In Australia we are fortunate to have so many resources at the tip of our fingers, and farmers markets are one of them.
Most shires these days have a farmers market at least once a week. They are the hub of the community where locals and visitors gather together to shop for their weekly organic and local produce, Farmers markets are a healthier and more sustainable way of gathering your weekly groceries, the produce is always super fresh, you can taste the difference in the quality. It will also give you a sense of pride in supporting your local community while offering environmental practices, as your groceries have not been transported a long way to get to you.
I have gone through a few of my own and Australia’s favourite farmers markets, just to name a few. Australia has over 200 farmers markets listed, in the “AFMA” website –Australis Farmers Market Association. I do apologise if I missed your town, there is just so many to go through,
So, lets get started, in absolutely no apparent order, we are going to kick it off with the delightful Apple Isle of Tassie
Tasmania
Farm Gate Market Hobart
Hobart, is certainly a bustling city these days, if you are a foodie, whiskey, craft beer or cider fan, Tassie is your place to visit. The choices are almost overwhelming, but I’m sure you will manage to settle in nicely with the array of seasonal produce available everywhere you go. When it comes to their farmers market, Tasmania’s distinct growing seasons make for an ever-changing array of produce and that’s what Farm Gate celebrates every Sunday.
Bringing in the best of the regions fresh produce including seafood and free-range meats. The market began with an honest and simple philosophy – that if you couldn’t eat it, drink it, grow it or meet the producer, then you wouldn’t find it at Farmy.
When: Sundays 8.30am – 1.00pm
Where: 104 Bathurst St, (between Elizabeth & Murray streets) Hobart TAS
Website: Farm Gate Market
Instagram: @farmgatemarket
Dog friendly: NO
Western Australia
Margaret River Farmers Market
Margaret River, is a well known surf and wine destination, yet I feel the local produce is undoubtable not being recognised for how outstanding it is. This is a real regional farmers market, you must have grown your produce within the local region to be part of this farmers market. This little gem to the community will have your basket overflowing with a range of produce grown by local farmers.
When: every Saturday from 8am-12pm from April-Oct and 7:30am-11:30am from November to March
Where: at the Margaret River Education Campus, Lot 272 Bussell Hwy in the Margaret River.
Website: Margaret River Farmers Market
Instagram: @margaretriverfarmersmarket
Dog friendly: NO
QLD
Noosa Farmers Market
This farmers market is abundant with seasonal tropical fruits and farm grown produce which the subtropical region is known for. The market is situated in amongst the gum trees, which offer a beautiful setting and a little bit of shade in this QLD market.
When: Every Sunday from 6am-12pm
Where: 155 Weyba Rd, Noosaville QLD
Website: Noosa Farmers Market
Instagram: @noosafarmersmarket
Dog friendly: NO
Gold Coast Organic Market
When you think of the Gold Coast, I must say that a farmers market is not at the top of my list, however this southern QLD region has some of the states best farm land, with beautiful rich volcanic soil and a consistent temperature all year round, it is the ideal farming region.
All produce at the Gold Coast Organic Market must be from a Certified Organically grown farm. You will find all your fresh produce including eggs, tofu, honey, breads, coffee, dry goods and milk. You will also find an array of cleaning products, cosmetics, clothing and bedding. Be prepared to make a morning of it and stay and enjoying a beautifully roasted coffee and live music from one of their resident musicians.
When: Every Sunday, 6–11:30am.
Where: Merrimac State High School, Dunlop Ct, Mermaid Waters QLD
Website: Gold Coast Organic Market
Instagram:@gcorganicmarket
Dog friendly: NO
Victoria
Talbot Farmers Market
Located 90 minutes northwest of Melbourne’s famous Westgate Bridge. This quiet little town comes alive on the third Sunday of every month when the village streets are lined with the monthly farmers market. You will find a full range of seasonal organic fruit and vegetables, local artisan cheese, fresh bread, local wine, poultry, stockfeed, cut flowers, plants and seedlings.
When: Third Sunday every month 9am–1pm
Where: Scandinavian Crescent & Camp Street, Talbot
Website: Talbot Farmers Market
Instagram: @talbotfarmersmarket
Dog friendly: YES
Slow Food Melbourne Farmers’ Market
Located in the heart of Spotswood, it’s not just a market; it’s an experience that celebrates the bounty of the region while fostering connections between producers and consumers.
On the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, conscientious shoppers gather to stock up on organic, biodynamic produce. The market and its 60 stallholders pride themselves on their mantra for sustainable and ethically sourced produce. You’ll find a diverse array of products, including farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, handcrafted bread, pasture-raised meats, organic honey, homemade jams and preserves, and so much more. Every item sold at the market is carefully curated to ensure quality, freshness, and a commitment to sustainable practices.
The market is plastic bag free, so make sure you bring your own basket.
2 x locations each month
When: 2nd Saturday every month 9am-1pm
Where: Barrett Reserve, 55-57 Essex St, West Footscray
&
When: 4th Saturday of every month from 9am-1pm
Where: Spotswood Primary school, 600 Melbourne Rd, Spotswood, VIC
Website: Slow Food Markets
Instagram: @slowfoodmelbournefm
Dog friendly: YES, must be on lead
NSW
Byron Bay Farmers Market
Byron Bay has always been well known for its holistic practises, it was once the hippy capital of Australia, however things have shifted a little bit over the years. Still keeping in its wellness practices, its unique abundance of lifestyle habits are certainly one of the reasons why so many people visit this small town, visiting for health and yoga retreats, meditation, sound healing and all the healing modalities.
But one thing that is not always spoken about is how the region is full of an abundance of farm land, bringing a variety of produce to the community every week including: local seafood, pasture raised meat, cheese, pasture raised eggs, pasta, bread, olives, macadamias, oils and a wide range of organically grown fruit and veggie, this would be the market to go to.
I may be a little bias towards the Byron Shire markets, as this is my home town, but honestly the variety of produce is mind blowing!
You can easily spend you whole morning here drinking your macadamia chai latte, sampling local treats to a full cooked breakfast while listening to local musicians sing their beautiful melodies, and do not forget to drop by to say hi to Kool, the regions best pineapple shaking hula hooper you have ever met.
When: Every Thursday 7-11am
Where: Butler St reserve Byron Bay, parking along at the end of market side road.
Website: Byron Bay farmers Market
Instagram:@byronfarmers
Dog friendly: NO
On a side note, there is an organically grown farmers market 6 days of the week in the Byron region.
- Tuesday – the cutest, yet most bountiful market at New Brighton weekly, 7-11am
- Wednesday – Murwillumbah show grounds weekly, 7-11am
- Thursday – Byron
- Friday – Mullumbimby, this market is certainly on par with the Byron Thursday market, set under the historic fig trees, this is a perfect setting to spend your Friday morning doing a relaxing grocery shop, grab your breaky and a coffee and sit and listen to the sweet tunes of a local musician. Weekly 7-11am
- Saturday – Bangalow farmers market, positioned beside the beautiful Piccabben park, in the back street which runs parallel to main street. Once again this is showing of the regions produce. Weekly 7-11am
- Sunday – Ballina farmers market, positioned beside the Richmond river, this is another sensational location to purchase your weekly produce. Weekly 7-11am
Carriageworks Farmers Market, Sydney
Nestled in the historic Carriageworks precinct in Eveleigh this market is a local favourite and, on the tourist, must go to list. With an array of seasonal fruits and vegetables from local growers and producers across NSW, you will also find a vast choice of freshly cut flowers and delicious meals to entice you. It is no wonder Carriageworks farmers markets is part of Sydney’s vibrant food scene
When: Saturday: 8:00 am – 5 pm
Where: 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015
Website: Carriageworks
Instagram: @carriageworksfarmersmarket
Dog friendly: YES
Parking: Public transport is recommended but limited on-site parking is available at the end of Carriageworks Way. Enter via 229 Wilson Street.
Blackheath Growers Market, Blue Mountains
The Blackheath Growers Market has been around for more than 20 years. Browse over 60 stalls selling seasonal fruit and veg, eggs, meat, spices, oils, honey, cheese, nuts and baked goods. You may even find a sneaky wine, beer or gin in the mix for your afternoon happy hour.
When: Second Sunday of the month 8am-12pm
Where: Blackheath Community Centre, Corner Great Western Hwy and Gardiner Crescent, Blackheath
Website: Blackheath Growers Markets
Instagram: @blackheathgrowersmarket
Dog friendly: YES
Australian Capital Territory
Capital Region Farmers Market
The ACT’s favourite farmers market. The capital farmers market started back in 2004, with just 15 stalls, it is now home to over 100 stallholders each week. They serve both locals and visitors who come in their thousands to experience the capital at its seasonal best. Coordinated by the Rotary Club, it’s a must see when in the capital city, you will be overwhelmed by choice and never disappointed.
When: Most Saturdays 7.30am–12pm
Where: Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Watson
Website: Capital Region Farmers Market
Instagram: @crfarmersmarket
Dog friendly: NO
South Australia
Barossa Farmers Market
The Barossa Farmers Market is an authentic farmers market to the SA region, this market warmly opens its doors each Saturday morning to locals and visitors to the region. You will find a selection of fresh, artisan-made Barossa and regional South Australian food including an extensive range of local and seasonal vegetables, fruit, meats, bread, oils, preserves, pastries, coffee, and local specialties.
When: Saturday mornings from 7:30am-11:30
Where: The corner of Angaston Road and Stockwell Road in Angaston.
Website: Barossa Farmers Market
Instagram: @barossafarmersmarket
Dog friendly: YES, only outside areas
Willunga Farmers Market
Willunga is a vibrant, historic, heritage rich town, it is well known for being home of South Australia’s first farmer’s market. Held every Saturday in Willunga town square where it has become a regional hub for the community to catch up and purchase their weekly seasonal produce. All produce has been sourced from the McLaren Vale district and Fleurieu Peninsula.
When: every Saturday 8am-12pm
Where: Willunga High School. Main Rd, Willunga SA
Website: Willunga Farmers Market
Instagram: @willungafarmersmarket
Dog friendly: NO
market run down
Australia is abundant in farmland and we are certainly home to some of the most vibrant farmers markets. Individually each market offers its own unique blend of artisan products and seasonal produce, which brings a diversity to that region.
This list of farmers markets is only the tip of the iceberg, Australian produce is bountiful and I think we can all say that we are grateful to live in a country which offers such a range of fresh, seasonal produce, whether you are purchasing your weekly groceries from the Capital Region Farmers Market in Canberra or immersing yourself into the Byron farmers market community on your summer holiday you will not be disappointed.
It cannot go by, without being mentioned, this would not all be available to our communities if it was not for all the hard work that our farmers put into their love of produce. Come rain, hail or shine they are out there on the land ensuring their produce is in top quality and for this I am grateful to call myself Australian and to have the privilege to have organic, seasonal food on my plate.
Thank you to our farmers, you are amazing! And you have not gone unnoticed.
I would love to hear from you if I have missed your favourite farmers market, and hopefully I will get to come and be part of that community in the near future.
Conscious Consumer Tips:
FYI, always bring your own basket or tote bag, I like to take different bags for more delicate produce, such as tomatoes, eggs, and soft fruit. But I’m sure you will find your style and what works for you.
Also, bring your keep cup for your morning beverage, farmers markets are about being a conscious consumer, every little part helps our community and greater environment, and last but not least, enjoy the process, talk to the producers, engage with the community, people watch and have fun.
Happy seasonal cooking and eating!
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The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinion of the author, which has been researched through a variety of integrated health modalities.
The information on this website is not intended to replace the relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. The articles are intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience which has come from a variety of health practitioners in their individual fields.
Kin daily, encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your personal health journey with the guidance of a qualified health care practitioner.
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