect place for large groups. If you’re looking for a cheap date night option, Juicy Bao provides a more intimate setting with a menu full of pork belly, salt and pepper squid, and bao buns.

Spend Time With Australian Wildlife

Although Melbourne is a big city, there are plenty of opportunities to spend time with Australia’s quirky wildlife. Moonlit Sanctuary is the best way to see wombats, dingoes, Tasmanian devils, potoroos, and pademelons. Not sure what most of those mammals are? Attend a Keeper Talk to learn more about these native animals. Here, you can also feed kangaroos and wallabies, pet koalas, and look at rare birds and reptiles. Since most of the animals here are nocturnal, take a night tour to get the most out of your experience. Moonlit Sanctuary is about a 50-minute drive southeast of central Melbourne, toward the Mornington Peninsula. If you’re unable to rent a car, some tours depart from Melbourne CBD.

Dance the Night Away

From casual bars and live music venues to upscale clubs, Melbourne nightlife is impressive. If you’re looking to dance, New Guernica is a fun spot to go, where you can groove to music spun by some of the country's hottest DJs. When it hits 5 a.m. and you want to keep going, Revolvers Upstairs is a 24-hour nightclub that’s open six days a week. Remember: The drinking age in Australia is 18, and you need to bring your passport if you’re going clubbing. Oddly enough, most places don’t accept a foreign driver’s license. 

Watch an AFL Game at Melbourne Cricket Ground

Also known as "Aussie rules football" or "footy," AFL is Australian Football. It’s not quite the same as American football or even soccer, which is why it’s worth it to attend a game. Although the rules may be confusing to a foreigner, it’s exciting to watch—especially in the impressively large MCG arena . As 10 of the 18 teams are from Melbourne, it's safe to say that Melburnians are super into AFL. The season runs from March to September; you can find tickets to competitions on the MCG website .

Watch Fairy Penguins at Sunset

Every sunset, a colony of tiny fairy penguins migrates from the waters of Port Phillip Bay to the shores of St Kilda (their nests are tucked into the rocks of the breakwater all year-round). As the sun goes down, walk up St Kilda pier to catch a glimpse of these little creatures. A team of volunteers from Earthcare St. Kilda monitor the colony each night and are happy to answer questions about the species. Turn the flash off your phone if you want to snap a picture, and take care to keep your selfie stick packed away.

Road Trip to the Snow

Skiing in Australia spans across four states, including Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, and Australia Capital Territory. The closest resort to Melbourne CBD is Mount Baw Baw , which offers easy downhill runs, two terrain parks, and cross country trails. It’s a quick two and a half hour drive from Melbourne, and lift passes are relatively cheap compared to other resorts in Australia. The ski season runs from late June to early October. You can get to Mount Baw Baw by bus and rent all your gear once you get to the mountain. 

Skydive Over the Beach

Skydiving over St Kilda beach is a total bucket list item for travelers. What better way to see the city than by free falling from 15,000 feet? If you’re feeling like a spontaneous daredevil, the Skydiving Melbourne kiosk is located on the boardwalk, next to St. Kilda Marina.

Embark on a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the City

If you want an incredible view of the city and skydiving isn’t your thing, a hot air balloon ride might be the answer. This mellow journey departs before sunrise every morning and finishes up by 9 a.m, just in time for breakfast. While you're up in the air, you’ll get a view of the Yarra River, the Eureka Skydeck, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Bring a sweatshirt for this experience as it’s a bit chilly in Melbourne during the early morning.

Ride the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel

The Melbourne Star is one of the top 10 tallest observation wheels in the world. It reaches 394 feet—the height of a 40-story building—and provides an epic view of the city skyline from the Docklands. You’ll be in an enclosed cabin that provides audio commentary about the history of Melbourne as well as giant observation wheels in general. Each rotation takes about 30 minutes, so you’ll have enough time to relax and take in your surroundings. You can opt to upgrade your experience with some bubbly if you’re feeling fancy.

Laugh at a Comedy Show

Melbourne throws a massive international comedy festival from March to April each year—but if you’re not in town during that time, stop by a comedy club. The Comic’s Lounge in Carlton hosts performers six nights a week. It’s an-old school venue where local and international comedians have practiced their craft over the years.

Watch a Performance at Princess Theatre

A Melbourne landmark, Princess Theatre is an old-school performance theatre that dates back to 1854. While its performance schedule is ever-changing, it has shown such shows as "The Phantom of the Opera," "Les Misérables," and currently, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."

Browse Through Modern and Contemporary Art

TripSavvy / Ana Alarcon

The National Gallery of Victoria is the oldest and most visited art gallery in Australia. It’s a huge building that hosts a variety of local and international exhibits, artists, and programs. There are about 75,000 pieces of old and new art on display in the gallery. General entry is free, but if you want to see a specific, current exhibit, you’ll have to book tickets in advance. To make this museum experience a little more fun, you can enjoy live music in the Great Hall when you tour NGV after-hours on Friday nights .

Participate in Brunch

 Courtesy of Lona St Kilda

Melbourne recently jumped on the bottomless brunch bandwagon, catching up to New York City’s boozy scene. Locals usually book a table for two hours and enjoy a leisurely afternoon brunch with friends on the weekend. For about AU$55–65, you can get bottomless drinks plus a main meal at select restaurants in the city. Lona St Kilda , Drumplings , and Holla Coffee Roasters offer top-notch brunch deals thanks to their creative food and drinks menus. Just make sure you book ahead of time.

Have a Night Out at the Casino

Crown Casino is a massive highlight of Melbourne. Walking through the casino is a sight in itself as it's not just about the games—it's also the dining, nightlife, and live entertainment. It’s open 24 hours, so it’s a fun spot for a nightcap and a little people-watching. You can get there by water taxi or by walking across the King Street Bridge from CBD.

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Saturday 24 August 2024 18:38, UK

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The Beauty Queen Killer: 9 Days of Terror

In 1984, 16-year-old Tina Risico is kidnapped by a killer who takes her on a hellish road trip – and forces her to participate in a brutal crime. more

In 1984, 16-year-old Tina Risico is kidnapped by a killer who tak ... More

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Queen Camilla Breaks Royal Tradition With A Rare Appearance

She’s doing things her own way.

Queen Camilla has already broken King Charles’ recently revived royal tradition. Although the Daily Mail reported in early August that the British monarch would spend three months of summer at the Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, as his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II , would during her 70-year reign, Camilla is on the move.

Amid the king and queen’s supposed summertime break, Camilla made an appearance at the Ebor Festival at York Racecourse in York, England on Aug. 24 — much to the surprise of royalists. The queen was announced as patron of the York Racecourse in May, and her visit marked the opening of the Bustardthorpe Development complex. She participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, toured the grounds, and then enjoyed the festivities from the royal box.

King Charles also took a break from their Scottish getaway on Aug. 20, when he met with the families affected by the recent Southport attack . During his visit to the English town , the reigning monarch held private meetings with survivors, met emergency service workers, and signed a book of condolence.

Despite the couple’s recent outings, last summer was an even greater departure from Queen Elizabeth’s royal tradition . In 2023, Charles and Camilla spent much of the summer in London, before flying to France in September for a state visit.

Camilla’s Broken Traditions

This isn’t the first time the senior royal has broken tradition in recent months. In March, Camilla parted ways with an ancient practice dating back to A.D. 600 when she became the first queen consort ( wife of the monarch ) in history to lead the Royal Maundy Service on Easter Sunday.

The historic service was held at Worcester Cathedral, the team of which shared a statement prior to Camilla’s landmark visit. “We are SO excited to announce that we will be welcoming Her Majesty The Queen to the Cathedral,” the statement read . “HM The Queen will be distributing the Royal Maundy gifts on behalf of His Majesty The King.”

In late 2023, Camilla almost broke royal protocol at the traditional State Opening of Parliament before the ceremony had even begun. In footage of the ceremony uploaded by the UK Parliament, eagle-eyed royal fans noticed that the queen went to sit down before the king, which would’ve broken with royal norms of allowing the monarch to sit first. However, before taking her seat, Camilla appeared to realize her near-mistake, and waited for Charles to sit down.

New Times, New Thinking.

The Queen’s greatest act

Craig Brown’s A Voyage Around the Queen shows how Elizabeth II reflected her subjects back at themselves.

By Margaret MacMillan

Years ago, in Kathmandu, I saw a living goddess. Still a child, she sat in a window while crowds gawked at her. Who knew what she was thinking or whether she liked or detested the role that she had been assigned? Queen Elizabeth II was a great distance away not just geographically but also in circumstances – but she presents the same puzzle. True, the living goddess spent her days in a small wooden house on a noisy, dusty street; the Queen in a series of palaces and castles surrounded by great gardens and parklands, with one of the greatest art collections in the world and piles of precious jewels to rival Aladdin’s cave.

Yet both women trod paths that had been chosen for them by fate, whether through karma or descent. Both were the objects of adulation, sometimes hostility, as their observers projected on to them their own biases. Goddess and queen, what were they really like? With the Queen, at least, there were the occasional remarks, a laugh here or a frown there, which give brief hints of a private life away from the unrelenting gaze of the public.

Craig Brown’s wonderfully readable new book is, as the title says, a voyage around the phenomenon of the Queen, rather than a biography. He has done his homework, dutifully reading even the most fawning accounts – an experience like eating candyfloss, he says: “You emerge pink and queasy, but also undernourished.” In fact, he has retrieved a wealth of marvellous details, on the royal corgis, for example, whom he compares to the Corleone clan, in their viciousness and unpredictability.

His more serious object, which he achieves triumphantly, is to explore the impact of the Queen on so many millions of people. And not just in their waking moments but their subconscious too. “Queen of the British psyche,” was Brian Masters’ term. One estimate from the Seventies is that a third of the British dream about the royal family. Her sister, Princess Margaret (the subject of Brown’s 2017 book Ma’am Darling ), dreamed frequently that she had made the Queen very angry. A housewife in Leeds dreams of meeting the Queen on a bus and taking her home for a cup of tea. A famous writer, who chooses to remain anonymous, confesses that he sees the Queen in his dreams as the God from whom no secrets are hidden.

For more than 70 years she did her duty, opening parliaments, holding receptions, receiving dignitaries or launching ships. She visited 117 different countries. She gave out over 400,000 honours and sent 45,000 Christmas cards. Scores of dictators and democratic leaders came and went while she was on the throne. She knew 14 American presidents and 15 British prime ministers. Stalin died in 1953, the year she was coronated, and she lived through the collapse of his Soviet Union in 1991. Her coronation was the first to be televised; millions of people bought tiny black and white televisions for the occasion. Her funeral, watched by half the world’s population according to one estimate, was in colour while drones flew over London to get footage of the gigantic crowds.

The Saturday Read

Morning call.

Those moments, as well as her wedding and her four jubilees, were markers of the passage of time but also the occasion for national reflection. (They were also opportunities for crass commercialism. At her Silver Jubilee some 30,000 separate items were put up for sale and after her death in 2022 a tea bag she had once used sold for $12,000 on eBay.) When the Queen died it was as though a stable and valued monument, like the tree in the Sycamore Gap or Stonehenge, had fallen. She was, said JK Rowling, “a thread winding through all our lives”. A five-mile-long queue stretched through London as people waited patiently to visit her coffin as it lay in state. Scores of sporting events were cancelled and at one primary school Guinea Pig Awareness Week was postponed.

In her lifetime she was not above criticism. The initial reserved reaction of the royal family to the death of Princess Diana was widely attacked in the press and among the public. The then prime minister Tony Blair described the public mood as “menacing”. Throughout her life the Queen was frequently mocked for her conversational gambits – “Have you come far?” – and for so often murmuring “how interesting”. “Her Majesty’s a pretty nice girl,” sang the Beatles when they were young and cheeky, “but she doesn’t have a lot to say.” She had learned early on that simple questions and commonplaces were safest. In longer conversations, as the emperor of Japan once complained, she often talked about dogs and horses. (She found that he talked mainly about his tropical fish.) She was always being watched, often accused of being bored or grumpy. “I’ve the kind of face that if I’m not smiling, I look cross,” she once said.

Wherever she went she walked on new carpets, smelled fresh paint or saw newly planted flower beds. Once in Totnes, guests were advised to stand in a semi-circle to hide the entrance to the men’s lavatory from the royal gaze. At her coronation the pre-eminent royal commentator, Richard Dimbleby, “the Gold Microphone-in-Waiting”, pioneered a special back-to-front sentence for describing her. “The moment of the Queen’s crowning is come,” he intoned from his box behind the high altar in Westminster Abbey.

One of the many delights of Brown’s book is his exploration of the extraordinary effect her mere presence had on people: she was, as he puts it, like a mirror reflecting her observers back on themselves. “To watch a line of some of the most powerful people in the world waiting to be introduced to the Queen,” said the poet Ben Okri, “was to watch something unreal, the visible form of the magnetic power of the moon on the tides.” (When the prominent left-wing playwrights John Osborne, Harold Pinter and David Hare met at a Buckingham Palace reception all said they were there because of their wives.) As they first saw the Queen people often felt slightly woozy, as if a well-known portrait had come alive. Kingsley Amis was so afraid of farting – or worse – in the royal presence that he gave up eating beans for weeks and gobbled down anti-diarrhoea tablets. People found themselves behaving strangely, roaring with fake laughter, their gestures too broad.

If the Queen asked them a question, even the most self-confident found themselves babbling inanely or, for some reason, telling lies. When a young Brown met her he found himself giving her an extensive lecture on English humour. Phil Collins, the rock star, found himself whistling a tune but when the Queen asked him what it was he couldn’t answer. “What came over me?” he asked the radio presenter Terry Wogan. It was, replied Wogan, the “Royal Effect” where “you say the first thing that comes into your head, and you carry the memory of your foolishness with you to the grave”.

In her own fashion the Queen played a role as successful monarchs have done through the ages. She too was surrounded by mystery and rituals, even recently invented ones such as parts of the coronation ceremony. For most of her reign the Queen was supported, with the occasional firework, by Prince Philip, who had created his own public persona as a bluff English naval officer, although his complicated family background and his intellectual curiosity were rather different. She had imagined being an actress once, she said to the then French president François Hollande. Perhaps, replied Hollande, she had become one. Yes, she admitted, “but always the same role.”

Yet when there was talk at the start of the new century of the Queen stepping aside in favour of Prince Charles, a courtier told Max Hastings that he and his fellow journalists just didn’t get it. “She likes being Queen.” Mostly. Perceptively, Brown wonders if part of her love for her corgis was that they did exactly what they wanted. Her passion for horse-racing may have been because it too was unpredictable. For someone who was always expected to be so cautious it meant, he says, “she could be spontaneous, excitable and competitive”. And competitive she was, ruthlessly discarding horses and trainers if they weren’t winning.

Occasionally the woman behind the role peeps out. In the Christmas speech of 1992, the year Princess Anne got divorced, Charles and Diana separated and much of Windsor Castle burned, the Queen talked about how, like other families, hers has had some difficulties. More recently, when the Sussexes lobbed accusations of royal racism from California, the phrase “recollections may vary” was apparently the Queen’s own. She was obliged to entertain some appalling people, from Idi Amin to the Ceaușescus but made it clear she did not like them. President Donald Trump she found “very rude” and wondered why on Earth his wife stayed married to him. (Trump, inevitably, thought he had been a great success.) There is no danger here of candyfloss overload.

At once sympathetic but clear-eyed, kind but sharp, Brown has given us a serious reflection on the nature of power and why institutions such as the monarchy, in the right hands, can provide a society with stability and a sense of continuity, especially in turbulent times. When faced with the alternatives on offer at the moment, even committed republicans may find themselves reconsidering their position.

Margaret MacMillan is emeritus professor of international history at Oxford University

A Voyage Around the Queen Craig Brown 4th Estate, 672pp, £25

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[See also: How motherhood was weaponised ]

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This article appears in the 21 Aug 2024 issue of the New Statesman, The Christian Comeback