The 5 best farmers’ markets in Australia

If there’s one thing that’s true in Australia, it’s that Aussies love their food. Whether it’s a prawn on the barbie or a mango straight from the tree, the Land Down Under does not disappoint when it comes to fresh produce and locally made food.

It’s no surprise then, that market going has risen in popularity over the years, giving every Australian access to the farm-to-fork experience.

While there are around 80 official farmers’ markets sprinkled across Australia, and countless smaller stalls around the country, only a few can claim the title of best farmers’ markets in Australia.

In this article we’ve uncovered the best of the best.

If meeting local producers, tasting the freshest food and goods, and exploring the natural bounty of the land is your cup of tea, we’ve got some must-see markets for you.

1. Noosa Farmers’ Markets

If you find yourself in Noosa on a Sunday morning, the Noosa Farmers’ Markets are a must-do. A celebration of fresh produce, foodie delights and community, this weekly event, now in its 24th year, has more than 100 stalls offering everything from freshly baked breads, local cheeses, pressed and squeezed juices, skin care and so so much more.

Come with an empty belly and an appetite for variety - because there’s no short of that here.

Tips for Your Visit

• Get there early: If you want the best pick of the produce, aim to arrive right when the market opens at 6 AM. It can get busy.

• Cash is king: While many vendors take cards, it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.

• Bring your own bags: Sustainability is a top priority here, so don’t forget your reusable shopping bags.

Can’t make it to the market? - Order online

Nothing beats the bustling energy and selection you get access to when you visit the markets in person. But, if you’re time-poor or simply unable to make your way to the Noosa Farmers’ Markets, this forward-thinking set-up now has an option for ordering online with free delivery within the local area.

Click & Collect

Shop online and pick up your items at your convenience on market day from Noosa Farmer Markets. This can be a safer, contactless process that avoids crowds, reduces hassle and maximises your productivity.

Free Local Delivery

Noosa Farmers’ Markets offer free local delivery within the postcode 4567. If you’re eligible for free local delivery a ‘Local Delivery’ option will appear at the checkout. Order before Wednesday for guaranteed delivery on market day.

Getting to Noosa Farmers’ Market

Address: Noosa AFL Grounds, 155 Weyba Rd, Noosaville QLD 4566

Market Hours: Sunday: 6:00 am - midday

Website: noosafarmersmarket.com.au

2. Carriageworks Farmers’ Market, Sydney

If you’re a foodie, Saturdays in Sydney are best spent at the Carriageworks Farmers’ Market.

Nestled in the historic Carriageworks precinct in Eveleigh this market is a local favourite and it’s easy to see why.

With fresh fruits, veggies and a colourful mix of stalls, this market is a delicious slice of Sydney’s vibrant food scene.

Tip: Allow at least a few hours to explore everything this market has to offer.

Market Highlights

• Fresh produce: Most of the stalls feature products sourced within a 150 km radius meaning you’re getting the freshest, most nutritious food. Take note of the season and pick fruit in its optimal time for eating. Depending on the time of year, the juicy heirloom tomatoes and stone fruits are particularly mouth watering.

• Artisanal treats: While the freshly grown goodies are sure to catch your eye and capture your taste buds, don’t skip the gourmet stalls loaded with cheeses, pastries and hand crafted sauces and chutneys. It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on some flavoursome pantry essentials or discover new flavours.

• Street food: If you have any room left after visiting the food stalls, we highly recommend grabbing a brekkie or lunch bite from one of the on-site food vendors. Made to be hand-sized so you can eat on the go, there are some truly delicious options at your fingertips.

Tips for visiting

• Get there early: Arrive when the market opens at 8 AM to beat the crowds and snag the best produce.

• Cash is handy: While many vendors do take card, having some cash on hand is always a good idea.

• Bring your own bags: Don’t forget your reusable bags for your goodies.

• Explore the area: After the market, take a little time to explore the surrounding Redfern neighbourhood. There are great cafes, galleries, and parks to enjoy.

Getting to Carriageworks Markets

• Train: Carriageworks is easily accessible by train. Walk eight minutes from Redfern Station, ten minutes from Macdonaldtown Station or 15 minutes from Newtown Station.

• Bus routes: 422, 423, 426, 428, 370, 352 stop on City Road at Sydney University, a five minute walk from Carriageworks.

• Parking: Public transport is recommended but limited on-site parking is available at the end of Carriageworks Way. Enter via 229 Wilson Street.

Address: 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015

Market Hours: Saturday: 8:00 am - 5 pm

Website: carriageworks.com.au

3. Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne

Affectionately known as ‘Vic Market’ the Queen Victoria Market is a much-loved part of the Melbourne foodie scene. Open since 1878, it’s the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere and every nook and cranny is loaded with delicious treats and artisan goods.

These markets are open for almost the whole day, and for good reason. There are more than 600 vendors with everything your taste buds could desire - come with an empty belly and an excitement to feast and explore. You’ll need almost a whole day to explore everything on offer and even then, you may find yourself coming back to find stalls you missed.

Open since 1878, the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere and every nook and cranny is loaded with delicious treats and artisan goods.

Market highlights

Deli section: This is where things get exciting. The deli section is a treasure trove of gourmet goodies with everything on offer from hand-made choccies to cured meats and more. Don’t be afraid to ask for a sample - most vendors will happily share a taste-test.

Street food galore: If by some chance you are feeling peckish amid all of the taste testing and stall sampling, the Vic Market has an incredible selection of street food. Think dim sims, fresh seafood, fresh pastries, slices, sausages, soups, curries and salads to name just a few. There’s plenty of communal seating available so you can cosy up and watch the world pass by while enjoying some of the finest street food Melbourne has to offer.

Night Markets: Partnering with Melbourne Fringe Festival, night markets are on every Wednesday night 5pm to 10pm, from18 September 2024 to 16 October 2024 at Queen Victoria Market.

Tips for Your Visit

• When to go: The market is open Tuesdays and Thursday through to Sunday, but weekends can get pretty busy. If you prefer a quieter experience, aim for a visit on a Tuesday or Thursday.

• Use public transport: Parking can be tricky, so public transport will be your best friend. It’s super easy to reach by tram, and you’ll be dropped off right nearby. See more detail on public transport options.

• Cash vs. cards: While many vendors take cards, having some cash is always a good idea for smaller purchases or quick bites.

Getting to Queen Victoria Market

• Walk: A short walk from the City centre, Queen Victoria Market is bounded by Peel, Franklin, Victoria & Elizabeth Streets.

• Car: Parking is available in the Open Air Car Park and the new Undercover Car Park, both accessible via Queen St.

• Bike: There is free bike parking in and around the Market. Major bike lanes leading to the Market run along Royal Parade and Victoria Street.

• Tram: It’s also super easy to catch the tram to the Market. Just jump on Yarra Trams route 19, 57, 58 or 59 which stop right outside the Market.

• Metro Train: The Market is only a 7-minute walk from Melbourne Central and Flagstaff Stations. Walk north along Elizabeth or William Street.

• Regional Train: V/Line trains run from Regional Victoria to Southern Cross station, then the Market is a 15-20 minute walk from the station.

• Airport Shuttle to the Market: SkyBus runs from Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport to Southern Cross station, then the Market is a 15-20 minute walk from the station.

Address: Queen Victoria Market, Queen St, Melbourne VIC

Market Hours:

• Tuesday 6am-3pm
• Thursday 6am-3pm
• Friday 6am-3pm
• Saturday 6am-4pm
• Sunday 9am-4pm

Website: qvm.com.au

4. Adelaide Central Market

If you’ve never experienced the full extent of Adelaide’s foodie scene, the Adelaide Central Market is a sure way to immerse yourself in the diverse culinary experiences on offer in the city.

What really sets this market apart is the mix of cultures you’ll encounter. With over 70 vendors, there’s always something new to discover. You’ll find stalls featuring Middle Eastern spices, Italian pasta, and even Vietnamese banh mi, locally produced wines and jams, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, local olives and everything in between.

Market highlights

It’s a sensory experience: As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by a sensory overload—colourful stalls, delicious smells wafting through the air, and the buzz of people chatting and laughing.

Unique crafts and souvenirs: Beyond the food, Adelaide Central Market is a fantastic spot to hunt for unique crafts and local products. You’ll find everything from handmade soaps to locally produced wines and jams. These make for perfect souvenirs to take home or gifts for friends. It’s a great way to support local artisans while snagging something special.

Access to the experts: The market is a hub for South Australian farmers, each an expert in their chosen fruit, veg or artisan product, so don’t be shy. Chat to the vendors and ask them questions so you can tap into the knowledge bank of some of the country’s most knowledgeable growers and makers. They love to share their tips on how to pick the best ingredients or suggest great recipes.

Tips for Your Visit

• Opening hours: The market is open Tuesday to Saturday, but visiting on a Wednesday or Friday lets you experience it at its liveliest. Weekends can get quite busy.

• How to get there: Located right in the city centre, it’s super easy to reach by foot or public transport. There’s also parking if you’re driving.

• Cash vs. cards: Many vendors take cards, but it’s smart to have some cash for smaller purchases or quick bites.

Getting to Adelaide Central Market

The Adelaide Central Market is conveniently located in the heart of the Adelaide CBD and is easy to get to by tram, bus, car, bike or foot.

• Tram: The City to Bay Tram stops right on the doorstep in Victoria Square/Tarndanyangga. Or you could catch any city bound public transport, with a short walk to the Market.

• Bus: The FREE City Connector bus has hop-on and hop-off stops located on Grote Street. It’s a quick and easy way of getting around with the service running on a regular basis linking the Market to City and North Adelaide destinations. More information.

• Car: If you are driving to the Market, then parking is easy with over 1,000 undercover parking spaces available in the Central Market UPark, located directly above the Market and is easily accessible from both Gouger and Grote Street, with first hour free parking during Market hours (T&C’s apply).

Address: 44-60 Gouger St Adelaide SA 5000

Market Hours:

• Tuesday 7:00am – 5:30pm
• Wednesday 9:00am – 5:30pm*
• Thursday 9:00am – 5:30pm
• Friday 7:00am – 9:00pm
• Saturday 7:00am – 3:00pm
• Closed Sunday and Monday | *Optional trading, range of traders

The Market will be closed on the following public holidays in 2024:

5. Farm Gate Market, Hobart, TAS

Tasmania is widely known as an Australian foodie hotspot. The region has become famous for its sweet orchard fruits, craft beers, backyard garden vegetables, wildflower honey and other delicious treats that rival the very best in the world. What we love about Farm Gate Market is that you’re sure to find all of this there - in its freshest, most delicious and authentic expression.

Market highlights

Specialty stalls: Taste the best of Tasmania for yourself with specialty stalls where you can sample the wild herbs, unique spices, sticky sauces and creamy cheeses that truly capture the essence of Tasmania. Be warned though - sampling may not be enough, so bring enough bags to carry all of the delicious goodies you buy.

Ready to eat options: The market has plenty of ready-to-eat options that will tempt your taste buds. Grab a flaky pastry or a savoury pie from one of the vendors, or enjoy a fresh coffee from a local roaster. It’s a great way to fuel up while you wander around. Plus, the communal seating area is perfect for people-watching and soaking in the lively atmosphere.

Street performances: The first street performance of the day happens at 8:30 AM. That's when the Sunday market kicks off with the ringing of a giant brass bell. Regulars often line up well before the starting bell to get to their favourite vendors before the rest of Hobart. Expect face painters, buskers and musicians.

Tips for Your Visit

• Best Time to Visit: The market is open every Sunday from 8:30 AM to 1 PM. Getting there early can help you snag the best produce and avoid the crowds.

• Location: You’ll find it just a short stroll from Hobart’s city centre, making it easy to pop by. Plus, there’s parking available if you’re driving.

• Cash is useful: While most vendors accept cards, it’s always smart to have some cash for smaller purchases or quick bites.

• Parking: Hobart Central Car Park is open from 7.45am every Sunday with access via Melville Street

• Dog-free market: So leave your pets at home.

Getting to Farm Gate Market in Hobart

• The following transport lines have routes that pass near Farm Gate Market: 502, 624, 625, 722, 500

Address: 104 Bathurst St, Hobart TAS 7000

Market hours: Sundays 8.30am – 1.00pm

Website: farmgatemarket.com.au

The best farmers markets in Australia - a final word

Australia is home to some of the most vibrant farmers' markets, each offering a unique blend of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local flavours. From the bustling lanes of Sydney's Carriageworks Farmers' Market to the iconic Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne, these markets are not just places to shop—they're community hubs where farmers, artisans, and food lovers come together.

Whether you’re hunting for organic veggies, handmade crafts, or delicious ready-to-eat meals, the 5 best markets in Australia we’ve shared above offer a journey into the heart of Australian produce and community spirit.