Central Business District in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania

Melbourne's Marvellous Meat Hall

— Queen Victoria Market —

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, July 16, 2026

1. Melbourne's Marvellous Meat Hall Marker

Inscription. From 1865, the triangular 'lower market' site, bounded by Elizabeth, Therry and Queen Streets was fenced was fenced by the Melbourne City Council and used as a hay, pig, horse and cattle market. The land was proclaimed as a general market in 1869, the animal market relocated and the Meat Market building that still stands today was erected.

In 1884, the Produce Hall arch and a new front to the meat market were built. The meat hall is of both architectural and social significance for its rarity as one of a few substantially intact purpose-built market buildings in Australia. Additionally, it is the last remaining example of Melbourne's 19 century urban markets.

The wall along the food hall adjacent to the Meat Hall is the original side wall of the historic Meat Hall built in 1868, at a cost of £4,683, including fittings and gas lights, and the oldest building on the Queen Victoria Market site. The original bluestone foundations and archways of the Meat Hall can also still be seen. The single span across the roof of the Meat Hall was unique as only the second of its type in the colony.

Erected by Queen Victoria

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Market.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.

Location. 37° 48.399′ S, 144° 57.499′ E. Marker is in Melbourne, Victoria. It is in the Central Business District. It is at the intersection of Victoria Street (Victoria Route 32) and Queen Street, on the left when traveling west on Victoria Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 81 Victoria Street, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Oceania,

in Australasia,

in the Pacific Ocean,

in South Pacific,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Victoria Meat Market (within shouting distance of this marker); Engaging the Senses (within shouting distance of this marker); Market Opening - Floor Plaque (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Saving the Market (about 120 meters away); Queen Victoria Market - Blue Plaque

Melbourne's Marvellous Meat Hall Marker outside the Meat Market image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, July 16, 2026

2. Melbourne's Marvellous Meat Hall Marker outside the Meat Market

(about 120 meters away); Bringing home the Shopping (about 120 meters away); Market Football (about 120 meters away); Wholesale to Retail (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.

Also see . . . Meat, Poultry & Game. Queen Victoria Market

List of current vendors in the market showing pictures of their stalls

(Submitted on August 24, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 24, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.