The Crown Jewel: Camberwell Sunday Market

No exploration of Boroondara markets would be complete without celebrating the iconic Camberwell Sunday Market. Operating since 1976, this beloved institution has evolved into one of Melbourne’s premier community markets.

Location: Camberwell Primary School, corner Cookson & Bowen Streets, Camberwell
When: Every Sunday, 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Entry: Free

What Makes It Special

The market’s longevity speaks to its ability to balance tradition with evolution. While maintaining its community roots, it has expanded to offer an impressive diversity of stalls that cater to every taste and need.

Fresh produce section:

• Seasonal fruits and vegetables from Victorian farms
• Organic and spray-free options
• Heirloom varieties you won’t find in supermarkets
• Direct relationships with growers who share cultivation stories

Artisan food offerings:

• Freshly baked sourdough and specialty breads
• Local honey and preserves
• Handmade pasta and gourmet sauces
• International delicacies from diverse cultures
• Specialty coffee roasters

Beyond food:

• Handcrafted jewellery and accessories
• Vintage clothing and collectibles
• Plants and garden supplies
• Books and vinyl records
• Art and homewares

Insider Tips for Camberwell Market

Arrive early (7:00-8:30 AM) for the best produce selection and to beat the crowds. The atmosphere is calmer, and stallholders have more time for conversation.

Bring your own bags and containers to reduce waste and make carrying easier. Many stallholders appreciate customers who minimize packaging.

Chat with stallholders about their products. These conversations often reveal recipe ideas, storage tips, and the stories that make market shopping meaningful.

Make it a ritual: Regular attendance means stallholders recognize you, often setting aside special items or offering loyal customer perks.

Hawthorn Craft Market: Creativity and Community

For those drawn to handmade artistry and unique creations, the Hawthorn Craft Market offers a more intimate, creativity-focused experience.

Location: Hawthorn Town Hall, 360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn
When: First Saturday of each month, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Entry: Gold coin donation

The Artisan Experience

This market celebrates local makers and artists, providing a platform for creative entrepreneurs to connect directly with appreciative customers.

What you’ll discover:

• Original artwork and prints
• Handmade ceramics and pottery
• Knitted and crocheted items
• Natural skincare and cosmetics
• Children’s toys and clothing
• Upcycled and sustainable fashion

The monthly frequency makes each visit feel special—a anticipated event rather than routine shopping. The historic Town Hall setting adds character and charm that modern shopping centres simply cannot replicate.

Perfect for: Finding unique gifts, supporting local artists, and discovering one-of-a-kind pieces that carry the maker’s personal touch.

Kew Farmers Market: Seasonal Eating Simplified

While technically just outside Boroondara’s boundaries, the Kew Farmers Market deserves mention for its proximity and exceptional quality.

Location: Kew Primary School, corner of Peel and Derby Streets, Kew
When: Fourth Saturday of each month, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

The Farm-to-Table Connection

This market emphasizes direct producer-to-consumer relationships, with strict criteria ensuring stallholders are genuine farmers and food producers.

Seasonal highlights:

• Summer: Stone fruits, berries, heirloom tomatoes, fresh herbs
• Autumn: Apples, pears, root vegetables, mushrooms
• Winter: Citrus, brassicas, winter greens, preserves
• Spring: Asparagus, new season lamb, spring vegetables

The monthly schedule encourages planning meals around seasonal availability—a practice that enhances both flavour and sustainability while reducing food costs.

Smaller Neighbourhood Markets Worth Discovering

Boroondara’s market culture extends beyond the major venues. Several smaller, community-focused markets pop up throughout the year, often tied to schools or community events.

Balwyn Community Market

Occasional markets at local schools and community centres offer hyper-local shopping opportunities where proceeds often support community projects.

Watch for:

• School fete markets (usually spring and autumn)
• Christmas markets (November-December)
• Community fundraising markets

These smaller gatherings may lack the scale of Camberwell, but they compensate with intimate community atmosphere and the satisfaction of knowing your purchases directly support local causes.

Making the Most of Your Market Experience

Transform market visits from simple shopping trips into enriching weekend rituals with these strategies:

Plan But Stay Flexible

Review what’s in season and plan meals around likely market finds but remain open to inspiration. The best market experiences often involve discovering unexpected treasures.

Seasonal eating benefits:

• Superior flavour and nutrition
• Lower prices (abundance reduces cost)
• Environmental sustainability
• Connection to natural rhythms

Engage Authentically

Markets thrive on human connection. Ask questions, share recipe ideas, and build relationships with regular stallholders.

Conversation starters:

• “What’s particularly good this week?”
• “How do you recommend preparing this?”
• “Can you tell me about how this is made/grown?”

These interactions transform transactions into relationships, enriching both your market experience and the stallholder’s day.

Bring the Family

Markets provide natural learning environments for children, teaching them about food origins, money management, and community engagement.

Educational opportunities:

• Identifying fruits and vegetables
• Understanding seasons and growing cycles
• Practicing social skills with stallholders
• Learning about different cultures through food

Let children help select produce, handle money, and carry purchases—building life skills through practical experience.

Support Sustainable Practices

Many market stallholders prioritize environmental sustainability. Support these efforts by:

• Bringing reusable bags and containers
• Choosing loose produce over packaged
• Buying only what you’ll use (reducing food waste)
• Composting scraps from market produce
• Asking about growing and production methods

The Broader Benefits of Market Shopping

Beyond the immediate pleasures of fresh food and unique finds, regular market attendance contributes to personal wellbeing and community vitality.

Personal benefits:

• Physical activity (walking the market)
• Mental stimulation (new sights, sounds, interactions)
• Stress reduction (slower pace than supermarkets)
• Improved nutrition (access to fresh, seasonal produce)

Community benefits:

• Economic support for local producers
• Strengthened social connections
• Preserved community gathering spaces
• Reduced environmental impact (less packaging, local sourcing)

Markets represent a form of “slow shopping” that counters our culture’s rush toward convenience at any cost. They remind us that how we acquire things matters as much as what we acquire.

Discovering Magic in the Everyday

Boroondara’s local markets offer more than shopping destinations—they provide weekly opportunities to participate in something larger than us. Each visit weaves you deeper into your community’s fabric, connecting you with the people who grow your food, create beautiful objects, and share your neighbourhood.

In a world increasingly dominated by impersonal transactions and digital interactions, markets preserve spaces for authentic human connection. They remind us that commerce can be personal, that quality surpasses quantity, and that community thrives when we gather in shared spaces.

This weekend, set your alarm a bit earlier. Grab your reusable bags. Step into the vibrant energy of a Boroondara market. Strike up a conversation with a farmer about their heirloom tomatoes. Watch your children’s eyes widen at the rainbow of produce. Feel the satisfaction of supporting local enterprise.

These simple acts transform ordinary weekends into something richer- moments where community connection, quality food, and mindful living converge. After all, every day holds a little magic when we choose to seek it in the authentic, the local, and the genuinely human.

Your weekend market adventure awaits. The only question is: which market will you discover first?