Submit a market or event for listing on these pages

The White Hat Guide to the Mernda Market

A large outdoor trash and treasure market in the carpark of the Bridge Inn Hotel together with a various livestock in the adjoining stock yards. As well as trash and treasure there is fresh produce and general merchandise. The sheep. goats, poultry, rabbits and other livestock attract plenty of attention as do the lively auctions. This is a White Hat favourite - a genuine country market within reach of the city which has been trading since 1919.

The following short article was first published under the heading Melbourne's Hidden Gems in the White Hat Melbourne Newsletter No.302 on 12th March 2009

Sunday used to the day of rest in Melbourne. For much of the community it was the Sabbath and no work was to be done and no entertainment was to be indulged outside of Archbishop Mannix’s latest homily on the correct way to vote at the next election.

Then that all changed and weekends became wall-to-wall entertainment and partying and work and everyone collapsed into Monday when no work was done and nothing was open. Theatres closed on Mondays. Restaurants are closed on Mondays. Markets are closed on Mondays.

Except in Mernda.

Mernda is a short trip north of Melbourne. Just head up Plenty Road Bundoora past La Trobe Uni then once you’re in the country follow the traffic. It’s all heading to Mernda.

Now Mernda Market isn’t for everyone. If you’re after decaf latte we recommend the Prahran Market, If you’re after chai and mystic crystals we recommend St Andrews. If you’re after certified organic produce and goats milk cheese where the animals are guaranteed to have had freedom from stress and freedom of political association then we can recommend a number of Farmers’ Markets. But if you are looking for a fanbelt for a 1967 Massey-Ferguson or a scone tray or a pair of ferrets with a good pedigree and the company of some down-to-earth country people and some down-to-earth Mediterranean-Australians from the northern suburbs who’ve been here for 30 years but still like to select their Easter goat or lamb while its on the hoof then Mernda Market’s the place for you.

This has been a farmers’ market since 1919 where farmers brought and traded their goods. In the 1990s someone invented Farmers’ Markets (with capitals) but that is a different beast. The large outdoor trash and treasure market is in the carpark of the hotel, and since the hotel has the usual range of refreshments and meals don’t expect the market to feature a large range of foodstalls – just one hamburger caravan with each hamburger-with-the-lot (I don’t think they serve any other kind) sufficient to feed 5 teenage girls or one 14 year old boy.

In the adjoining stock yards you will sheep. goats, poultry, rabbits and other livestock. They attract plenty of attention as do the lively auctions. It’s like having a day at the Royal Melbourne Show for a fraction of the price.

Now the Mernda Market is not set up to cater for rubbernecking tourists from the city, but I know a few of you White Hatters out there are prepared to try something different. Give it a try.

Where is the Mernda Market?

Click on the Mernda Market link to the right of the map. Use the controls to zoom in or out on the map or change to satellite view.

Related links:

• Food Stores in Melbourne
• Markets in Melbourne
• Markets in Country Victoria

Please note that the above are the official trading hours. At many markets, a number of stalls close early, so you need to be there well before official closing time.

 

The Shopping Spree Tours distinctive Pink Bus! © Shopping Spree Tours

Shopping Tour of Melbourne