Since 1970, the Esplanade Market in St Kilda has offered a smorgasbord of unique and beautiful home made, hand crafted and locally produced art, craft, homewares, giftwares, skincare products and culinary delights.
Today, the Esplanade Market remains one of Melbourne's best-loved and enduring - open every Sunday from 10am to 5pm and still attracting hoards of visitors into the cultural melting pot that is St Kilda.
It's no wonder, when you see the range of quality goods on offer across the stalls, which stretch along the beach side of the Upper Esplanade, between the big mouth of Luna Park and the equally famous Esplanade Hotel.
The Esplanade St Kilda Market stalls stretch along the Upper Esplanade.
If you're looking for a one-of–a-kind gift or some interesting and unique pieces for your home, you really can't go past this market. I was blown away by the gorgeous jewellery, large-scale canvas artworks and fantastic terrariums of all shapes and sizes at my last visit.
Plus there's the mandatory face painting for the little ones - without the lengthy queues - hair feathering and plenty of other stalls that will take their fancy too.
One of the many jewellery stalls at The Esplanade Market St Kilda.
Grab some hot food and drinks to go from a mobile vendor, or there's the world-renown cafes of Acland Street literally just around the corner, the beautiful beachfront that also boasts eateries with stunning views, and lots of open spaces for picnicking – just take your pick!
Of course, when you visit St Kilda you also get all the creative energy you can soak up, for free! Surrounded by modern urban art set alongside cultural icons like Luna Park and the old Palais Theatre, as well as a huge number of street performers vying to entertain you, a day out in St Kilda really does offer something for everybody and will never be dull!
A St Kilda street performer juggling two machetes and a lit fire torch while balancing on a rolling tabletop platform!
A crowd gathers near the big mouth entry to Luna Park as a street performer begins his show.
Make sure you have some cash with you before you head out, as most stallholders don't have eftpos or credit card facilities, and you'll also want to tip some funds into the street performers' hats. It's also a good idea to take a warm coat as it can get a bit chilly bay side, but it is definitely worth the visit.
This Sunday, enjoy the best of the Autumn weather and explore the Esplanade Market in St Kilda. You'll be supporting some of Melbourne's most talented artists and artisans, and are sure to pick up some unique, home-grown products you simply won't find anywhere else.
'Around Clocks' is at the Esplanade Market every Sunday with their quirky, gorgeous hand made clocks and home decorator items.
