#36 – Visit 5 different Melbourne markets
Elizabeth November 16th, 2008
Camberwell Markets, September 2008.
Part of my 101 Things in 1001 Days challenge.
This was such an easy task to complete that I feel slightly guilty even having it on my list. But not quite as guilty as I feel for taking 11 months to complete it!
I have been to the Queen Victoria Markets several times over the course of this challenge – in fact, as recently as yesterday! I particularly like these markets in Winter, when I can take my time coming home with my nanna trolley without worrying about the meat deteriorating. I like stocking up on fish once a month, and usually replenish my supplies of raw almonds and gourmet sausages.
Looking forward to the night markets starting up at the end of this month. It’s been too long since my last injera from the Ethiopian stall.
This fresh produce market is closer to my house, so I’ll probably be seeing more of it now that the weather is heating up. It can be hard work battling the crowds there, but the freshness and value is undeniable. And although I sometimes complain about it, I think it’s good that they close at midday on Saturday so that you’re forced to get there, get out, and get on with the rest of your weekend.
Camberwell has fresh produce markets throughout the week, but it is best known for its Sunday bric-a-brac market. I have only been here once so far, but made an absolute KILLING. I looked a little bit ridiculous carrying 3 vases, jewellery, a CD and FURNITURE home on the tram, but it was totally worth it. I would like to check out these markets more often.
The Prahran markets are walking distance from where I work, and they’re pretty special. As well as having top-grade fresh produce there’s also a great meat & fish section, and The Essential Ingredient right next door. It’s pretty easy to get inspired there.
These markets close at 5pm, so getting there after work is out of the question. And my lunch break isn’t really long enough to make the most of them. However, I’ve just noticed on their website that they open at dawn on weekdays, so maybe I’ll do my shopping early and stow it all in the fridge at work…
It’s a Really Big Deal for me to go to a market and not buy anything, but that’s what happened today. I really enjoyed my time at the St Kilda market, and thoroughly recommend them, but I just didn’t find anything that I needed to own. Well, except for some particularly spectacular artwork that I would have adored, but they were really pricey.
Overall I found these markets to be a bit too touristy. High quality, but tacky. I got far more from the experience of wandering along the Esplanade and breathing in the sea air than I did from the merchandise on offer, but it was still really interesting to see. And besides, I made up for it on Acland St with a haircut and a pretty green amethyst ring!
Looking forward to checking out the St Kilda night markets, now that I know they exist.
