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 1863s. 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 (we can link in the websites to COGD and Savills.)
Leasing Opportunities
Dandenong Market's redevelopment creates exciting business opportunities for meat, fish, and produce as well as General Merchandise. Various areas are available from 33 square metres to 113 square metres. Contact Michael di Carlo on 0418 969 220 for further information, or download an information page.
Casual Availabilities
Dandenong Market welcomes casual stallholders. Casual stalls contribute to the shopping experience at the Market and can provide an offer to shoppers that may not be delivered by permanent stalls. To apply for a casual stall, please register at the Market management office (located on Cleeland Street) between 7.00-7.30am on market days. First time casuals must complete an application form. Identification is required.
Casual Stallholder Fees and details:
$60 (GST inclusive) per day (undercover).
One table is included in this price. Extra tables cost $6.05.
Stalls are 2.5m x 2.5m.
Market Rules
Supporting documentation must be completed including an up to date Public Liability Insurance Certificate with a minimum of $10 million. If you are planning to sell any food you will also require special permission from the Dandenong Council Health department. Contact (03) 9238 1401 for further information.
Please note that the stall type and range of goods must be complementary to the permanent stall mix and will be decided by Market Management. Casual stallholders are required to comply with Market guidelines. Casual stalls will be allocated by Market Management. Please note that applications are currently restricted and only certain jewellery, clothing and accessory items will be accepted, subject to management discretion. Please check with Market Management for further information.
Our Community
Dandenong Market is a proud partner of the following organisations:
Second Bite
St John’s Old Collegians’ Football Club
Dandenong Cricket Club
We'd love to hear from you
Whether you want to share your experience at the Market or have an inspired idea for us, we'd love to hear from you.
Cnr Clow and Cleeland Street, Dandenong | Open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday