Opened in 1878 QVM is the largest in Australia and one of the largest in the world. It covers 7 hectares and is essentially intact from the date of construction. The merchandise sold has changed. I bet in 1878 they couldn’t buy the wonderfully tacky tourist crap that you can get now.
We bought lunch in the meat and dairy halls. Originally housing butchers, fishmongers, and rabbitos, you can still buy meat and fish, not so much rabbits, and all manner of baked goods, chocolates, etc.
Instead of buying eggs, you can buy an egg laying hen. Not sure how you’d go about taking that home on the train or tram.
Further along is the fresh produce and finally the retail market. There are some perfectly good handmade souveniers but there is also a plethora of made in china, buy it anywhere cheap stuff.
We bought nothing, can you believe it? We did spend a good couple of hours wandering and people watching and handling all the goods.
Oh, I tell I lie, we did buy something – we bought a gift for Deka. Kim and Joanna, you’re gonna love it! Wanna guess what it is?
Hubby was looking to buy a new belt. Every belt he currently owns has come from the QVM on previous trips. You pick a design, and then they punch the holes and add the buckle. He was on the lookout for a dark blue belt, but couldn’t find what we wanted. Next time.