Fish Market c. 1890

Between 1865 and 1892, the Melbourne Fish Market occupied the Flinders and Swanston streets south- west corner.

It was of white brick and stucco with a large central chamber 16m high surrounded by 14 slate slabbed stalls, fountains for washing fish, an arcade and room for carts to enter at auction time.

The building housed railway officials attached to Flinders Street Station and, along its Flinders St frontage, refreshment rooms, a newsagency, a tobacconist and a fruiterer.

The needs of the railway, improved health regulations and congestion spurred the move to new premises on the south side of Flinders St between Market and Spencer streets in 1892.

The building housed Hanton’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Market and Bicycle Stables until it was demolished in 1900 to make way for the new Flinders Street Station.

This photograph comes from the collection of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.

The RHSV is the historical society for the city of Melbourne. It is open to the public and presents exhibitions, talks, has a bookshop, and provides opportunities for research.

Open Monday to Thursday between 10am and 4pm and Friday between 10am and 3pm.

239 A’Beckett St

Ph: 9326 9288

Further information: www.historyvictoria.org.au 

Since Labor has been in power …

Since Labor has been in power …

March 20th, 2024 - Evan Mulholland
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