Queen Victoria Market Ultimate Foodie Tour

Melbourne , Australia

Queen Victoria Market Ultimate Foodie Tour

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(290 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

A delicious and fascinating guided walking tour of the iconic Queen Victoria Market. Taste the freshest produce, discover unique ingredients, learn tips and tricks for shopping and cooking, discover the Market's history and meet some of our beloved traders. A two-hour guided walking tour includes generous tastings and a Market tote bag.

Tastings are dependent on what is fresh on the day but usually include fresh seafood, grilled peppered kangaroo, a selection of local cheese, fresh dips, seasonal gelati and more. This small-group tour is limited to 10 food-lovers per guide.

Please note that, as this is a foodie tour, we are unable to cater to individual dietary requirements.

In line with the Market's sustainability policy, we do not provide bottled water. Rather, we encourage guests to bring their own bottle and refill at our water refill stations located around the Market.

Available options

Queen Victoria Market Ultimate Foodie Tour

What's included

Local guide

Generous tastings

Queen Victoria Market shopping bag

What you'll see

Meet your small group at a prearranged spot in Queen Victoria Market. The historic landmark, whose nicknames include "Vic Market" and "Queen Vic," was established over two city blocks in 1878.

Five days a week, vendors set up shop in the laneways. Organic produce bursts from crates labeled by region, and stands overflow with honey, spices, and other local goods. Pates, cheeses, and dips fill Deli Hall, also known as the Dairy Produce Hall. Around every corner, there's a sight to see, and your guide will point out details easy to miss in the bustling market throughout the 2-hour tour.

While most of the market is filled with tables and stands, you can also find specialty shops. Gourmet breads are sold over at the bustling M&G Caiafa, nuts, dried fruits and grains abound. For a sweet treat, head to the American Doughnut Kitchen, where you can indulge in famous hot jam doughnut. For handmade pasta of all shapes and sizes, step into the Traditional Pasta Shop.

At the end of your guided tour, enjoy a fruit platter!

Sample tasting menu, subject to change:
• Coffin Bay oysters
• Hot jam doughnuts
• Grilled peppered kangaroo
• Pickled octopus
• Local goats’ milk cheese
• Fresh dolmades
• Victorian olives

Please note: Tastings are seasonal and dependent on what’s new and currently popular at the market.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

28 reviews

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4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

262 reviews

5★

231

4★

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please wear comfortable walking shoes

Tour meeting point: Outside Mary Martin Bookshop, corner Queen Street & String Bean Alley

Meeting point

Please meet out the front of Mary Martin Bookshop, corner String Bean Alley and Queen Street.

About Melbourne

Melbourne, the vibrant capital of Victoria, is renowned for its dynamic arts scene, world-class dining, and sporting culture. With a unique blend of historic and modern architecture, lush parks, and a thriving coffee culture, Melbourne offers a rich and diverse travel experience.

Top Attractions

Federation Square

Federation Square is Melbourne's cultural heart, hosting major events, exhibitions, and cultural institutions like the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

Cultural 1-3 hours Free (some attractions may have entry fees)

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

The Royal Botanic Gardens is a 94-acre oasis in the heart of Melbourne, featuring a diverse range of plants, lakes, and walking trails.

Nature 1-3 hours Free

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

The MCG is Australia's most iconic sports venue, hosting major events like the Australian Open, AFL, and cricket matches.

Sports 1-3 hours (longer for events) Free to enter (tours and events have fees)

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most scenic drives, featuring breathtaking coastal views, the Twelve Apostles, and the lush Otway Ranges.

Scenic Drive Full day or overnight trip Free to drive (attractions may have entry fees)

Queen Victoria Market

The Queen Victoria Market is Melbourne's largest and most iconic market, offering a vast array of fresh produce, gourmet foods, clothing, and souvenirs.

Market 1-3 hours Free to enter (food and shopping at your expense)

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

The NGV is Australia's oldest and most visited art museum, featuring an extensive collection of international and Australian art.

Art 1-3 hours Free (some exhibitions may have entry fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Avocado Toast

A popular breakfast dish featuring toasted sourdough bread topped with mashed avocado, often accompanied by poached eggs, feta, or smoked salmon.

Breakfast Vegetarian (can be made vegan without eggs or feta)

Lamb Rump

A tender and flavorful cut of lamb, often served medium-rare with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a rich red wine jus.

Dinner Contains meat

Pavlova

A meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, often enjoyed during the summer months.

Dessert Contains dairy and egg whites (can be made gluten-free)

Flat White

A popular Australian coffee drink, similar to a latte but with a higher coffee-to-milk ratio and a velvety microfoam texture.

Drink Contains dairy (can be made with plant-based milk alternatives)

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Dandenong Ranges Hot air ballooning in the Yarra Valley Kayaking on the Yarra River Spa and wellness retreats Picnics in the Royal Botanic Gardens Beachcombing at St Kilda Beach Visiting museums and galleries Attending live performances and events

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, outdoor festivals, and vibrant nightlife. However, it can be crowded and more expensive.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Mandarin, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, Arabic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Time Zone

AEST (UTC+10) during standard time, AEDT (UTC+11) during daylight saving time (October to April)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Melbourne is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing services, such as Uber or Didi, and always check the fare before starting your journey
• Book tours and tickets through official channels or reputable tour operators

Getting there

By air

Melbourne Airport • 23 km from city center

By train

Southern Cross Station

By bus

Southern Cross Coach Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Trams are a convenient and iconic way to get around Melbourne. The free tram zone in the city center is a great way to explore.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Fitzroy St Kilda Carlton Southbank Brunswick

Day trips

Yarra Valley

60 km from Melbourne • Full day

The Yarra Valley is a picturesque wine region known for its award-winning wineries, gourmet dining, and stunning natural landscapes.

Mornington Peninsula

80 km from Melbourne • Full day or overnight

The Mornington Peninsula offers beautiful beaches, coastal walks, hot springs, and a range of outdoor activities.

Phillip Island

140 km from Melbourne • Full day or overnight

Phillip Island is a scenic island known for its wildlife, particularly the famous Penguin Parade, as well as beautiful beaches and coastal walks.

Festivals

Australian Open • Mid-January Melbourne International Comedy Festival • March to April Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) • August

Pro tips

Use the free tram zone in the city center to explore Melbourne's attractions and neighborhoods
Get a myki card for easy and discounted travel on trams, trains, and buses
Visit the Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique souvenirs
Explore Melbourne's laneways and street art for a unique and authentic experience
Try Melbourne's famous coffee culture at one of the city's many specialty coffee shops and cafes