Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or adventure seeker, these quaint, quirky, and captivating towns in regional Victoria are worth the drive.
Victoria
7 of the best flea markets in regional Victoria
Victoria is full of weekend discoveries thanks to its many craft markets and fairs scattered across the state. Here are seven of the best.
Believe it or not, not every fete and market is about food. While we've covered some of the best Melbourne and regional Farmers' Markets with gourmet produce aplenty, these feature more of the creative fare.
From art fairs celebrating sculpture and literature to gatherings of lost trades, we’ve sourced the finest weekend markets for your next road trip.
So, put down the goat’s cheese, drop the artisanal crackers, and shove a cork in that batch brewed kombucha - it’s time to explore another kind of market - ones filled with books, clothes, jewelry, experiences, and lost treasures.
Before you pack the car and hit the road, make sure to check the markets’ website for the most up-to-date information, opening hours, and restrictions.
Weekend craft markets around Victoria
1. Bendigo Lost Trades Fair
When: 19 & 20 March 2022, Bendigo Racecourse, Ascot, Bendigo. Tickets required.
More of an event than a market, the Bendigo Lost Trades Fair is back in 2022.
With an ethos of discovery, you’d be hard-pressed not to walk away with something new whether it be a trinket, experience or a newfound interest from this yearly gathering.
With artisans from all over Australia displaying their wares, expect these talented makers to demonstrate the lost arts and rare trades of cuttlefish casting and penny farthing making to whipmaking and letter pressing.
2. Yarra Glen Craft Market
When: First Sunday of every month.
The Yarra Glen Craft Market is the perfect way to end a weekend in the Dandenong Ranges, Yarra Valley, or just as a great Sunday drive destination. Either way, it’s not how you get there that matters, it’s that you go there and explore the many works from makers, creators, artists, and craftspeople across the region.
Keep in mind that there’s a $5 entry fee and a strict no pets policy.
3. Violet Town Community Market
When: The second Saturday of every month.
Aussie band Killing Heidi may have been the one to put it on the map, but it’s the Violet Town Community Market’s rockstar reputation that has the punters coming back.
With over 250 stallholders on their books, every market offers a mix of new and regular makers, creators, and producers from the area that showcase everything from arts, crafts, jewelry and tools to furniture, plants and music.
Flea markets can be a treasure trove of unique pieces. Image: Getty.
4. Craft Alive (various locations)
When: Various dates and locations in 2022. Check the website for details.
Dubbing itself a ‘series’ rather than a fair, Craft Alive is celebrating its 31st year and is held across various locations throughout Australia. With a solid turnout in regional Victoria, including Ballarat, Morwell, Shepparton, Wodonga and Bendigo, Craft Alive is run like an expo.
Enjoying a market vibe that features local and interstate craft experts who showcase their talents throughout the three-day event; craft professionals, enthusiasts, and the curious alike have a chance to learn from the best.
5. Redhill Community Market
When: The first Saturday of every month.
Considered the ultimate ‘makers market’, the Redhill Community Market has been operating on the first Saturday of every month since 1975.
Born as a place for local artists and producers to come together to barter their goods and produce, these days it’s more known for its original design pieces, outstanding craftsmanship and one-off pieces. You can also make a weekend of it with a stay at the RACV Cape Schanck Resort just a 20-minute drive away.
This market fills up quick, so expect to get there early to ensure you don’t miss out on any gems.
6. Picadilly Farmers and Makers Market
When: The third Saturday every month.
As of November 2021, Piccadilly Market (a famous indoor market located in Belmont) is now running the Picadilly Farmer’s and Makers Market on the third Saturday of the month.
Keeping with Picadilly Market’s craft and makers focus, the monthly market sees local vendors showcase contemporary, unique and quality crafted homewares, clothing, jewellery, artwork, and yes - even goat's cheese.
7. Fletcher Jones Market
When: Open every day. Check the website for details.
The Fletcher Jones Market in Warrnambool considers itself a ‘market’, even if it is open nearly every day of the year.
Located at the old Fletcher Jones clothing factory, traverse the heritage-listed garden and prepare for a world of nostalgia steeped in the two full floors of antiques, antiquarian books, collectibles, records, vintage clothing and furniture.
Whatever you’re after, if it’s old, this place is sure to have it.
