1. Fremantle Markets
South Terrace & Henderson St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
The market in Fremantle is up there as one of the most infamous in the country – and when you go, there’s no mistaking why. Located in a beautiful, huge, old building from 1897, its setting is just as good as its content! From authentic boomerangs and aboriginal masks to handmade jewellery and clothing, it houses everything in the Historic Hall – and you can easily pass a whole afternoon sampling the goods.
Try: Its infamous Croc-Dogs or Kanga-Bangers. No prizes for guessing what they involve…
2. Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne
513 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
As one of the oldest and most iconic Australian markets, I can safely say that in almost 9 months of living in Melbourne and countless daytime shopping trips, cultural shows and exhibits promoting food and music from around the world, and visits to the buzzing evening social scene of the infamous Wednesday Night Market, it’s extremely hard to ever get bored of Queen Vic market, as the locals call it. Definitely a culinary and cultural highlight of not just Melbourne but also Victoria!
Try: The curly Potato Chip Sticks which everyone seems to be walking around with…basically a giant chip…on a stick. But so so good.
3. Adelaide’s Central Market
44/60 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
A beautiful indoor space filled with the freshest smells of coffee and flowers, the brightest colours of fruits and vegetables, and the happiest of market stall vendors. It’s definitely more food and drink focused than material goods so if you’re after some local handicrafts or clothing, then it’s not the one…but spending a sunny morning browsing the Central Market in Adelaide before heading back into the city for a pedalo ride on the lake is one of the loveliest and most chilled memories I recall from my Australian travels!
Try: Go early and start your day off with warm, freshly baked pastries and freshly brewed coffee!
4. Salamanca Market, Hobart, Tasmania
Salamanca Pl, Hobart TAS 7001, Australia
With a stunning backdrop of snowy mountains and bright, blue skies (well, hopefully, weather permitting – I went in the middle of their winter and despite the fresh temperatures, it was still beautifully clear skies!) Salamanca market is located in Hobart’s beautiful cobbled main square and fully outdoors, which only adds to the proper outdoorsy, rustic, country feel that you get throughout the whole of Tasmania. Its central location means that you can spend the morning here strolling around its market stalls and the afternoon exploring Tasmania’s rich history in one of Hobart’s museums, soak up the atmosphere in one of its cosy old-school pubs or cafes, or even take a car and head out of the city to the nearby mountains, wildlife parks or Bruny Island.
Try: I found that meat and game is quite a big thing in this part of Australia, due to the wildlife they have on their doorstep I imagine…Try a pork/beef/sausage sandwich with all the trimmings – a good, hearty snack to warm you up for the afternoon’s outdoor activities!
For more on how to spend some time in beautiful Australia, see my other related posts here…
Footprints Around The Globe 