Renowned for creativity and innovation, Melbourne is home to an eclectic collection of local craft spots. From markets to open studios and stores, explore our guide to the best places in the city to pick up something truly special.
Whether you’re talking fashion, homeware or works of art, Melbourne houses one of the world’s most inventive and crafty populations. In an array of small boutiques, studios and weekend markets filled with independent sellers, locally produced, one-of-a-kind treasures are hidden all over the city, just waiting to be found and cherished. Read on for our top picks for local craft spots in Melbourne.
Shops & Boutiques
Melbournalia
Specialising in useful goods and souvenirs, Melbournalia is stocked to the brim with locally produced, quirky gifts. From beer-infused chocolate (sounds a little crazy, but trust us!) provided by Melbourne chocolatier Monsieur Truffe to pins of adorable koala bears sitting atop the city’s iconic yellow and green trams, the spacious venue is arranged so that customers can browse comfortably and enjoy conversations with friendly staff.
Insider’s Tip: Stay updated on the arrival of new products and irregular closed days on Melbournalia’s news page.
Address: 5/50 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Open From: Mon-Tues: 10am-6pm; Wed-Fri: 10am-7pm; Sat-Sun: 11am-6pm
Clementine’s
Situated behind a modern facade and an iconically bright, orange, parked motorcycle, Clementine’s goes beyond the tacky and predictable when it comes to memorabilia and gifts. With shelves displaying products made and crafted by small makers and artisans around Victoria, locally produced goods on offer include beautiful ceramic mugs and tableware, wonderfully warm knitwear and one-of-a-kind knick-knacks. Perhaps what sets this place apart from other local craft stores are their delicious gourmet bites (think caviar in various authentic flavours, gluten-free lemon shortbread and endless jam options).
Insider’s Tip: Catering to those with mobility issues, Clementine’s venue is fully wheelchair accessible and very easy to navigate.
Address: 7 Degraves St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Open From: Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm; Sun: 10am-4pm
IG: @melbournalia
IG: @clementines3000
Markets
The Rose Street Artists’ Market
Found in the heart of the vibrant and bohemian suburb of Fitzroy, The Rose Street Artists’ Market is a hidden gem that has been providing shopping satisfaction since 2003. This artsy, open-air weekend market repurposes a junkyard, showcasing the genuinely remarkable, high-quality creations of emerging artists and designers. Each weekend here is different as the stalls are never exactly the same, so from delicate, detail-oriented jewellery to one-of-a-kind art pieces, there’s no telling what kind of unique treasures you might get your hands on. Entry is also free, so there’s really no excuse not to visit!
Insider’s Tip: If you’ve shopped up an appetite, stop by the market’s eatery, Young Bloods Diner, where they even have a rooftop area perfect for taking a break from the bustling market below.
Address: 60 Rose Street, Fitzroy, Yarra, Victoria 3065, Australia
Open From: Sat-Sun: 10am-4pm
Arts Centre Melbourne Sunday Market
Another conveniently located weekend market, the Arts Centre Melbourne Sunday Market is a short walk from Flinders Street Railway Station. Against the backdrop of Melbourne’s lively and artisanal atmosphere, this outdoor bazaar is a pocket of goodness with an array of original and high-quality crafts and live local music. Perfect for those in search of a truly special and unique gem, options range from intricately drawn, eco-friendly greeting cards to wide collections of handmade fragrant soaps, candles and roll-on perfume oils. A perfect Sunday afternoon activity, come here and grab a satisfying latte from on-site coffee vans and then wander along the rows of artisanal crafts.
Insider’s Tip: Stallholders at Arts Centre Melbourne Sunday Market rotate positions regularly, so take your time to stroll along rows until you stumble your favourites again!
Address: 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
Open From: Sun: 10am-4pm
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FB: @rosestreetmarket
IG: @thelittlecardboutique
Studios
Cone 11 Ceramics
Located within the beautifully traditional Abbotsford Convent complex, Cone 11 Ceramics showcases innovative ceramic works by makers who have been developing a reputation for quality, creativity and originality since 2008. From minimally decorated tableware to elegant hanging pendant lights, shimmering pearly whites to rich encrusted terracottas, this space gives visitors the rare opportunity to browse through creations, freshly fired from the kiln, and watch as new pieces take their form on an endlessly spinning wheel.
Insider’s Tip: For those interested in getting hands-on experience, Cone 11 Ceramics hosts workshops several times a year. Click here for more details.
Address: Studio MG2, Mercator Building, Abbotsford Convent, No.1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067, Australia
Open From: Fri-Sat: 10am-4pm
The Social Studio
The Social Studio is a not-for-profit social enterprise where visitors can choose from a diverse range of locally designed, hip clothing whilst supporting new migrant and refugee communities. Founded in 2009, the brand has morphed into a fashion school, clothing label, retail shop, digital textile print studio, clothing manufacturer and a community space with a mission statement involving creating awareness and changing public perceptions for those who have been or are currently a refugee. In buying their products, shoppers here are directly generating social benefits for these communities.
Insider’s Tip: The Social Studio also has a colourful visual book that celebrates Melbourne’s multicultural community of creatives, available to buy on their online store.
Address: 128 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia
Open From: Mon-Fri: 10:30am-5:30pm; Sat: 10am-5pm
IG: @cone11ceramics
IG: @thesocialstudio
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