Melburnians are being urged to bring their shopping baskets and appetites to Queen Victoria Market this Easter, as the city’s beloved marketplace turns into a festive feast of seafood, sweets and family fun.
From stacks of freshly caught prawns and snapper for Good Friday to locally sourced lamb roasts and mountains of hot cross buns, traders across the Market’s heritage sheds are gearing up for one of their busiest—and most delicious—times of the year.
Artisan chocolatiers, cheesemakers and fruit growers will also be stocking their Easter best, serving up the kind of old-school hospitality that has made the Market a Melbourne institution.
“Easter is a time for gathering with family and friends around great food, and Queen Victoria Market has everything you need to create a delicious Easter celebration,” says Market CEO Matt Elliott.
“Our traders take enormous pride in their produce and love sharing their expertise with shoppers, whether it’s helping you choose the freshest seafood, the perfect cut of lamb or the best seasonal ingredients for your Easter table.”
Family Fun & School Holiday Magic
It wouldn’t be Easter at Queen Vic without a visit from the Easter Bunny, who’s set to hop through the market laneways on multiple days across the long weekend (31st March, 2nd, 4th and 5th April from 10am–2pm), handing out eggs and smiles to little visitors.
Kids can also get hands-on with green-thumb fun when Gardening 4 Kids returns on Friday, 10th and 17th April. Young gardeners will plant organic pea seeds in biodegradable pots, decorate their own plant labels and bring home their creations to watch them grow.
For the curious, the Root Veggie Dig will reveal what lies beneath the soil—perfect for budding foodies curious about how veggies make it from farm to plate.
Supporting A Good Cause
Beyond the chocolate and cheer, this year’s festivities will also support the Good Friday Appeal for The Royal Children’s Hospital.
Visitors can chip in on the Market’s tin-shaking day (Thursday, 2nd April) or enter a raffle to win a one-of-a-kind Easter hamper curated by local traders. Good Friday Appeal tea towels and tote bags will also be on sale at the Market’s Information Hub, with all proceeds going to the cause.
Additionally, online shoppers can do their bit too: throughout March and April, Queen Vic Market Online will offer an easy donation option at checkout, proving that even a grocery order can help Melbourne kids in need.
Easter Shopping Made Easy
With hundreds of stalls spanning seasonal produce, deli goods, wine, and gifts, the Market remains a one-stop destination for Easter supplies.
Locals can browse the sheds for handcrafted wares and tasty treasures, while those staying home can shop online with same-day delivery to more than 220 Melbourne suburbs for orders placed before 10am.
The Market also caters to Melbourne’s Orthodox communities, with essentials for Orthodox Easter (12th April) including the sweet braided tsoureki, red-dyed eggs for traditional cracking games, and egg-dyeing kits ready for home celebrations.
A Taste Of Inspiration
Need some ideas for your Easter feast? Queen Vic Market’s online recipe collection celebrates the city’s love of good food, featuring guides like Fresh Seafood Melbourne, a Hot Cross Bun Trail, and indulgent creations such as Apple Hot Cross Buns with Caramel Glaze.
Whether you’re hunting down the perfect prawns, planning a family day out or simply soaking up the holiday spirit, the Queen Victoria Market promises a feast for all senses this Easter.
Queen Victoria Market Easter Week Trading Hours
- Open: Tue 31st Mar, Thu 2nd Apr, Sat 4th Apr, Sun 5th Apr, Tue 7th Apr
- Closed: Wed 1st Apr, Fri 3rd Apr (Good Friday), Mon 6th Apr (Easter Monday)
