Docklands has always gotten a bit of a bad rap from Melbournians. "There's nothing there", they'd moan. "It's a ghost town", bitched the others. And I must admit for a while I was somewhat on their side, despite the fact that I thought conceptually Docklands was awesome.
That's all changing though ladies and gents, with an injection of some much needed Melbourne personality into the area. The People's Market has set up shop and although still in its infancy, provides some much needed edge to the waterfront suburb.
Driving down Docklands Drive, it was fairy easy to find (and central, which is a definite leg up over say, Camberwell Market) but a little bit scary. My Hyundai Getz rattled along the gravel road, feeling dwarfed as we traversed underneath the Bolte Bridge. Yes, directly underneath, with great big stones, abandoned warehouses and grasslands to keep us company. It was interestingly sparse and, well, very in line with what one has come to expect from Docklands, but all the same I appreciated the ample and cheap parking on site. That, in itself, runs rings around the Victoria Market. So, tick for convenience.
Jumping out of my car, I suddenly became hyper aware of my camera, 50mm f/1.4 lens attached. Markets, especially ones teetering on the 'shabby chic' end of the scale, attract hipsters like sharks to blood. And here I was, playing right into their palm. I ignored the urge to seek out the nearest chai soy latte. But I was pleasantly surprised at the crowd. Plenty of young families, plenty of twenty somethings and a healthy sprinkling of middle aged market veterans.
Being able to see Melbourne's docks from the site, it seemed fitting that the entrance of the market is decorated (adorned?) with great big shipping containers, a theme that continues throughout the space. The market is set up into two sections; a courtyard boasting some of Melbourne's best street food in restyled shipping containers (it's like what would happen if Section 8 and The Taco Truck had babies) and then aisles of second hand/flea goodness.
Going by Tessa time, it was early in the morning (12pm) and I was desperately seeking a coffee. The League of Honest Coffee had me covered. Although, on second thought, having the word "honest" in a business name is like a greasy haired second hand car saleman telling me to trust him.
My naive, trustful nature was rewarded however, with a perfectly extracted and textured latte, sweetened by cafe staff that were unpretentious and helpful. Kudos.
There was a great selection of food on offer, including $5 Grill'd burgers, paella, tacos/burritos, hot dogs, those twisty potato things and noodles, with a focus on fresh, relatively healthy foods. The market is licensed, letting the creators of St Jerome's Laneway festival, prop up a portable Thousand Pound Bend bar. Bring on the sangria and beers!
On to the (arguably) more important stuff, SHOPPING!
Plenty of vintage garb for those who watch too much Mad Men, but also plenty for those who love to play the voyeur, trawling through people's unwanted goods. Feel no shame, fellow dumpster divers, for at the People's Market, there were many treasures to be found. I loved that - a flea market that was true to its name.
Above, the creepiest toy I have ever seen. It just rode around in circles on its little bike. Again. And again. And again. Until it decided you were pissing it off at which point it got off its quaint little tricycle and stabbed you in the calf.
I should also mention that the organisers put together some fantastic live music which gave the former carpark space a softer, cushiony feel. Adam Eaton literally put a tear in my eye, unusual for twangy acoustic rock but his voice just...ahhh. I think it reminded me too much of Firefly. And if you haven't heard of Firefly the TV show well, until you find out what it is, we can't be friends...
Check him out at adameatonmusic.com.
The fresh produce section of the market, although small, held some nice surprises. Flowers beautiful enough to brighten anyone's day, cheap veggies and from what I could see, a wine stand that was very liberal with their samples.
So get down there people.
The People's Market at Docklands is on Docklands Drive literally under the Bolte Bridge.
They are open Saturdays from 10am, and the best bit is, the courtyard with the food and drinks stays open late!
Stay peachy!
www.peoplesmarket.com.au
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