Pretty purchases ... Puffing Billy.Credit: Joe Armao
If the locations don't take your breath away, the arts, craft and food bargains certainly will, writes Kristin Lee.
Slow Food Farmers' Market
Held at Abbotsford's former convent of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, the Slow Food Farmers' Market's well-presented stalls line the outside of the grand old heritage buildings, blessed with seasonal produce that has been picked, or prepared, straight from the grower's paddock.
Here, while sipping on a freshly squeezed OJ, you can get your fill of heirloom vegetables, seasonal fruits and berries, rare Belted Galloway beef, coffee beans, take-home falafel and naturally grown roses - try the bargain bucket for $6 a bunch.
While there Arrange a revitalising therapy at the WellBeing centre, where the sisters used to sleep.
When Fourth Saturday of every month, 8am to 1pm. Entry $2.
St Heliers Street, Abbotsford; see www.abbotsfordconvent.com.au.
Rose Street Artists' Market
Behind a street art-covered brick wall, just a few minutes' walk from Brunswick Street, is this hip artisan and designer collective that occupies a former automotive workshop and junkyard.
The indoor-outdoor weekend market, which rotates its stalls, has one-off pieces ranging from rebound books handmade from recycled denim to crochet earrings, fabric clutches and lino art. Alternatively, commission something straight from the artist. There's even a hair stylist in the warehouse's back corner.
While there Hire a vintage bike from the cafe for $10 an hour or $30 for the day including helmet, lock and a riding map of Melbourne.
When Every Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 5pm.
60 Rose Street, Fitzroy; see rosestmarket.com.au.
Williamstown Craft Market
Flush on the waterfront and surrounded by maritime legacies, this market of handmade and home-grown goods has been running at the picturesque Commonwealth Reserve - a former mudflat - for the past 34 years.
Stroll along the pleasantly shaded avenue of elm trees and lawns to find everything from handcrafted rocking horses and alpaca scarves to fresh-baked fudge and dog treats.
While there Pop aboard the HMAS Castlemaine museum at Gem Pier; see hmascastlemaine .org.au.
When Third Sunday of every month, 10am to 4pm.
Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown (off Nelson Place); see williamstowncraftmarket.com.au.
Talbot Farmers' Market
Known as "one of the largest farmers' markets in one of the smallest market towns", about 90 quality stallholders fill the former gold rush town's bygone main drag and, along with the thousands of visitors, bring this ordinarily placid hamlet to life.
There's a terrific range of produce straight from the farmers, most of whom are locals, plus some regional. You'll also find authentic sourdough breads, freshly made dips, award-winning olive oils, almonds, goat's feta, sheep's yoghurt and organic free-range eggs.
Also on the same day is the Town Hall crafts market, on Ballarat Street.
While there Peruse the unique colonial-fronted shops, such as Slightly Bent Books with its inviting interior, and stroll through the small, pleasant London House garden.
When Third Sunday of every month, 9am to 1pm.
Scandinavian Crescent and Camp Street, Talbot; see talbottourism.org.
Kongwak Market
Based in some time-worn sheds in south Gippsland, this marketplace gem is a micro-blend of the Camberwell and St Andrews markets, offering various vintage wares, ephemera, plants and produce.
The well-priced curry stall's dishes of dhal, rice and curry puffs (less than $10) are eaten at the laminated board tables with retro crockery, along with an assortment of present-day newspapers and magazines, while listening to an acoustic performer.
There's also fresh produce in the tin-roofed stalls - the deliciously refreshing all-natural berry or tropical fruit cups or cones, fruit and vegies, olive oils and preserves - plus traditional Chinese massage and wood-crafted work such as dog kennels.
While there Next door, the Kongwak Gallery has contemporary art in an aged general store. If you're heading to or from Melbourne via Korumburra, just out of Kongwak is a lookout with excellent views of the Bass Coast.
When Every Sunday (except the weekend before Christmas), 10am to 3pm. Gold-coin donation upon entry.
Korumburra-Wonthaggi Road, Kongwak.
Warrandyte Community Craft Market
In a beautiful bush setting on the banks of the Yarra River, in the old gold-mining town of Warrandyte, is this seemingly endless food and craft market.
It's a favourite for families and dog owners walking along the scenic Warrandyte River Reserve - which incorporates some of the Heidelberg School Artists Trail - who get a glimpse of how artist Clara Southern saw these surrounds almost a century ago.
There's plenty on offer at the market including naturally made skincare products, fresh-cut flowers and organic coffee to go, plus just about every type of rope you can imagine.
While there BYO or hire a kayak or canoe for a paddle on the river; see adventurecanoeing.com.au.
When First Saturday of every month (excluding January, with an additional Christmas market in December), 9am to 1pm.
Stiggants Reserve, Stiggant Street, Warrandyte.
Gembrook Market
At the end of Puffing Billy's narrow-gauge track is this sweet, sustainable inclined market of about 50 stalls. Although the current Gembrook Station was rebuilt in 1998 (the smaller, restored original stands a bit further along), the design retains a strong sense of yesteryear.
Market goers can wander past the platform and beneath the gigantic pine trees to buy spuds straight off the back of the ute (granted, it's potato-farming country), roasted chestnuts in autumn, pesto, or some locally made sheepskin Ugg-style boots.
While there Getting there is half the fun with a ride on the iconic steam engine from Belgrave to Gembrook and return. See puffingbilly.com.au for timetables and fares.
When Fourth Sunday of every month (except December), 9am until 2pm.
Gembrook Station, Main Street, Gembrook; see gembrookvillage.com.au.
Mont De Lancey Country and Homemade Crafts Market
Held at the immaculately preserved homestead and museum grounds of Mont De Lancey in the upper Yarra Valley, this small, unhurried market has some outstanding vistas of the surrounding ranges.
Among the stalls - some line the front of the machinery shed that is full of traditional farming equipment - are fresh-baked baguettes, soft cheeses, local beef, fruit and veg, plus natural handmade soaps.
Inside the rustic barn are the woodturners and blacksmiths, who make pieces such as iron candelabra, outdoor decorative pieces and iron mobile-phone holders the time-honoured way.
While there Take a one-hour tour of the grounds for $5 on the day including entry to the museum, or simply wander the gardens.
When Second Saturday of every month, 9am to 1pm. Gold-coin admission.
71 Wellington Road, Wandin; see montdelancey.org.au.
Macedon Ranges market at Hanging Rock Reserve
Held twice yearly, more than 200 colourful stalls sprawl from the base of this 6 million-year-old rock - a volcanic protrusion blanketed in bush - that has been the subject of myths plus Joan Lindsay's novel and Peter Weir's film Picnic at Hanging Rock.
Featuring various craft plus gourmet home-grown or home-made produce from local and regional producers, you'll find things such as MSG-free herbs and spices, various woodwork, pet furniture and jewellery.
While there Have a picnic and ascend the 105-metre-high rock for some outstanding panoramic views.
When Next markets are on Sunday, March 18 and Sunday, October 28, 10am to 3pm. Entry costs $5 including parking.
Hanging Rock Reserve, South Rock Road, Woodend; see www.craftmarkets.com.au.
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