Australia - Melbourne, To Do (Queen Victoria Markets, Pen City, Little Italy, Main Shopping District, China Town)

Melbourne - To Stay
Melbourne - To Do
Melbourne - To Eat

Melbourne - To Do
11Aug2012
23Jan2015
14Jan2016

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Queen Victoria Markets

The Queen Victoria Markets is the largest open market in the Southern Hemisphere, selling organic foods and various dining opportunities. An array of mini-shops/stalls, most of which offer uniquely different items for sale, provides variety and diversity to all whom visit. Watch out for street performers, providing laughter, musical tunes and cheers to appreciative visitors. Nearing closing times are the most exciting and lively, as vendors let go of foods and eats cheap, to clear the days stock.

Getting There

From Flinders station, take either 59/57 or even 19 to Queen Victoria Market.

The Victoria Market as the name inherently suggests is a market. It sells quality meats at good value. Be inspired by their beautiful produce and cuts of meats and array of seafoods.

*Hannah and Jarrod*

*Taken on 29April22*

*Prices on 19Nov22*

*Prices on 19Nov22*

*Prices on 19Nov22*

 

 Light eats are avaiable in the antipesto side of the market.

Two special mentions at the Victoria Parks are the
Donut Van

The first goes to a seemingly, hugely popular Donut van, selling freshly fried, and strawberry stuffed donuts at 6 for AUD6. The queue stretches a good 20-30meters at times. See if you can buy off 1 donut from happy patrons at the front. However after 3 years of returning here, I finally got to trying one of these 'gems'. Not too impressed. A little doughy and definitely light on the filling. However one can't deny that freshly friend donuts are still good.

The second is "Aquarium and Reptile Centre/Upmarket Aquariums". If you like reptiles, terrarium and sea life, this is the place for you to see baby snakes, and reptiles native to Australia for sale as pets. Its like a mini-zoo of sorts. Have a gander.
Click here for ABBA location of "Aquarium and Reptile Centre" at the Victoria Markets 442 Queen St Melbourne 3000

The Markets opens early 0600hrs/0900hrs but closing times vary from as early as 1400hrs and a little later at1600hrs. So take note of when you maybe visiting as well as the closing times.Market Trading Hours
Tuesday: 6am - 2pm
Thursday: 6am - 2pm
Friday: 6am - 6pm ( General merchandise closes at 4pm)
Saturday: 6am - 3pm
Sunday: 9am - 4pm
Click here for ABBA details on latest closing times of Victoria Markets
Click here for ABBA location of Victoria Markets

 

Specialty Shop "Pen City" 

Never will I look at Pens the same again! Here Pens go from timeless designs, to the really exotic. Prices may go up to four figures and beyond. Here are some of the unique ones that I came across.

Pictured Left are the Porsche series.
Pen 7 made from the Brake Line of the Porsche and Pen 6 from some other parts of the engine. Its not just an esthetic beauty but its incorporated in function in the deployment of the pen. Pen 6 twists the spokes to be aligned and Pen 7 contracts like a snake, both of which  to deploy the pen. Aprox AUD300++ each.

Pictured Right
Pens 1 and 3,4 are made from Volcanic rock, from Italy. The selling point were that it could withstand extremely high temperatures, but more interestingly, people suffering from sweaty palms, would have no trouble gripping onto these pens. A really good sell at the shop as proclaimed by the staff. Aprox AUD350++ each.

Pen 2 design, was designed, way back in the 18 something and  even put on display in the museum, because of its timeless design. Made from Titanium, this pen goes at about the AUD300 range. Pens 5 and 8 are sleeker, women's pen, with carbon fiber and some deployment by shaking the Pen itself. Amazing!

Much more varieties and collector editions, such as wooden pens, gold tip fountain pens which glide effortlessly as you write, sting-ray skin, limited editions. A unique gift for sure.
Click here for ABBA details of Pen City 215 Elizabeth Street

"Little Italy"

Need your Italian fix and Gelato delights? Lygon street is laden with a large range of Italian and various dining bistros. To top it all, a Ferrari shop, Forza Italia. Visit this place especially during the F1 racing period. You'll get to see Super Cars line the streets in support of the racers.

Click here for ABBA location of Forza Italia and Lygon street which it is situated.

Click here for details on Forza Italia

Various Gems found in "Little Italy" on Lygon Street.

San Churro - In my opinion the best hot/cold chocolate drink and shakes.

Click here for ABBA Location 175 Lygon Street, Carlton Victoria 3053, Australia

Gelatissimo - A good, rich range of Gelato

Click here for ABBA Location 197 Lygon Street, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia

Main Shopping District 

You have all the big shop name like Myers, David Jones and many more. Take a stroll and you will find many more big brand shops, specializing in shoes, clothing, cameras and electronic equipments. There are also, comic/collectables shop lots, as well as army surplus stores, with great outdoor camping gears, which line Bourke Street. Further down this street is China Town.

Click here for ABBA location of general shopping area

China Town

Almost everywhere  in the world, you will find a China Town. This relatively small district has all your Asian food delights, with some Ice-cream stores like "Tom Turtle 169 Bourke St"offering very local flavors well known in SE-Asia  , such as Teh Tarik, Longan, Durian, Coconut Pandan and more. Above pictured are Passion Fruit and Panda-Coconut flavor.

Located near the Grand Hyatt, these places offer late night bites when every thing else is closed.
Click here for ABBA location of China Town  along Petaling Street