Alright, folks! Gather 'round and let me tell you all about the Queen Victoria Market, or as I like to call it, Vic Market or Queen Vic! This place is a happening spot right here in the heart of Melbourne's central business district.
Covering a whopping seven hectares, or 17 acres if you want to get technical, the Queen Victoria Market claims the title of being the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. Talk about a shopping paradise! It's been around since the 1860s, and officially opened its doors in 1878. That's some serious history right there, folks!
Now, the Queen Victoria Market is quite the survivor. It's the last remaining major market in the CBD, still standing tall and bustling with activity. Alongside Prahran Market and South Melbourne Market, it's one of the precious few Victorian-era markets still operating in this vibrant city.
This place is not just any old market, my friends. It's got some serious heritage and recognition. In fact, it's listed on both the Victorian Heritage Register and the National Heritage List. Now, that's a fancy way of saying it's a pretty big deal! In fact, it's one of Melbourne's major tourist hotspots, attracting around 10 million visitors every single year. People can't get enough of the Queen Vic Market, and I don't blame 'em!
You know what's really fascinating? The Queen Victoria Market stands on the site of the Old Melbourne Cemetery. Yep, you heard that right, folks. It was the first burial ground for the early settlers of this fine city. They started burying folks there way back in 1836. The cemetery eventually closed in 1854, but get this, some burials continued all the way until 1917! And guess what? There were around 10,000 graves on that site at one point. Now, that's a lot of resting places!
But let's talk about happier things, shall we? After the cemetery's partial closure, they decided to build some markets around the area to keep up with Melbourne's growing population. The Lower Market was initially set up in 1857 for fruits and veggies, but it didn't quite take off. Turns out, the market gardeners weren't too thrilled about being so close to all those graves. Can't say I blame 'em. Instead, it became a livestock and hay market. They later built a magnificent brick building to house the meat and fish market in 1867, which still stands today as the Meat and Fish Hall.
Fast forward to 1876, and the Victorian Government passed an Act to officially reserve and develop the Old Melbourne Cemetery site as markets. A year later, construction began on the corner of Queen and Victoria streets, where the unconsecrated burials of Aboriginal people and executed criminals were laid to rest. The Queen Victoria Market opened its doors in March 1878, and boy, did it grow! They built a whole bunch of new sheds and even added shops along Elizabeth Street. This market was on fire!
By 1898, they had carts upon carts loaded with fresh fruits and veggies coming in twice a week during the summer from market gardens outside the city. I tell ya, this place was a hub of activity, and it continues to be to this very day.
Now, there's something you should know. In 1920, they expanded the market to Peel Street. But here's the kicker: they built over the section of the old cemetery allocated for Jewish burials and the graves of the first British colonists. You can imagine the uproar that caused, folks! People were protesting left and right, trying to put a stop to it. Some things never change, eh?
So, my friends, the Queen Victoria Market is not only a bustling marketplace but also a piece of Melbourne's history. It's got character, charm, and some seriously good bargains. So come on over and experience this market like no other. Who knows, you might just discover a treasure or two. But remember, watch out for any wandering spirits from the old cemetery. Just kidding, folks, I promise you won't see any ghosts lurking about!
Alright, let's move onto our next stop. Hop on board and let's keep the adventure going!
