From its 19th century foundations as Melbourne’s chief wholesale market to its transition as a retail market in the 1970s, Queen Victoria Market is now a successful blend of heritage and modernity for local and international visitors.  

The Night Market, which has been a Melbourne institution for more than 10 years, is one such innovation that has elevated the market’s character and prominence. 

“Think open fires, feature lighting, over 35 of Melbourne's best street food vendors, a range of collectibles to purchase books, jewellery, even get your fortune read, coupled with an amazing entertainment program that changes every week under our historic sheds,” Queen Victoria Market Chief Executive Officer Matt Elliot says. “Tons of undercover parking as well as free entry. What's not to love?”  

Mary Jones runs Retro Mamma, where customers can explore bygone eras through historical pictures and vintage costume accessories, discovering wonders like restored vintage cameras, vintage French postcards and affordable vintage costume. 

“I love it. The atmosphere is fantastic,” she says of the Winter Night Market. 

“On weekends it's more families, more younger children. The Winter Night Market is a bit older – it's still family orientated but a bit older. People tend to come in and sort of spend quite a bit of time in here because there's lots to look at. 

“It's always busy in here. It just gets busier as the season goes on. I think we get between 30-40,000 people into the Winter Night Market.  

“If you've got nothing to do on a Wednesday night, it's a good place to be.” 

Matt was appointed Queen Victoria Market’s new CEO in 2023. He is now overseeing the range of upgrades to maintain the market’s central role in the city’s cultural, social and business life, growing its status as one of the most significant marketplaces for small independent businesses in Australia. 

“So many people have shared with me their fantastic memories of the market but most of those people haven't visited for many, many years,” he says. 

“What I'm excited about is creating a whole new range of experiences and reasons for all Victorians to come back to the market time and time again.”  

The market’s renewal program is about restoring heritage buildings, improving facilities and meeting contemporary trader and visitor needs to secure the market’s future for generations to come. 

“We're just about to complete the refurbishment of our historic sheds,” Matt says. “Therry Street works will create a grand entry statement from Elizabeth Street complete this month.  

“The new food hall opens in Spring, which is a great fusion between historical architecture as well as modern dining experiences, featuring eight restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. 

“Shortly we'll be starting construction of two basements in Queen Street that will provide the facilities our traders need to have great customer experiences. Those works will be disruptive but we'll be working to add a whole new range of exciting and fresh experiences to encourage Melburnians come back time and time again.  

“Later this year we’ll see the Munro Library open up and, in a few years, another park opening right here at the Market, which will mean that the Queen Vic Market will solidify its position as Melbourne's social, cultural and commerce heart of the CBD North.  

“The team I lead is fortunate enough to be the custodians of this magical part of Melbourne, which is one of the world's great markets and I'm determined to see it reach its full potential.”  

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