While people like to stand amazed looking at human-build structures where they call them wonders of the world, I find it a tad boring. No offense here, I’ve paid enough tribute posing like a silly tourist with numerous marked landmarks of the world in the background to justify that I have high respect for these man-made architectures.
However, to see the world, to me, is to experience the beating pulse of life which holds its irresistible magnetic power that draws me close, to ignite my pores of senses, to arouse the tinkling feelings of excitement, of wonder, that we are creatures of life. In Australia’s Southern hemisphere, Queen Victoria Market is the place where the beating heart lays, emanating life, bringing people from all walks of life together, connecting them to the humble roots of Earthly realities.
It's a must-visit for food lovers
There is not a place in the world where it can survive without a market. Though many places have replaced the original market with modern chain-build air-conditioned and spunky clean grocery stores, food remains the basic need for life continuation. We know that meat will always come from dead animals, vegetables are grown from dirt, and Queen Victoria Market, in Melbourne reigns as the market not to be missed.
Makes a good souvenir to bring home for friends!
Officially opened on 20 March 1878, this heritage listed market has been operating in various forms prior to that date. Over 131 years old, Queen Victoria Market has once been a cemetery, a livestock market, a wholesale farm produced market and in each of these periods, they have their own unique historical stories to tell.
What makes this historical market place unique is that it has taken a few more steps to ensure the sustainability of business with the aim of being environmentally friendly too. In the early 1990s, over a thousand solar panels were installed, generating electricity for the use within the market, reducing tones of greenhouse emissions. Reusable shopping bags are produced too to reduce plastic bag usage.
freshest catch of the day for your pick!
Other than being environmentally friendly, Queen Victoria Market is best known for its huge variety of fresh produce. The smell of everything is enough to tantalize and arouse your pores to see, feel, smell, and taste all that it has to offer. Being divided into a few market precincts, you can take in whiffs of the heavenly fresh baked rolls and other worldly delicacies at the Deli Hall while Elizabeth Street Shops have all kinds of trinkets for you to pick some souvenirs back home to your love ones. It is a treat to explore the market at each precincts namely the F shed laneway, Market Place food court, the Meat Hall, Organics, Fruits and Vegetables, General merchandise, and the Wine market. A stroll at Queen Victoria Market on a Sunday even offers you buskers and street entertainment at Queen Street where it is closed for a place of cafes, carnival rides and other fun activities.
Spoilt for choice over the huge array of selection!
If you call yourself a food lover, the Foodies Dream Tour offered at Queen Victoria Market is a treat for your taste bud. It is a two-hour gourmet tour of the three main produce sections of the market: the Meat and Fish hall, The Fruit and Vegetables aisles, and the Dairy Hall. A qualified Market Guide will bring you on an exploration journey to meet some of the specialty traders and sample generous helpings of the goods. It will cost you AUS$30 which includes the sampling, a piping hot aromatic coffee and an environmentally friendly reusable shopping bag. Go for it if exploring the market on your own is too overwhelming an idea for you or you’re short of time but still insist on experiencing the best in this Market.
The best bread in the world comes straight from the oven!
Though a sole visit to Queen Victoria Market may not be enough reason to pack your bags to Australia right now, it is a shame to miss it altogether if you’re in the area. So if you do decide to go to Melbourne once the H1N1 blow is over, remember to put in an afternoon slot at Queen Victoria Market!
