On Sunday 30 August 2026, the Camberwell Sunday Market will celebrate its 50th birthday. Created in 1976 by Balwyn Rotary to fund a wide range of charities, the Camberwell Sunday Market has since raised over $25 million for community and humanitarian causes. 

Balwyn Rotary, as operator of the Camberwell Sunday Market, is planning the Market’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. This milestone represents a strategic opportunity to honour the Market’s legacy, strengthen community connection, reinforce stakeholder confidence, and position the Market for long-term success.

As we count down to our 50th Anniversary on Sunday 30 August 2026, we’re celebrating the people and stories that have made our market so special throughout the decades.

This week, meet Leah Anetta, who was so inspired by the market that she wrote a book about it 13 years ago, capturing the characters, memories and unique spirit that have made Camberwell Sunday Market a Melbourne institution.

For Olivia, Camberwell Sunday Market isn’t just somewhere to visit, it’s a place she grew up, spending Sunday mornings surrounded by the people, stories and treasures that make the market so special.

For 50 years, we have been more than just a place to shop; we’ve been a place of connection, community and countless stories.

🎉 Celebrating 50 years on 30 August 2026 🎉

Open every Sunday, 7am–12:30pm (except ten days before Christmas).

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.

In the late Middle Ages, Germans were bringing fir trees into their homes and decorating them with apples, wafers, nuts, and candles—symbols of the Garden of Eden and Christian hope.

“Christmas trees” spread slowly across Europe but truly gained international popularity in the 19th century. In Britain, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert—both enthusiastic supporters of the German custom—were famously sketched with their family around a decorated tree in 1848. The image went viral for its time, appearing in newspapers throughout the English-speaking world and inspiring countless households to adopt the tradition.

German immigrants brought the custom to North America even earlier, but it was the Victorian era’s embrace that transformed the Christmas tree into a cultural staple. Over time, decorations evolved from fruit and candles to glass ornaments, tinsel, electric lights, and the wide variety of styles seen today.

From ancient evergreen symbols to modern festive centerpieces, the Christmas tree reflects centuries of tradition, adaptation, and celebration—standing each year as a glowing reminder of continuity, hope, and togetherness.

On Sunday 30 November 2025, visitors to the will have the opportunity to hunt for retro and contemporary Christmas collectibles, including unique pallet trees handmade by Emily in country Victoria. Emily’s take on the ‘pallet Christmas tree’ include use of recycled doors that have a character unique to each piece of workmanship – weather beaten for with old handles attached or 1970’s style carved doors.

So if you need a unique, handmade and recycled Christmas tree just in time to erect on 1 December, meet Emily at the market this weekend!

And don’t forget, if this is not your style, many of Camberwell Junction’s local traders have a huge variety of the latest Christmas ornaments and trees, including trees with builtin lights for time poor or weary shopper.

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Hitting the road for an extended Melbourne Cup Day long weekend? Well don’t forget your trusty road maps, often regarded as works of art before smartphones and GPS.

This 1960’s collectible Shell road map is a classic example for “Sydney and Environs” embraces the happy motoring experience and romance of early motoring. Measured in miles, this map can be dated to the pre-1974 change to kilometres.

The market and surrounding Camberwell Junction shops will be open for the extended Melbourne Cup Day long weekend.

So if you are not enjoying the roads, drop into Camberwell. Maps are only one of a million different treasures to discover at Camberwell Sunday. See you here soon.