The Market
The Dandenong Market is situated in the heart of Dandenong and embraces many cultures. First Market day was in 1866, making Dandenong Market one of Victoria's oldest markets.
The market has recently undergone a $26 million redevelopment and now offers a fine selection of fresh produce, quality butchers, deli items and seafood as well as a vast array of fruit and vegetables, plants, baked goods, jewellery, homewares, toys and clothing.
The market attracts a diverse range of customers from local shoppers to overseas visitors and tourists from Victoria and interstate.
Visitors come to the market for unusual items, many of which are imported from Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Brazil, China and Malaysia to cater for the many origins and exotic tastes.
Come to the Market and experience a highly personable shopping experience as you chat with stallholders and experience the sights, sounds and smells that make Dandenong Market a delicious destination.
The Market - Past, Present and Future
Dandenong Market has formed part of the rich heritage of Dandenong since 1863. On Market days the open sided sheds, take on new life with hundreds of shoppers bustling through the great variety of fresh produce and assorted wares. Today in a world when seemingly sterile, air conditioned shopping centres have become the norm, the Dandenong Market provides a refreshing and traditional shopping experience for all ages.
Historical research indicates that following the first European Settlement of the Dandenong District in the late 1840s, the importance of the area as a meeting and trading Centre soon became apparent.
When the proposed settlement of Dandenong was first surveyed in the 1850's, two acres of land was set aside as cattle yards. The idea at this stage was to develop Dandenong as a Market town.
In November 1863 ratepayers petitioned for the establishment of a Market and in 1864 the Colonial Government officially granted approval for the development of the Dandenong Market.
Soon after a site in Dandenong for a Public Market was secured on the intersection of Lonsdale and McCrae Streets. In October 1866, the Market was officially open for business.
In 1926 the Market was relocated to its existing site on the corner of Clow and Cleeland Streets, and in 1958 the livestock section of the Market moved to the area on Cheltenham Road, behind the Dandenong railway yards.
Although the Market is still in the same spot, the buildings and structure of the Market have changed over the years.
In 1996, the Market underwent a complete overhaul, with extensions to the fruit and vegetable areas, development of a multi-level carpark, implementation of internal and external "themed" Market signage, painting of the entire Market, coloured striped awnings as well as a new Market Logo.
With funding secured for the Market redevelopment, 2005 saw the addition of Aldi supermarket. Subsequent redevelopment included the construction of a new General Merchandise hall (completed in October 2009), the additiion of a new Produce hall (completed in August 2010) and the completion of a new Meat, Fish and Deli hall (completed in June 2011)
The delicious new Dandenong Market was officially opened by the CEO – John Bennie on Saturday June 4, 2011. The day saw a celebration of the unique diversity and multicultural nature of the area with performances from all corners of the globe. The Dandenong Market site is owned by the City of Greater Dandenong and Managed by Savills.
Leasing Opportunities
Limited spaces are available. There are currently limited vacancies in the Meat, Fish and Deli Hall, Produce Hall and in General Merchandise Hall. Please contact Market Management on 03 9701 3850 for further information, or download an information page.
Casual Availabilities
Role and Purpose of Casual stalls
Dandenong Market welcomes casual stallholders. The role of casual stalls is to give aspiring permanent stallholders an experience in the Market. Casual stalls assist with filling out aspects of the Market's offer that might not currently be delivered by permanent stalls and can provide a dynamic element to contribute to the shopper's experience. We see this as a small but important element of the Market experience.
Application guidelines
Casual stall guidelines have been established to protect the diversity of the Market's overall offer (including avoiding product duplication with permanent stallholders). Casual stalls are located in various parts of the Market and may be relocated from time to time as identified in the Mix Strategy or for operational reasons. Restrictions do apply in the jewellery, clothing and accessory category. Please note all applications are subject to management discretion.
Application process
If you are a first time casual you will need to complete the application form which can be downloaded below, or collect one at the Market Management office, located on Cleeland Street.
Supporting documentation must be completed including an up to date Public Liability Insurance Certificate with a minimum of $10 million and Photo identification. If you are planning to sell any food you will also require special permission from the City of Greater Dandenong Council Health department. Contact (03) 9238 1401 for further information.
If you are a registered charitable organisation you are most welcome to submit an application. Applications will be assessed on suitablility and we offer a discounted rate.
Please ensure that you submit your application at least 48 hours prior to the Market day you wish to trade to allow Market Management to assess the suitability of your application. Applications can be sent via email to info@dandenongmarket.com.au, by fax on (03) 9776 2969 or in person at the Market Management office, located on Cleeland Street. You will be notified if your application is successful.
On Market day you will need to register at the Market Management office between 7am and 7.30am and space will be allocated. All day parking tickets are available for $2.30 which entitles a car space on the lower level of the multi level car park only.
Casual Stallholder Fees and details:
$60.50 (GST inclusive) per day (undercover).
One table is included in this price. Extra tables cost $6.05.
Stalls are 2.5m x 2.5m. Charitable organisations fee is $30.25 per day.
Market Rules
Casual stallholders are required to comply with Market guidelines at all times. Market rules can be accessed below and you will also be given a copy at the time of registration.
Our Community
Dandenong Market is a proud partner of the following organisations:
Cnr Clow and Cleeland Street, Dandenong | Open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday