Best deals at the end of the line

As visitors wander throughout Gembrook Market on a sunny Sunday morning, a myriad of interesting people and stalls await.
Visitors can cast their eyes on attractions nestled beside Gembrook’s iconic Puffing Billy Station in the Main Street such as the Free Recycle Spot where Merle can be found alternating as a volunteer at Puffing Billy and the custodian of the treasure trove of ‘odds and sods’ ready for the taking.
Visitors can donate a couple of their hand-me-down ‘treasures’ and happily leave them for someone else.
Continuing through the market visitors will come across jewellery or new and reworked arts and crafts, fresh free range eggs, honey and Pam the Nut Lady.
They will hear the occasional busker as they walk under the shelter of the heritage listed Bhutan Pines.
While Puffing Billy steam train choofs its grey puffed smoke creating excitement for enthusiasts of all ages, family and friends gather to pause at the market cafe area to taste what’s on offer.
There’s Maria’s top quality coffee, Paul’s Hill Top Farm Gourmet Meats which usually has steak specials along with pie specialties of beef burgundy, pork, scallop pies and the traditional English gammon.
Further into the market visitors can sample a sip or two of Tony Todisco’s Wines or buy a bag of freshly picked locally grown apples, pears and lemons, or organic fruit and vegetables.
There’s always room for a tasty sausage or bacon and eggs to raise money for Gembrook community groups, CFA, Emerald Primary School or the cricket club.
Here visitors may even find Chris from the Gembrook RSL taking orders then resurfacing in another guise to make sure the market runs smoothly along with co-ordinator Peter attending his Australian made sheepskin footwear stall.
Held every fourth Sunday of the month from 9am till 2pm, Gembrook Market is run by a team of local volunteers who are always willing to welcome new faces.
Gembrook Market welcomes dogs on a leash and is one of the few markets in Melbourne where dog owners can cheerfully walk their pets through the market.
Cindy and Tony with their dog treats will certainly cater for pets’ appetites and the jumping castle is there to entertain the youngsters.
Phone co-ordinator Peter Carson on 0437 664 121 for further information about joining as a volunteer or having a market stall, community or garage sale.
Gembrook Market is on the fourth Sunday of the month from 9am to 2pm, except in December.