Markets:

The State of Victoria hosts over 200 weekly and monthly independent markets, most of which would be in and around Melbourne. These mesmerizing displays of homegrown, art, craft, jewellery, fashion, toys, food, confectionery, furniture, pottery, old wares and bric-a-brac and other essential and non-essential accoutrements of every day living, have a strong magical quality of drawing one in for yet another peek at what’s for sale, regardless of how many other markets have been visited that weekend.

Many of these markets are situated in some of Melbourne's most picturesque settings, such as the Botanical Gardens, with stalls set in amongst ancient trees, manicured lawns and flower beds so full of colour, as you would see on a chocolate box. Others wind their way along the Yarra River on sunny Sundays and culminate at Southbank, where, after weaving your way through half a kilometer, or so, of treasures and treats, the most difficult decision would be what to have for lunch.

The Sunday Market on the Esplanade at St Kilda , that Mecca of mouth watering taste sensations and eye popping delights, Bay views and big City views, offers an abundance of Australian bounty for any enthusiastic shopper, by way of art, one off pieces of furniture, jewellery, toys and garden novelties, oh, and ice-cream.

Farmers Markets are another popular variety, usually held on Saturdays from early morning until mid afternoon, or when sold out. These can often be found on sports ovals or building complexes which have some open space. The old Gasworks centre, in Port Melbourne, now an appealing artistic and theatrical escape, which delivers some fine homegrown theatre productions, is one. Whilst markets at Flemington Race Course, home of that iconic horse race, the Melbourne Cup, and a little further afield the Redhill Market on the Mornington Peninsula (about 1.5 hours from Melbourne), are considered ‘up-market markets’ due to their general product sophistication.

Food and Wine Extravaganzas

Whilst on the subject of food, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is a 16 day show, held in March, and delivers 200 events. It attracts local and international experts including top notch chefs, winemakers, food growers, authors and serious ‘foodies’. Patrons encounter, not only an enormous range of gastronomic delights, but also an opportunity of food education and an insight into various forms of food production.

October delivers the Lygon Street Fiesta, in Carlton, which extends to Princes Hill and Brunswick East. Based on European cuisines and customs, the Fiesta is seriously geared to overwhelm the senses and leave a euphoric and long lasting impression on the individual, with its great food, wines, music and general festive atmosphere.

Flower and Garden Shows,

Away from the dining table and into the garden, the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, held in April, is ranked within the top five, flower shows globally. This lavish event is staged in one of Melbourne’s most beautiful settings. The Royal Exhibition Building and South Carlton Gardens are a ‘must see’ at anytime of year, but for a few days in April, it’s just about mandatory to see those majestic splashes of nature and their man-made accompaniments.

The first week in October brings another must see event at the Caulfield Race Course. The four day ABC Garden Show will delight any garden lover.

Nearly every month, throughout the year brings opportunities to see, taste and experience an enormous range of adventures in and around Melbourne. The ones mentioned here, are just a very tiny sample.

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