Every Sunday morning in Melbourne’s east, the Camberwell Sunday Market transforms the car park at the corner of Market Place and Station Street into a buzzing hub of bargain hunters, treasure seekers, collectors and food lovers. Operating since 1976 under the Rotary Club of Balwyn, this iconic flea-style market has long been a place to uncover vintage fashion, antiques, records, books and quirky curios – but there’s one treat that has become as eagerly anticipated as finding treasure among the stalls: the hot jam donuts.
As stallholders unpack their wares in the early dawn light, a familiar and irresistible aroma weaves through the crowd — warm, sugar-dusted donuts filled with sweet jam, freshly fried and best enjoyed straight from the van. For many visitors, grabbing a piping hot jam donut isn’t just a snack; it’s a Sunday morning tradition that perfectly complements the market’s lively, community-centred atmosphere.
What makes these donuts special isn’t just their taste, but the experience surrounding them: the chatter of fellow market-goers, the excitement of discovering a rare find, and the simple joy of savouring something homemade and fresh amidst the eclectic mix of stalls. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a wander through Camberwell’s Sunday market isn’t complete without stopping by the donut van — it’s as much a part of the market’s character as the vintage trinkets and retro collectibles that draw crowds week after week.
Camberwell Sunday Market 