St Andrews Community Market

This is a regular Saturday market that attracts locals and many from around Melbourne. It’s something of a hippie market and that’s just the way we like it. There are two entrances - one opposite the cafes and one at the bottom. There is plenty of food, much of which caters to vegetarians and vegans. As well there is coffee and of course the well loved Chai Tent at the top. Across the road is a cafe A Boy Called Sue and the Pub. A new cheese place has also opened. Much of the clothes is “hippie”’or stalls where people have cleaned out the wardrobe and selling off their wares. Fresh fruit and vegetable stalls are here and the prices are excellent. The guy that runs the record stall is a wealth of information so if you’re looking for something special - he’s the man. The variety of stalls is great and each week you’ll see most of the same but then there are a few different stalls to mix it up. Buskers playing. Kids exploring. Conversations being had. Bumped into a few friends - as always. Note: dogs not allowed. Toilets available. Parking can be an issue if you areifenaftern10ammdonplewaembe careful where you park. Bus stop nearby. Wheelchair friendly - but only just. Kid friendly.

I've been going to this market since I was born. It's been a few years but revisited today and was extremely disappointed. The market was half full at most with stalls and there were hardly any market goers. It was empty and there was no vibe, nothing like it used to be. Since when can you bring your dogs? I was there with my young children and people were walking around with muzzled German Sheppard's. I saw other dogs on leads getting tangled up in legs of ppl walking past. I don't think markets and dogs mix well at all. St Andrews market has gone down hill and this saddens me.

Rain, or Shine this market in a peaceful bush setting operates every Saturday, year round (unless it's Christmas Day, or the Central district of Victoria has a Total Fire Ban declared). I have been lucky to run a stall at this market for the last 18 years. So I know first hand how diverse and interesting the mix of stalls can be (even on a dreary day with a nasty forecast you will find a few hardy souls toughing it out here). Originally a hippy trading place, it is now a hybrid of all the best things you can get at markets from the regular to the unique. From fresh produce (some organic), plants, hand crafted items (everything from soap, skincare, jam, baskets and upcycled items, to cards, guitars, jewellery and macrame), crystals, massage therapists, rune and card readers, second-hand clothes, cakes, nuts, food, coffee, tea and bric-a-brac. I've seen the local Land Care group and the market community restore the area and the Hall from a muddy hill and run down buildings, to ordered paths and thriving gardens. With a refurbished community hall with a lovely deck, updated kitchen and disabled access toilets, it is used for frequent events by the local community as well as the market community. Being in a bush setting means there are frequent sightings of Kangaroos and we have many different types of native birds here. The Kookaburras are particularly cheeky/friendly, often swooping down to help themselves to something off a table or chair.! Parking is all up and down the hilly streets (Kinglake-Hurstbridge Rd and Eltham-St Andrews Rd), or at the rear of the Pub and the market is on the side of a hill with dirt/stone paths throughout, so be prepared for uneven ground and a bit of exercise. The paths between the stalls are kept wide, so a wheelchair/pram/walking frame can get through and we have 2 wheelchair accessible toilets at the rear of the hall, accessed via a ramp. At about 47 years old (from 1971/73 to 2019) it is one of the oldest Community run NFP markets around Victoria. Which means the stall fees pay the costs and then feed back into the community. Supporting the local schools, CFA, wildlife rescues, kids sporting groups, etc. This also means the committee are made up of community minded volunteers.