While I was in Melbourne, I visited the Queen Victoria Market- a sprawling, busy, open-air market, selling everything from delicious fresh produce to clothes and handbags. Open everyday except Monday and Wednesday, the market attracts visitors and locals alike, all of whom are keen to find good quality products at great prices.
Photo by Jandkross
The markets themselves sold so much amazing food that, if I hadn’t been getting on a plane back to Perth that evening, I would definitely have bought loads. I placated my feelings of sadness at this by having a delicious breakfast in one of the cafes. In all the cafes here the food is fresh and, cheaper than you’d find elsewhere in the city for the same quality.
My favourite part however, wasn’t actually the markets themselves, but the adorable independent boutique style shops that line the streets around the market. Therry Street in particular, had lots of shops selling locally designed and produced items and kitsch and quirky accessories. It was girl heaven!
Pussycat Black in particular, appealed to me. Most of the products here are bought from local designers and are only made in small quantities, so you aren’t likely to pass people in the street wearing the same outfit, which is always a bonus!
The cash desk in Pussycat Black
Walking around the shop it was easy to see the pieces had been chosen for their quality, and the shops meticulously designed to reflect that. I loved the antique wooden cash desk in Pussycat Black, much more interesting than a regular cash desk as it got me wondering where it had been used previously and what for.
Pussycat Black
I could have spent ages browsing in all these shops and spent hundreds of dollars on pretty things, luckily for my bank balance my ase was full so I couldn’t buy anything.
Except a bracelet.
And shoes.
But that was all, honest!
If you enjoy browsing shops that don’t all have the same generic high-street layout and styles then Melbourne is definitely the place for you. If you’re searching for the perfect place for buying gifts for people at home, or just for treating yourself, then this is definitely where to do it.
