Queen Vic Market Ultimate Foodie Tour
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Come on a culinary journey through the beating heart of Melbourne with the Queen Victoria Market Ultimate Foodie Tour!
On this 2-hour guided walking tour, you’ll taste the freshest produce, discover unique ingredients, and explore the Market’s fascinating history. Along the way, learn about our sustainability initiatives and meet some of the Market’s beloved traders who bring it all to life.
Wander through the heritage-listed food halls, stopping at some of the Market’s best stalls to indulge in an abundance of flavours — from fresh fruit and gourmet goodies to sweet treats and classic Market favourites. Every guest also receives a handy tote bag to carry your Market treasures and take a piece of the experience home. Fun, informative, and full of delicious seasonal tastings, this tour is the ultimate way to experience the sights, smells, and tastes of Queen Victoria Market.
Tours run Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10am
Adults $109
Children (5 – 14 years) $59
Littlies (0 – 4 years) FREE
Carers FREE
(Must hold a valid carer or companion card)
Bookings essential
Email us at tours@qvm.com.au
Meeting Place: Your tour guide will meet you on the seats outside Market Espresso & Trolley Hire at the corner of String Bean Alley and Queen Street. They will be wearing a black apron and will be carrying a bundle of white QVM tote bags. Please arrive approximately 10 minutes before the start of the tour. If you are running late, please call 0408 148 966 or 0437 190 249. Refunds will not be given for late arrivals.
What to Bring: We recommend dressing to outdoor weather conditions with comfortable walking shoes. In accordance with the Market’s sustainability policy, we do not provide bottled water. As water refill stations are situated throughout the Market, we recommend bringing a refillable bottle.
How to Get There:
Tram: The Market is located within the free tram zone. Take trams 19, 57 or 59 to stop 7, Elizabeth Street or Tram 58 to stop 9, Peel Street.
Train: Only a 7 minute walk from Melbourne Central and Flagstaff Stations. Walk north along Elizabeth or William Streets.
Car Parking: Enter the undercover and open-air carparks from Queen Street. https://www.carepark.com.au/find-a-care-park/queen-victoria-market/
For all enquiries, please contact tours@qvm.com.au
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As for the rest of the markets I enjoyed the used book stalls, whereas the various knick knacks and clothing sellers another part of the QVM were a bit naff. The fruit and vege looked decent, and I would expect if you were a local or you had a longer time in Melbourne then coming here and loading up on the food goodies would be a winning move. As it stands I'd suggest it does what it does better than say Haymarket does in Sydney, whereas it doesn't match the quality of food that you can get at Adelaide Central Markets.
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and inclusive. Providing good back ground of the history and operations of the market.
We would have not had a clue where to go or what yo do with so many vendors.
It was quite overwhelming.
She introduced us to some very interesting stops and we loved the variety.
I just wish there were more tastings as there are on other cities Trip Advisor recommendations.
The price was unreasonable for the experience.
NO reflection on our host as she was super fun and amazing.
We have done food tours in different cities from Trip Advisor that we would definitely do again.
This is not one of them as it is poor value.
We went around 9am Friday morning which was really good. It was a bit chilly for a March day, it's normally in the 20c area but was only 15c all day. But the market wasn't busy and it was easy to see all the stalls.
It is a very large market with plenty of general goods, lots of jewellery, souvenirs and clothing and of course leather jackets.
If you see something you like, take note of the stall and isle you are in and keep looking. The prices vary from stall to stall and bartering is okay. 1st jacket she saw and liked was $290 but several stalls later she found the one she wanted for $150 and for cash paid $140.
There is a large area of fresh produce and we saw fruit and vegetables we'd not seen before. Most stall will allow you a sample.
The Dairy, Seafood, Meat area is also large and omg the Cheeses, Seafood and other goods made me drool the whole way around. Again they have samples at many stalls.
The food hall was good too. There are also lots of different food wagons dotted around the markets as well
Allow a few hours to wander around.
The market is on the tram line so access is easy. We'd go back.
From the moment we arrived, the whole place felt like a mini festival — lights everywhere, live music playing, and the smell of incredible street food in the air.
We wandered through rows of food stalls offering everything from dumplings and grilled meats to sweet desserts and refreshing drinks. It was hard to choose because everything looked so good!
There were also local artisan stalls selling handmade jewellery, art, and unique gifts — perfect for browsing between bites.
The live performances really added to the vibe. It felt relaxed but energetic at the same time — such a great way to spend a Wednesday night in Melbourne.
Definitely worth visiting if you love food, music, and a lively atmosphere.
The atmosphere is vibrant but very well organized. The infrastructure makes it easy to walk around and explore comfortably. Even during the busy lunchtime period, it felt relaxed and enjoyable rather than overwhelming.
We were there with our young daughters, and it was completely comfortable to move around with them. They truly enjoyed the experience as much as we did.
A fantastic place to eat, shop, and experience the local culture. Highly recommended!
Having said that, if you are looking to do a bit of shopping then there's plenty of other items on offer. I'd say the locals would be more inclined to purchase the fresh produce and if I lived nearby that would be my main use of this market.
A huge food court offering plenty of variety which also saves this market with a scattering of individual food stalls throughout the remainder of the area.
Worth a visit to check out if you've never been there but I'll see what other markets Melbourne has to offer.
Once you look past the food, the history of the place adds another layer. Knowing the market has been operating since the 1800s gives it a sense of continuity that you don’t get in more polished or modern food precincts. Some parts still feel very old-school in a good way, and that contrast between history and everyday trade is part of its charm.
It’s not perfect, though. It can be very busy and a little overwhelming at peak times, and some areas feel more functional than atmospheric. But that’s also part of what keeps it feeling real rather than staged.
Overall, it’s a solid 4/5 for me. The food is easily the best part, and the history makes it more than just a place to shop. Definitely worth a visit, whether you’re local or just in Melbourne for a few days.
There are many nice shops inside, from fruit to seafood to dessert!
And is one of the best market I have ever been in Australia! I’m glad this time I do the video for them in my YouTube channel!
So, go for look and you will like this place like I do !
And here is pretty and clean!
Highly recommend you to try Miss Amelie Gourmet Pie if their food truck is opened for business!!! Usually there’s a long queue, so you may have to wait 15-20min for your order to be ready. We ordered the cauliflower cheese flavour and it is one of the best pies I have eaten. The melted cheese in the baked cauliflower tastes awesomely delicious:)
The food offering at Victoria market is superb, with a most infinite selection of products. To describe it would take me pages and pages. It is the larder of the World! No tradition hang-ups in Australia, they are still creating their own. Inventive, but with a solid food tradition, chefs (but unfortunately not all) propose a culinary style that combines ingredients, and flavours from different cultures to create new and innovative dishes. Australian journalist, of course, love to brag the greatness of their food. Well accepted, they are far from the pioneers Mother countries, somewhere down under! Now, due to the fact, foreigners taught the Australian how to eat, they had to have wine of course. The European immigrants did not want warm ale. A wine industry slowly was born. It is an absolute pleasure to visit a foreign country like Australia and discover with an open mind, that their food reputation is well deserved. Well done, mates! The only downside, the market lacks the buzz European markets are always, full of. Shouting, music, dog barking bringing the final touch to the experience. Is it the residual British up-rightness??
Highly recommend to visit for the local Melbournian experience and is cheap.
The food options are a highlight. There’s a wide range of choices including hot snacks, international street food, coffee, and desserts. It’s easy to grab something quick and walk around while eating. Prices are generally reasonable, especially for fresh fruit, snacks, and casual meals, though some souvenir stalls can be a bit tourist-priced.
I enjoyed wandering through the different sections — the fresh produce area, deli halls, and general merchandise stalls all have a different vibe. It’s a great place for browsing, people-watching, and picking up small gifts or local products. You can easily spend a couple of hours here without realising how quickly time passes.
The atmosphere is busy but fun, especially on weekends. It can get crowded, so visiting earlier in the day is a good idea if you want to explore comfortably. The market is well located and easy to reach by tram, which makes it convenient for both locals and visitors.
Overall, Queen Victoria Market offers a genuine Melbourne experience. Whether you’re there to eat, shop, or just walk around, it’s lively, interesting, and worth a visit. I’d definitely recommend it as part of any Melbourne trip.
There was a great fruit and vegetable selection - I choose a few different fruit options to take back to my hotel later to enjoy. I LOVE mangosteen but it’s hard to get fresh ones in the US so was super stoked to see those available!
The indoor section with cheeses, meat and seafood was also super impressive! I snacked on some lobster and oysters then went outside and had some sugarcane juice and the BEST MUSSELS I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE. Such a great day at this market!!
After that, we moved on to the main market area, which had even more cooked food that day. I think there was a Philippine event happening, so there were many Philippine food stalls as well. We were already quite full by then, but it added a lively vibe to the whole place.
We still managed to enjoy coffee, the famous jam donut, and some fresh sweet strawberries. There are plenty of benches and tables around for you to sit and enjoy your food comfortably.
It is a true foodie’s haven, especially if you also plan to cook, lots of fresh meat, seafood, cheese, and specialty ingredients.
We loved it so much that we returned the next day just for more Sydney rock oysters. There was also a Pokémon event during our second visit with people selling their Pokémon card collections, making the atmosphere even livelier.
Not sure if it is always this lively, but we visited on both Saturday and Sunday, and the market was full of energy on both days.
Highly recommended if you enjoy exploring markets and good food.
There are some small shops in the delicatessen area where you can order food, and there is a place to sit down and eat on the spot. Personally, I think breakfast or lunch is very suitable. Raw food areas and fruit and vegetable markets are for guests to buy and cook food. Those meats and seafood are very cheap. I have no ideas but locals say this kind of price is cheaper than other places. There are many handmade things for sale in the souvenir market, such as: soap, skin care products, we loved it.
Only 10 min by tram from Flinders St area to the Market.
There was so much I wanted to buy but my luggage was close to max for my flight home.
The 2 hour food tour around the market was so amazing and as a local to Melbourne it opened my eyes and tummy to places and vendors I never knew had such incredible family history.
I very much recommend this foodies tour, the amount of food enjoyed throughout is worth every cent paid and then some.
I suggest skipping breakfast as you’ll last till dinner with what you sample and enjoy.
I really enjoy eating fresh oysters, mussel and american doughnuts too.
Will visit again next time
Queen Victoria Market, often called Vic Market, is Melbourne’s largest and most iconic open-air market. Established in 1878, it spans approximately 7 hectares in the heart of the city, at the corner of Victoria Street and Elizabeth Street.
The market is divided into different sections, including:
Fresh food: fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, and dairy products
Dry goods and groceries
Clothing, souvenirs, and handcrafts
It serves both local residents for daily shopping and tourists seeking an authentic Melbourne experience. The market hosts street performances, cultural events, and seasonal night markets, creating a lively atmosphere year-round.
Queen Victoria Market is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, reflecting its historical and cultural significance.
Opening Hours (subject to change):
Tuesday & Thursday: 6am – 2pm
Friday: 6am – 5pm
Saturday: 6am – 3pm
Sunday: 9am – 4pm
Monday & Wednesday: close
A vibrant and iconic spot — perfect for food lovers, souvenir hunters, or anyone wanting to soak in some local atmosphere. The fresh produce is top quality, the food stalls are delicious, and there’s a great mix of local crafts and quirky finds. Don’t miss it!
There was a separate meat and fish market opposite. There are stalls where you can buy food to eat and sit down.
This trip, I discovered a charming new addition, a Turkish delight stand with cute, edible pots of sweet treats. Food vans and generous seating make it easy to pause and relax with family or friends. With trolleys for hire, ample parking, public transport and a treasure trove of souvenir stands for visitors, convenience is unmatched.
Insider tip: wear comfortable walking shoes—you’ll need them to discover every corner of this vibrant market!
The traders were also interesting with info about their histories.
Don’t have a big brekky or plan on a large lunch afterwards as the sampling was delicious and plentyful.
On our tour we sampled some delicious treats including oysters,salmon, kangaroo, chicken,cheeses and antipasto. A lovely vanilla slice and donuts.
What a great way to spend our Saturday mornin
The reason I’ve given three stars, however, is because the food experience didn’t quite live up to expectations. While the historical and cultural elements were strong, the culinary side felt fairly average.


































































