Caribbean Gardens and Market
Caribbean Gardens and Market is a gem off Ferntree Gully and Stud Road in Scoresby. Take a car or a bus or the public train. This diverse entertainment venue has been operating since the 1970's. Back then, the market consisted of minimal traders selling stuff from inside their cars and vans in view of nearby water ski shows. You might say its come a long way since then. Both market and amusements have expanded considerably.
If you wonder about the name, the venue is situated alongside Lake Caribbean. People are attracted to the the exotic. Think of an escape on a remote island? Why not come here. Consider why has it become so popular. This is now one of the largest markets in Victoria with more than 1500 stall sites occupying a 5770 sq meter pavilion year-round. The popular days are Wednesday and Sunday, when the vendors (and the public) come out in droves. Other activities are available any day of the week, although some are particularly weather dependant.
If you come by early and wish to rent a market table yourself, that's definitely possible. Permanent stallholders have the same tables and locations every week, but otherwise, its first-come-first-choice of remaining space. Just turn up around 7am and wait in line in your car to rent space based on how many tables or blocks you want to hire. Whoever is in charge will only charge you 20$ per table. Profits from your sales will be yours to keep.
The market offers a huge variety of goods including clothing, fish and pet supplies, fresh produce, nuts and dried fruit, garden vegetation and lawn ornaments, art and crafts, housewares, hardwares, prints, shoes, toys, giftware. Some vendors still sell trinkets and treasures from their cars out back behind the stall area. They lay some of these wares on the concrete like an outdoor fleamarket. Old and new things are there, even antiques!
If you're a computer fanatic, the big Computer Swap Market adds to the bustle every Sunday. Despite this, entrepreneurs are also present other days selling everything from disks and computer printer catridges to mp3 players, hardware and software. Barter away. One man heartily debates the value of your internet services and will offer you new options if that's something of interest.
You may underestimate the size of this venue and options for activities outside the market itself. The Garden covers 100 acres around the Lake Caribbean. You'll find picnic grounds complete with are BBQs and picnic tables under elms, gums and pine trees. The Japanese gardens reveal peaceful, weeping willows and a unique bridge. Parking is available in may areas. The kids are free to frolic on playground equipment, amusement rides and even a ski-lift that carries you over the lake. On fine days, in season, you can rent paddle wheelers and row boats to explore the open water.
So, just when you thought that your options may have been limited in Melbourne, or that you were reluctant to take in the same old sights you had heard about before, here is an option that evolves with the seasons, local festivals and public tastes. In honour of Easter, there was face painting, Easter egg hunts, Easter egg painting and other activities that are open to singles, couples and families. Every weekend offers additional activities over and above what is always available. Take a chance. Check out the internet. Make a phone call. Better still, come and see!
