Wednesday, July 7, 2010

ESCAPE TO AUSTRALIA - MELBOURNE QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET

According to the Australian travel guide, the Queen Victoria Market is the largest and oldest market in the Southern Hemisphere. Opened since 1878, it is a historical landmark and a must-see in Melbourne. Seeing is believing..so we went there on the 2nd day to see it for ourselves.
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Walking around the market area, we found that it was indeed a large market covering a big area. There were so many stalls offering a variety of fruits, vegetables, all kinds of meat, seafood, as well as Australian delicacies. The place also has a large section selling a diverse range of goods, like clothing, shoes, jewellery, Australian art, crafts and souvenirs.
One of the Delicatessen stalls in the market.I couldn't believe to see so many stalls selling fresh meat in the fresh food area. Dining is not a problem here as they catered a wide selection of local fare and even Chinese.Breakfast time - enjoying the the usual " Big Breakfast". Good enough to last till dinner.
A street musician providing some good music just outside the food court.
The pride of Australia, Holden! These were the old 60s models. A friend owns one in Kota Kinabalu.
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The biggest section of the market is the high roofed area. I figured that there must be over 600 or more stalls. Belts selling for AUD10 per piece. I think the Australian who frequented this market have a better bargaining skills than any Malaysian. He walked away with 3 belts for AUD15 !
A place for belt buckles lovers. The plants were expensive but not the vegetables.Care for a new hair piece ?Australian goodies stalls.
Fake watches? I thought I was in the night market back home in Kota Kinabalu.
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It was a worthwhile experience to see this Queen Victoria market. As the saying goes " you have not been to Melbourne if you have been to the Queen Victoria market"

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