Journey from Paddock to Plate with V/Line
Victorian Regional Farmers Markets
Media release
Organic vegetables - Victorian Farmers' Markets [©VFMA]
Regional Victoria offers a rich and diverse selection of farmers’ markets abundant with fresh, seasonal produce, and Victorians can access some of the very best by simply jumping on the train!
Train travel is the easiest and most convenient way to experience these exceptional markets. Relax and unwind while watching the scenery of the Victorian countryside pass by. Then arrive refreshed and ready to meander through the local market stalls. Have your pick of local goods including seasonal fruit and vegetables, meat and deli produce in locations such as Geelong, Bendigo, Castlemaine and Ararat.
Take the family out of town with the great value V/Line Family Traveller ticket (valid for two adults and up to four children in off peak times). Many markets have live entertainment and activities for the kids, making for a great family day out.
Here are a few of the great farmers’ markets just waiting to be explored...
Day Trips
GEELONG
Central Geelong Farmers’ Market offers a large selection of local, seasonal fruit, vegetables and produce. The market’s live entertainment and a free miniature animal farm will keep the kids entertained, whilst parents can meander through the stalls and talk to farmers and producers about their products. The market is a short 10 minute walk from Geelong Station and is held on the second Saturday of each month from 8.30am to 12.30pm. Entry is free.
Little Malop St (between Moorabool St & Yarra St)
Geelong VIC 3220
Getting there with V/Line
The trip to Geelong takes approximately one hour from Melbourne.
- A return adult full fare ticket from Melbourne is only $12.80 during off-peak times
- A concession return ticket is $6.40 on weekdays ($9.20 on weekends)
- A V/Line Family Traveller is $25.60 (valid for two adults and up to four kids during off-peak times including weekends)
Please note: V/Line Geelong tickets include FREE access to Geelong’s town buses.
Accommodation enquiries
BENDIGO
Bendigo Community Farmers’ Market offers a great selection of local products including wine, coffee and plants. There are also public cooking lessons available to refine your culinary skills. Live music creates a relaxed and chilled atmosphere, providing the perfect backdrop to shop and chat to the growers. The market is a 15 minute walk from Bendigo station and opens every second Saturday of the month from 9.00am to 1.00pm. Entry is free.
Rosalind Park
1 Williamson St
Bendigo VIC 3550
Getting there with V/Line
Getting to Bendigo takes just under two hours:
- An adult full fare ticket is $31.60 return to Melbourne during off-peak times including weekends
- An off-peak concession ticket is only $15.80 return from Melbourne ($22.40 on weekends)
- A V/Line Family Traveller return ticket is $63.20 during off-peak times including weekends (valid for two adults and up to four children)
Please note: Visitors can also take a bus from the station to the markets, buses on route 14 (towards Strathdale) leave frequently from Bendigo Station. V/Line Bendigo tickets include FREE access to Bendigo’s town buses.
Accommodation enquiries
CASTLEMAINE
The Castlemaine Farmers’ Market is located in the centre of the historic township with over 40 quality stalls showcasing produce from central Victoria. Castlemaine’s local cheeses are a specialty as is the prosciutto, smoked sausage and award-winning olive oil. The town is also famous for its apples, berries and stone fruits. The market operates on the first Sunday of each month from 9.00am to 1.00pm and it is only a 15 minute walk from the station. Entry is free.
Moyston St (alongside market building)
Castlemaine VIC 3450
Getting there with V/Line
It takes approximately one and a half hours to travel to Castlemaine from Melbourne:
- An off-peak adult full fare ticket is $23.20 return
- An off-peak concession ticket is $11.60 return on weekdays ($16.40 on weekends)
- A V/Line Family Traveller ticket is great value at $46.40 return to Melbourne during off-peak times including weekends (valid for two adults and up to four children)
Accommodation Enquires
Overnight/Weekend Trips
ARARAT
Operating on the second Sunday of March, June, September and December, Ararat Seasonal Farmers’ Market is a unique market experience. The market provides you with a chance to listen to live music beneath historic oak trees as you sample the town’s finest produce including fruit, vegetables, decadent cheeses, regional wine and beers, organic herbs, bread and honey. As you shop you can also enjoy a delicious BBQ prepared and cooked by Grampian’s Produce Group. Entry is free.
Alexandra Gardens
Vincent Street
Ararat VIC 3377
Getting there with V/Line
Ararat is just under two hours from Melbourne, a great location for a day trip or a longer overnight stay:
- An adult off-peak return ticket from Melbourne is $40.80
- An off-peak concession return ticket is just $20.40 on weekdays ($29.20 on weekends)
- A V/Line Family Traveller ticket is only $81.60 return, including weekends (valid for two adults and up to four children)
Accommodation Enquiries
For more information about daily timetables to regional Victoria or how to purchase tickets
V/Line Media
Regions
- Bendigo (VIC)
- Central Victoria (VIC)
- Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula (VIC)
- Goldfields (VIC)
- Grampians (Tourism) (VIC)
- Great Ocean Road (VIC)
- North West Victoria (VIC)
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