If you've ever dreamt of becoming a part of the vibrant St Kilda Esplanade Market, the opportunity is knocking!
We're on the lookout for talented makers, visionary designers, and imaginative creatives to join our thriving market family.
Applying is a breeze, so don't miss out - take the leap and apply right away!
We're eager to connect with you and explore the creative possibilities together.
Discover all the essential details you need to kickstart your journey towards securing a stall at the St Kilda Esplanade Market.
Before you submit your application, we kindly request that you carefully review the information provided below.
Our vision
The St Kilda Esplanade Market is a world-renowned art and craft makers’ market in an iconic beach-side location – a place of choice for art and craft makers, and for customers seeking quality, authentic Australian made products.
Brand values
Your family’s Sunday sensory experience.
We are proud to be an Australian icon celebrating our local makers.
We are quirky, original, and captivating.
The electric vibe of St Kilda.
Opening hours
Every Sunday from 10am to 5pm (daylight savings hours) 4pm all other times.
*Opening and closing times are subject to the extreme weather forecast, as per trading permit conditions, and may change without notice.*

Application information
Your application will not be reviewed if areas are not completed.
Ready to apply?
It's easy to apply online, just fill out our online application form with the required information.
You must add in your first booking date with the application. The date you select must be between two and six weeks from your application date.
If your application is approved, you will receive an email with your first invoice and booking permit from our system email Optimo@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Stallholder information
We are not taking any more Jewellery, Candles or Bag product applications at this stage.
Only complete if you are the maker of your products.
As part of your application, you'll be required to provide:
- Product photos
- Stall set-up photos
- Making and designing images
- Accurate description of what you intend to sell.
We are not taking any more Coffee applications at this stage.
- Your first booking will be invoiced on application approval.
- All decisions made by management are final.
- There is no power on site, generators are accepted.
- The market has a capacity for two coffee vendors only.
- Only 12 Food vendors are able to trade each Sunday.
- There is a restriction on numbers for pre-packaged foods at a ratio of 1:4 Art & Craft.
- Noise, Electrical and other compliances fall under the Local Laws and enforcement - City of Port Phillip
As part of your application, you'll be required to provide:
- photos, food, stall or van set-up
- Current Council Food Registrations
- Foodtrader Registration
- Insurance Certificate of Currency/ Product Liability Cover $20M
All our applications are filled out online and submitted electronically.
Other Considerations
- Ability to present goods appropriately and well in a market context;
- This includes a suitable marquee for outdoor weather with a minimum wind rating of 70km/h;
Applications are completed online and submitted electronically. You must complete all elements of the application.
- No Power is available on site.
- No fee is charged to perform at the market only.
- Applications will be assessed on an individual basis.
- You will be notified of the outcome within 2 weeks.
- Acceptance and non-acceptance are at the discretion of Market Management.
- All decisions made by management are final.
- Noise and music must be kept at acceptable levels at all times creating as little disturbance as possible to surrounding residences. Acceptable levels include those specified by EPA, any authorised Council Officer or the Victorian Police during the market. Community Amenity Local Law 2023
- Half Day fee $1000.00
- Half Day time: 10 am to 1 pm
- Full Day fee $2000.00
- Full Day time:1 pm to 4 pm
- Applications will be assessed on an individual basis.
- Non-acceptance to political or religious propaganda.
- The Market Manager will notify applicants the outcome of their applications within 14 business days.
- Acceptance and non-acceptance are at the discretion of Market Manager based on the market brand and values.
- All decisions made by management are final.
- There is no power on site, generators are accepted.
- You must provide all your own set-up equipment.
- Applications will be assessed on an individual basis.
- Non-acceptance to political or religious propaganda.
- The Market Manager will notify applicants of the outcome of their applications within 14 business days.
- Acceptance and non-acceptance are at the discretion of Market Manager.
- All decisions made by management are final.
- There is no power on site, generators are accepted.
- You must provide all your own set-up equipment.
- Note: Ice-cream vendors are not able to trade at this Market.
- All products must be curated, designed and/or handmade by the artist with the majority of production outsourced to suppliers located within Australia;
- No products designed overseas are accepted;
- Quality of product is important, such as design, technique and finish;
- Products must have artistic innovation, uniqueness or original design; and
- Selection will be made to maintain a balance of products represented at the market.
Other considerations
- Ability to present goods appropriately and well in a market context;
- This includes a suitable marquee for outdoor weather with a minimum wind rating of 70km/h;
- Quality of presentation and packaging; and
- Ability to sustain the quality of work over time (more important for permanent stallholders).
Application Assessment:
Every application is unique and will be reviewed on an individual basis. We genuinely appreciate the time and effort you put into your applications. Our assessment process takes into consideration our specific criteria and the compatibility of your offerings with our market.
Our ultimate goal is to see all our traders thrive and feel like cherished members of our market family.
Outcome of Your Application:
Our Market Manager will inform you of the outcome within a span of 2 weeks.
Please note that acceptance or non-acceptance is ultimately decided by the Market Manager. Rest assured, all decisions are carefully considered, and we will provide feedback on the decision made.
We genuinely support and encourage all creatives, and we're excited to see your success!
Name of fee
Cost
Administration fee (one-off fee for all new stallholders)
$30.00
First Nations Heritage Makers
Fee waiver
Makers (3 month permit) - 2.4m stall
$747.00
Makers (6 month permit) - 2.4m stall - (Jan–Jun or Jul–Dec)
$1,300.00
Makers (12 month permit) - 2.4m stall - (Jul–Jun)
$2380.00
Makers (Casual permit) - 2.4m stall
$95.00
Food Vendors - (Casual permit)
$260
Coffee Vendors - (Casual permit)
$210
Makers (3 month permit) - 3m stall
$810.00
Makers (6 month permit) - 3m stall - (Jan–Jun or Jul–Dec)
$1,425.00
Makers (12 month permit) - 3m stall - (Jul–Jun)
$2,645.00
Makers (Casual permit) - 3m stall
$106.00
Art & Design Tertiary Students - (Casual permit)
$55.00
Coffee Vendor (6 month permit)
$3110.00
Food Vendor (6 month permit)
$3,890.00
Food Vendor (12 month permit)
$7,670.00
Permanent stalls: The Market does not trade on St Kilda Festival Sunday (no credit for St Kilda Festival Day off)
Stall fees are subject to annual increases.
Please note: We do not offer Marquee hire.
Casual Stalls:
Once your application is approved, you can start booking on a casual basis. All bookings are made exclusively through our Returning Stallholders page. Returning stallholders
When you make your first booking, there's a one-time $30 Administration fee.
Please note that the latest you can book for a Sunday trade day is the Monday prior. All invoice payments must be settled before trading, and remember to email us a copy of your receipt at esplanademarket@portphillip.vic.gov.au.
Stallholders who haven't cleared their invoice won't be able to trade.
To maintain an active status, casual stallholders must trade at least once within a 3-month period.
Permanent Stalls:
We adore it when our casual stallholders become permanent members of our market family. Once you've familiarized yourself with the market and found your rhythm, you can consider transitioning.
Permanent trading fees are paid upfront and are significantly less than casual fees. Plus, we offer website profiles once you've become permanent.
Permanent trading terms are available as Quarterly, Half-yearly, or Annually:
- Quarterly Trading: January to end March, April to end June, July to end Sept, Oct to end Dec.
- Half-yearly: January to end June, July to end Dec.
- Annually: July to end of June.
As a permanent trader, you're expected to attend the market each week. If you can't, please notify the Market Manager of your absence by Wednesday 12pm prior to your booking date at esplanademarket@portphillip.vic.gov.au or call 03 9209 6634.
Please be aware that we don't issue refunds for non-attendance. For further information, refer to the market permit conditions outlined in
View the map of the stall locations at the St Kilda Esplanade Market.
General Public Liability for standard Art and Craft Makers is covered by the St Kilda Esplanade Market and included as part of your trading permit.
However, insurance is required if you sell any of the below items. You must have in place a Public and Product Liability Policy with a minimum of $20 million coverage in the your name if you offer for sale any of the products listed below:
- Cosmetics and Beauty products.
- Medicines, Potions, Oils, Fragrances and Soaps.
- Food Traders
A copy of your insurance Product Liability Policy and/or Certificate of Currency must be uploaded as part of your application.
Please note: It will be your responsibility as a stallholder to ensure your insurance is renewed and remains current for the duration of your trading activity at the Market.
The Market falls under Clause 40 of the Port Phillip Local Law No. 1 (Community Amenity) and its Procedures and Protocols Manual
City of Port Phillip's Community Amenity Local Law 2023 outlines Council’s position and ongoing management of activities to manage and protect the safety and amenity of our community.
City of Port Phillip's Community Amenity Local Law 2023 was adopted by Council on 21 June 2023. It operates throughout the whole municipal district from 1 August 2023 and ceases to operate on 31 August 2033.
Books must:
- Not give deliberate offence, or vilify specific groups in our community on the basis of, for example, sexuality, religion or race
- Be written by the seller
- Have quality publication and production
- Not be second-hand
Permit conditions:
- A permit is issued for books that have been applied for and accepted via the selection process
- There is a 3-month maximum trade term per book
- Any new literature must go through the selection process
Application Process
- Applications will be assessed on an individual basis.
- Non-acceptance to political or religious propaganda.
- The Market Team will notify applicants of the outcome of their applications within one week.
- Acceptance and non-acceptance are at the discretion of Market Management.
- All decisions made by management are final.
- There is no power on site, generators are accepted.
- All equipment and set-up must be provided.
- We don't have any equipment to hire.
- Note: Ice-cream vendors are not able to trade at this Market.
Fees - subject to change each financial year
Paid Promotional Activity - Full Day $2,000.00
Paid Promotional Activity - Half Day $1,000.00
Registered Charities - No Fee
Local CoPP Sports Clubs - No Fee
Local CoPP Non-for-profit Community Groups - No Fee
Application Criteria
Non-acceptance to political or religious propaganda.
You must complete all elements of the application and provide the following:
- Accurate photos of your stall/ set up;
- If related to consumables:
- Food Registration Certificate;
- Streatrader permit; and
- Insurance Certificate of Currency to the value of $20m.
- If related to body products:
- Insurance Certificate of Currency to the value of $20m.
If you don't provide the above attachments your application will not be reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Once you have been approved as a new stallholder, you can make a booking via returning stallholders.
Bookings close at 5pm the Monday prior to any Sunday.
Bookings are considered confirmed upon email request for dates;
Once invoiced there is no refund offered to date changes.
- emails received at least 14 days before the market date, will receive a credit to move that on to another market.
- emails received between 8 - 13 days before the market date, will receive a credit to move that on to another market, however a $30 admin cancellation fee will apply.
- emails received within the week leading up to the market, there is no credit available. Invoice must be paid.
The cutoff time for casual bookings is by close of business (COB) on the Monday preceding the Sunday market.
You also have the option to secure bookings for future dates, up to 1 month in advance. Plan ahead and reserve your spot!
If dates are booked in advance, we will send you an invoice no later than 1 week after your booking has been submitted.
Let's Take Care of Your Invoice Payment.
- Just click on the blue invoice number located at the top right-hand side of your invoice document.
- Send a copy of your receipt to esplanademarket@portphillip.vic.gov.au
- Invoice payments must be paid no later than the close of business (COB) on the Wednesday before your booked date.
Final placement of casual traders will be listed in the weekly newsletter sent out the week of your booking no later than Thursdays.
For stall locations, view the stall map.
No, we do not hire out marquees. You will need to provide your own marquee and tables to trader.
Marquees
You will need to provide your own marquee, tables and stall set-up for the day.
Being an outdoor market, we can experience severe wind gusts at The Esplanade. We recommend marquees with a minimum wind rating of 70km/h.
We do not recommend using camping marquees as they aren't suited to strong winds.
Anchors or weights
Anchor points are installed at each stall site and anchor screws will be provided by our market staff to secure your marquees. Please the market mobile upon arrival – 0403 604 119.
Please note: If your marquee can't fit our anchor screws/points, you will need to provide your own ratchet straps to secure your marquee.
Food Traders
Placement for Food trucks will change throughout the year. Please check the newsletter for Food areas.
Food Zone 1 - First to arrive bumps in starting from 62, ending at stall 46. Do not leave gaps between your vans/trailers /trucks.
Foodie Zone 2 - First to arrive bumps in starting from 146, ending at 158. Do not leave gaps between your vans/trailers /trucks.
- Food Traders: entrance to this area is opposite Pollington Street & the Esplanade Hotel.
- Please bring along portable ramps as required for your vehicle.
- Alternatively, Food vans, trailers or trucks can park in the parallel parking bays along this zone. You may need to provide your own wheel ramps to level yourselves up. A parking ticket will be required.
- Please arrive before 9 am to make sure the spacing is correct.
- No vehicles are allowed on the footpath after 9.00am.
- Ensure you're set up in your designated spot by 9:00 am, adhering to the marked stall locations.
- After 9:00 am, vehicles are not allowed on the footpath, and the availability of alternative trading positions is not guaranteed.
- Please note that no credit or refund will be provided for late arrivals.
No. The Esplanade has no power on site. You will need to bring your own power such as a generator or portable charges if you require power.
All electrical equipment and power leads must have a current electrical test tag. Inspections will be conducted.
All-day parking is available along The Esplanade, Alfred Square, Lower Esplanade.
As a stallholder or market visitor, it's important to follow all parking and road regulations for the safety and convenience of everyone. This includes purchasing a ticket in paid parking areas and avoiding double-parking on roadways.
To make sure you're in compliance, kindly remember to purchase your parking ticket in the morning and display it on the dashboard of your car when parked in a paid parking bay. Thank you for your cooperation.If you are unable to secure a park near your stall, there are 15-minute parking bays that you can use to bump-in and out of.
Please be mindful of the time limit as other traders may also need to use this space.
To view our on-street parking locations, please refer to our stall map.
If you are unable to attend your booking, you must notify the Market Manager no later than 5pm Thursday prior to your trading date.
Please note: We do not issue refunds for cancelled booking dates.
Bookings are considered confirmed upon email request for dates.
Our cancellation policy for casual stallholders is as follows,
- emails received at least 14 days before the market date, will receive a credit to move that on to another market.
- emails received between 8 - 13 days before the market date, will receive a credit to move that on to another market, however a $30 admin cancellation fee will apply.
Emails received within the week leading up to the market, there is no credit available. Invoice must be paid.
No. You can pay on a weekly basis for each of your confirmed dates. You can use the B-pay option to do this.
Please note: If we haven't received your payment by the Thursday prior to your booking date, you will not be allowed to trade. Additionally, you won't be eligible to participate as a trader at the market any longer.
After making the payment, don't forget to send us the receipt at esplanademarket@portphillip.vic.gov.au
We'd love you to become a permanent trader too!
However, we ask that all casual stallholders trial our market for a minimum of 4 dates before requesting a permanent status.
Permanent trading terms are listed above under Permit Types.
Council is committed to addressing the challenges of climate change and improving sustainability outcomes in the community.
The Esplanade Market is subject to Council’s sustainability policy positions and strategy documents, including:
• Act and Adapt: Sustainable Environment Strategy (2018-28)
• Climate Emergency Plan (2023)
• Don’t Waste It: Waste Management Strategy (2022-25)
• Pledge to avoid the use of balloons at outdoor events permitted by Council (5 April 2017)
• Procurement Policy (2022)
Council also supports Victorian Government regulations to ban problematic single-use plastics from sale or supply in Victoria, effective from 1 February 2023.
Stallholder licences include mandatory sustainability requirements:
• no single-use plastic bags, straws, packaging, stirrers, condiment sachets, or cutlery (exceptions made for the use of plastic straws as an accessibility requirement for people with disability)
• no balloons
• no Styrofoam or polystyrene products or packaging.
Advice and support to stallholders can be provided by Council’s Sustainability team here are some useful links to get you started:
Single-use plastics ban | Sustainability Victoria
How business can reduce plastic waste - DCCEEW
Reducing plastic pollution starts with us | Victorian Government (www.vic.gov.au)
Five easy steps to reduce plastic - Zero Waste Australian blog - The Rogue Ginger
Understand packaging recycling codes and labels - City of Port Phillip
10 worst single-use plastics and eco-friendly alternatives – WWF-Australia - WWF-Australia
Reduce packaging | Sustainability Victoria
Still have questions?
For additional enquiries, please contact the St Kilda Esplanade Market Management:
Email: esplanademarket@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Phone: 03 9209 6634
