images (1)Tipped to be one of the premier shopping destinations in Victoria’s bustling capital Melbourne the South Melbourne Market is an iconic institution in its own right. Established as far back as 1867 this historic shopper’s market draws more than 3.7 million visitors each year with households all across St Kilda Rd, South Melbourne, Docklands, Albert Park Southbank, and Port Melbourne as its main customer bases. Housing more than 133 individual businesses within the space the services and products available at the market include a lot more than fresh vegetables and fruits. Store outlets selling clothing, shoes, fashion items and accessories are also available in addition to giftware, wooden items, books, stationary, confectionary, crafts, hardware products and freshly brewed coffee. Take-away food selections are also available at the South Melbourne Market in addition to an extensive liquor collection to cater to the preferences of particular tastes.
Hosting the famed Style After Dark extravaganza each year the SMM transforms its open verandah areas to a gala fashion runway with local designers strutting their latest trends in an event that is a true representation of the community. Locally produced garments, collectibles, accessories and jewelry take centre stage at this popular night market full of music and food from the Cecil Street pubs and eateries.

Style After Dark
Other highlights include the SMM Cooking School at the LG Kitchen which is open to all visitors interested in preparing delicacies with expert advice from celebrity chefs in Australia who regularly take part in the classes. The Gourmet Tour of SMM is also for picky eaters as the best produce and traders are introduced to participants in this tour which encapsulates the finest quality goods at the SMM. Eco-friendly shoppers will enjoy the Small Footprints Tour which explores the food varieties that are a breeze to make and make a minimum impact on the planet while the Market Treasure Hunt is ideal for families in search of a supermarket adventure complete with treasure maps, a goodie bag and well- concealed treats.

Visitors on the lookout for quality luxury Melbourne accommodation should look no further than The Langham Melbourne for all their accommodation needs. Considered among the best hotels Melbourne in Victoria this stylish establishment pulls out all the stops when it comes to vacationing Down Under.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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