Camberwell Market, Your Bargain Best Friend

Whether you're a soccer mum who drives an Audi in Toorak, or eat Two Minute Noodles every night in a tiny college dorm, everybody loves a good market bargain. I myself have strolled many a market aisles, rummaged through countless racks of second hand clothes and perused a ridiculous number of vintage stalls in search of the best bargains Melbourne has to offer. One of my personal faves remains trusty old Camberwell Market, filled to the brim with more bargains than your local Salvos store.

Every Sunday, rain or shine, crowds flock to Camberwell Market, which sits unsuspectingly in a carpark at the rear of Burke and Riversdale roads. This popular trash and treasure flea market is positively brimming with second-hand and hand-crafted goods, including everything from vintage fashion finds and quirky jewellery to silverware and Hello Kitty backpacks...that's right, I said Hello Kitty backpacks.

You never know what you'll unearth at this bustling bargain hotspot, but chances are you'll walk away with your arms loaded with piles of clothes (you never knew you needed but definitely couldn't do without) that cost less than a coffee! It might  take a bit of dedication to work your way through the somewhat staggering amount of stalls, but vans supplying hot jam donuts and coffee should provide you with ample energy to see you through the treck. 

If you're in need of a wardrobe re-vamp (and you should be as Spring's just around the corner), look no further then bagging a bargain at the Camberwell Market. Turn up early to avoid being crushed by the enormous crowds and bring plenty of empy bags for all your market goodies. Excuse me, I have to go  pour boiling water over my dehydrated noodles now...

Samson Girl in Sydney: The Rocking Rocks Market

A mere stone's throw away from Sydney's hustling and bustling CBD and nestled amongst cobblestone streets, cute cafes and bespoke craft shops, lies The Rocks Markets. Now Iv'e been to more markets in my life than Iv'e been to designer sales - and that's truly saying something - but there's something so pleasantly charming about these little markets set amid convict-carved sandstone (remind me to thank them later) that I find particularly appealing.

The Rocks Markets are open every Saturday and Sunday from 10-5 all year round, whether in rain or shine...and in my case it was unfortunately in rain. Lots of rain. But I didn't let that dampen my spirits as I wound my way through the one hundred or so eclectic stalls, offering everything from locally produced art, photography, hand-crafted furniture, fashion and accessories by aspiring designers. Despite the large crowds, there was a lovely feeling of community exuding from passionate stallholders, some of whom have been selling their wares at the market for more than 20 years. They're more than happy to offer information about their product's creation and even give you some sneaky samples...I may have taken the term 'sample' loosley when it came to the organic salted caramel chocolate. I also got a wonderful surprise when I discovered one of my favourite musicians, Patrick James, heroically busking in the rain in order to bring a little musical joy to The Rocks. I tried to be cool (something that doesn't come naturally to me), but ended up blushing like a huge loser when I got a photo with him and shook his hand. Needless to say I haven't washed my own since. Kidding...kind of.

 

 

 

If you're around Sydney and looking for a fun way to spend your weekend then I would highly recommend a little saunter through The Rocks Market. You'll find yourself delightfully surprised by the beautiful bits and bobs you stumble upon, might even be lucky enough to be serenaded by a Sydney musician and hopefully leave with a belly full of chocolate. Quite frankly The Rockd Market, well, rocks.