To market, to market…

There is no better way to experience a community vibe than by visiting a town’s local market. There are dozens throughout Victoria, where local craftspeople and producers set up ‘shop’, offering a diverse array of homemade and hand crafted wares and produce. From vintage gems reimagined, to local designer pieces, visitors can stock up on gifts, clothes, collectibles and homewares that can’t be found anywhere else. All while enjoying a freshly baked scone or tall glass of homemade lemonade. Here are 17 of the best regional Victorian markets:

Albury WodongaFrom October to March, on the second Thursday of the month, the QEII Twilight Markets are the place to be. More than 80 boutique stalls from across Victoria sell home-grown and home-made goods such as essential oils, candles, fresh produce, art, hand-made jewellery, hats and much more. And there is live music and a sprawling lawn to boot. QEII Square, Dean Street, Albury.

CreswickLocated in the picturesque and historic township of Creswick, the Creswick Market is held on the third Saturday of every month. It features live music and more than 90 specialist boutique sites offering a variety of handmade goods – ranging from arts and crafts to freshly made delicacies. There is also gourmet food and great coffee options and entertainment for the kids. Creswick Neighbourhood Centre, Victoria Street, Creswick.

GeelongVictoria’s second largest city is home to three stand-out markets: Piccadilly Market is held three times a year on the Geelong Waterfront and showcases local artists. On the second Sunday of each month, Little Creatures Geelong becomes home to home baked goods, illustrations, jewellery, preserves, homewares, music, hot coffee and of course, cold beer. Open daily, the Geelong Vintage Market has a spacious showroom featuring more than 60 stalls and thousands of items – ranging from china and glassware, to retro fashion, collectables and clothing. Deakin Waterfront University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong. Little Creatures Brewery Geelong, 221 Swanston Street, Geelong. 3 Mackey Street, North Geelong.

HamiltonEvery fortnight, the On Track Market features a range of stalls selling handmade crafts, soaps, condiments, honey, clothing, candles, bric-a-brac, home baking, food and wine, and fresh fruit and vegetables. A family friendly market, it also features train rides, pony rides and a jumping castle for the kids. Hiller Lane, Hamilton.

Hanging RockHeld just twice a year, Hanging Rock Market hosts both local and regional stalls offering quality Australian-made products, delicious gourmet foods and fresh home grown produce. Hanging Rock Reserve, South Rock Road, Woodend.

HealesvilleHealesville Community Market has two iterations: on the first Sunday of the month, visitors will find more than 100 stalls filled with bric-a-brac, clothing, jewellery, plants and books; on the third Sunday of the month, the emphasis shifts to homemade products such as soaps and jams. Both have plenty of food and coffee vans on hand for sustenance. First Sunday – River St Car Park, Healesville. Third Sunday – Coronation Park, River Street, Healesville.

MorningtonA Wednesday institution, the Mornington Main Street Market has been running for more than 30 years (pavements in the street were widened to accommodate it) and is filled with crafts, clothing, accessories and jewellery; lots of produce from fresh foods to preserves, olive oil, pasta and sauces. There are even masseurs and aromatherapists who will instantly revive even the weariest traveller. Main Street, Mornington.

NatimukHeld five times a year, the Natimuk Farmers Market Plus is set in a spectacular location, nestled in the base of Mt Arapiles and Mitre Rock. This Sunday market is a central place where visitors can check out the wares of local growers and producers, as well as local artists and craftspeople. Main Street, Natimuk.

Phillip IslandHeld several times a year, Cowes Night Market is a collective of stallholders presenting handmade creations brimming with individuality and flair. Visitors can wander the stalls and discover original art and collectables, garments fashioned from vintage inspired fabrics, intricate accessories, timeless homewares as well as award-winning boutique wines and traditional, home-style gourmet foods. The Esplanade, Cowes, Phillip Island.

Red HillHeld on the first Saturday of each month (from September to May), Red Hill Community Market is one of the state’s most visited craft markets. From its beginnings as community-based event (where bartering was common) in 1975, Red Hill now brings together more than 300 stallholders who offer up original creations of the highest quality. Red Hill Showgrounds, Red Hill Road.

StawellOpen every day, the Pickers Market is a bargain hunter’s delight. Here, more than 30 stalls sell all things ‘old or interesting’ – from antiques and collectables, to ‘garagenalia’ and kitchenalia. 62 Longfield Street, Stawell West.

TerangThe monthly Terang Market is held under beautiful avenues of oak, cottonwood poplars and plane trees. At this indoor and outdoor market, visitors can expect to find local honey, woodwork, jewellery, plants, crafts, home baking, produce, preserves, spinning, knitting, sewing and books. All Saints Church, Corner Thompson Street (Noorat Road) and Bourkes Road, Terang.

Violet TownThe Violet Town Market has been taking place of the second Saturday of every month since 1978. With around 250 stalls of fresh produce, arts, crafts, jewellery, wine, plants, tools, furniture and more, this thriving community market is renowned for its focus on sustainability. Live music, local food and great coffee combine to create one of Victoria’s premier country markets. Tulip Street, Violet Town.

WarragulWarragul Arts Market is known for its artist-run stalls and demonstrations, live music, and free hands-on creative activities. The market runs on the third Saturday of the month (from October to March) and is held in conjunction with the Warragul Farmers Market. Albert Street, Warragul.

Multiple locationsThe Amazing Mill Markets are held in three regional Victorian towns: Ballarat, Geelong and Daylesford. The Markets lease space to hundreds of different stallholders, so each has a diverse range of wares. There is invariably something for everyone, including vintage clothes and furniture, memorabilia, art, glass, jewellery, books, antiques, and collectables. 114 Bellarine Highway, Newcomb; 105 Central Springs Road, Daylesford; 9367 Western Highway, Warrenheip.