Melbourne Market is pleased to offer members of the public, school groups and visitors to Melbourne, the opportunity to visit and experience the wonderful sights, smells, sounds and tastes of the wholesale markets*. It’s a great opportunity for school groups to learn about the fresh produce industry and for social clubs, a group of friends or even the family to get together for an unforgettable and most enjoyable early morning experience. Tours are made possible by the "Tutti Fruitti Express", a custom built electric train that winds its way through the actual trading floors of these busy wholesale markets. Tours can also be customized to suit industry groups eg chefs, apprentices.
*Note: Apart from pre-booked tours on the above tourist service the Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market and the National Flower Centre are generally closed to the public.
tour Features include:
Tours are conducted in the comfort and safety of the "Tutti-Fruiti Express". This unique electric market train weaves its way through the hustle and bustle of the Fruit & Vegetable Market before proceeding to the National Flower Centre.
Visitors then disembark at the National Flower Centre and amble through the colourful display of fresh flowers and plants and view florists and flower growers trading. This is a perfect picture opportunity. A café is available for coffee and/or breakfast in the NFC.
Tours depart at 6.00 a.m. Visitors meet at the pedestrian gate at the rear of car park 7 - at the signed tourist train meeting point (refer to Market Tours Map).
Plenty of parking is available ($5.00 per car). Enter via car park 7 or 8, and proceed to the tourist train meeting point (refer to Market Tours Map).
Dress warmly and wear solid comfortable shoes as this is a semi-outdoor venue. Cameras welcome.
If you have ever wanted to know more about fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers including what’s in season, how to prepare and use different varieties, or where you can find a specialist greengrocer or florist, just click onto www.marketfresh.com.au.
This comprehensive site has been designed as a reference for the public and industry. It’s available 24 hours per day and is free and simple to use. The site is also designed to educate children about the importance of fruit and vegetables in their diets and the processes involved in bringing fresh produce to their home.
Marketfresh is your Australian guide to fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. It is also the most comprehensive reference guide of its kind in Australia and is used worldwide by a variety of industry user groups including growers, wholesalers, retailers and exporters. It is also used extensively by universities, health personnel, food media and government agencies. The children’s young explorer section on the site is extremely popular with children and is used in many primary schools.
Marketfresh includes:
A-Z fruit, vegetable and flower guide. A complete reference with photos.
Searchable guide by postcode to florists and greengrocers that sell market fresh produce
Hundreds of recipes created by some of Australia's best known chefs.
Professional food preparation video demonstrations.
Healthy eating activities and games for kids.
Information on children's school and nutrition programs.
Flower guide to events such as Valentine's Day, Spring Racing and Weddings.
Flower facts, the language of flowers, and information on edible and non-edible flowers.
Export information and contacts.
Marketfresh Schools Program
This program is designed to educate children about the importance of fruit and vegetables in their diets and the processes involved in bringing the produce to their home. It includes a short video developed specifically for children, detailing how fruit and vegetables are grown, harvested, transported and get to the stores. It also looks at the difference between fruit and vegetables and the nutritional qualities of fruit and vegetables.
This program is designed to educate children about the importance of fruit and vegetables in their diets and the processes involved in bringing the produce to their home.