The best market in Melbourne is often cited as Camberwell and for sheer size, it’s pretty impressive – though it’s also a pilgrimage by car or public transport. Much closer to the city, you can walk to Fitzroy Market held on the third Saturday, every month. Pick up a Chloe coat from Paris for under $100 or amazing noodles to go, from local chef On at On Thai. Why is Fitzroy Market so often voted the best secret in Melbourne? Because it’s cheap. Because it’s chic. And because a funky neighbourhood equals funky frocks.
FITZROY MARKET – WHERE THE CLOTHES AND SHOES START AT $5
The regular weekend market scene in Australia has given rise to permanent stallholders with branded products – teddy bears, chutney and more gingham coat-hangers than you thought possible. Fitzroy Market is different because the stallholders tend to come and go, so you will benefit from genuine garage-sale style clearouts, with some stalls starting their clothes and shoes from $5.
The booty is also worthy of any urban sophisticate looking to recycle. How about this highly collectable Eames shell chair (above) for $120? Among the handmade, pre-loved, vintage & recycled clothing, craft, artwork and jewellery, secondhand books, CDs, records & household stuff there are many more treasures – mainly because this is a fashionista neighbourhood, and the reviews say it all: The Fitzroy Market has been augmenting the cool status of Melbourne for the past four years. The Age Life & Style This could be one of the greatest markets to ever occupy a primary school in Fitzroy. The Thousands
Around 60 stalls take over the hipster village of Fitzroy on every 3rd Saturday of the month at Fitzroy Primary School, which is located at 319 George Street, Fitzroy. There is an entrance also open from Napier Street. Walk or cycle (on a hired blue Melbourne bike) from your hotel in town, or take these trams – 86 (travel to Smith St), 96 (travel down Nicholson St) and 112 (down Brunswick St)
. From there it’s a very short walk. As a bonus, you can spend the rest of your Saturday happily shopping on boho Brunswick Street which also has around one cafe or pub every ten paces. Have fun.
