The Abbotsford Convent - Shopping and Eating
This convent has a 148-year-old history once belonging to the Sisters of the Good Shepherd today over 10,000 visitors come for its vibrant shopping and eating outlets. Often you will find an arts and craft market and exhibitions held the newly converted C3 Contemporary Art Space. In Summer there's often a jazz band, a vegan cafe and a monthly slow-food farmers' market and guitar festival. See their site for more events and lovely afternoon with lots of wide open spaces for kids to roam.
www.abbotsfordconvent.com.au
1 St Heliers Street Abbotsford
South Melbourne Markets
A great place to shop for fresh produce and often there are night markets with jazz or local street theatre. Great just to browse and snack on some local delights. There are even Gourmet Tours which includes a number of tastings at different vendors. With any hotel booking we would be happy to book your tour. $30 per person including a market bag.
Open: Wed: 8am – 4pm, Fri: 8am – 6pm and
Sat + Sun: 8am – 4pm
www.southmelbournemarket.com.au
Corner of Cecil Street and Coventry Street
Vintage Melbourne - Empire
A rather beautiful store full of antique pieces and unusual decorative items. This store has everything from lingerie to letters and some interesting wallpaper decorations. The owner has been collecting and fossicking for items for as long as she can remember and now he a rather eclectic range of items for shoppers and those interested in interior design.
www.empirevintage.com.au
63 Cardigan Place, Albert Park P 03 9682 6677
Gig a la Maison
Opposite the South Melbourne markets, an authentic French homeware store stocking items direct from France. Lots of quirky brocante style items like coffee pots and enamelware sets dating back to the 1890s. Worth visitng if you are after something antique with French flair. Combine this with a visit to the Melbourne markets (open Wed to Sunday).
Opening Hours : Wednesday to Sunday - 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Monday and Tuesday - Closed or by appointment.
307 Coventry Street, South Melbourne P: 9699 9630
Vic Markets - Tours with Vendors
Opened in 1878, this is Melbourne’s oldest and most popular markets located in the centre of the city. Over 1,000 stalls offering quality goods from each corner of the globe, Southeast Asian greens, noodles galore, Italian and French cheeses, kangaroo salami, oysters from the Pacific and the best wagyu cuts . This market is so big (and interesting) it warrants a tour. If you would like a tour we can book from as little as $40 which will a shopping bag, chats with the vendors, tasting and of course a little history. The Summer months bring the famous Suzuki night markets, a great place to eat under the stars.
Open Tuesday, Thursday 6am -2pm, Friday 6am-6pm Saturday 6am -3pm & Sunday 9am – 4pm.
The Esplanade Market
Over 150 artisans display their crafts, everything from hand-made childrens' wear, art, jewellery, hands bag and unique Australian gift ideas. A little 'touristy' but a pleasant walk close to St. Kilda beach where you're sure to adjourn for refreshments.
Every Sunday 10am - 5pm
The Esplanade, St Kilda
St Kilda Farmer's Markets
This fresh food products market is held the first Saturday in each month; a wonderful 'Farmer's market'; while small, there's lots to do and see. You'll find honey, cheese, fresh pasta and potatoes from regional Victoria.
It is adjacent to garden allotments which are full of creative artworks and of course a few fruit and veggies growing. The vibrant Ackland Street for more strolling.
Peanut Farm Reserve, Chaucer St St. Kilda
Prahan Markets
Another very special Melbourne markets. The best day to visit are Saturdays when locals buy their weekly produced. Afterwards wonder the shopping district of Chapel Street. Lots of lovely organic and Australian produce.
Closed Mondays. Easily accessible by public transport: Tram No. 72 to Camberwell
Alight at stop no. 30, near Chapel Street.
Bus : Route no. 216/219/220
Departs city, corner Queen Street and Flinders Lane. Alight at stop no. 14, Commercial Road, near Chapel Street.
www.prahranmarket.com.au
163 Commercial Road, South Yarra