Great Farmer's Markets around Australia
STORY BY WILL NORQUAY, 2018
As people have embraced the movement to eat fresh, locally grown produce and locally raised meats, farmers markets have become a popular alternative to supermarkets. In the process, they have helped revitalise the sense of community in many areas as these markets spring up in car parks and school playgrounds all over Australia, inviting visitors to come shop, play and share.
The variety and quality of the foods and other goods that can be found at these farmers markets is spectacular. There are dozens of great markets in every state and in most towns - check out a few of Australia's best markets and prepare to be inspired.
As people have embraced the movement to eat fresh, locally grown produce and locally raised meats, farmers markets have become a popular alternative to supermarkets. In the process, they have helped revitalise the sense of community in many areas as these markets spring up in car parks and school playgrounds all over Australia, inviting visitors to come shop, play and share.
The variety and quality of the foods and other goods that can be found at these farmers markets is spectacular. There are dozens of great markets in every state and in most towns - check out a few of Australia's best markets and prepare to be inspired.
Western Australia
Margaret River Farmers Markets
Every Saturday morning you'll find up to 50 local producers readying their stalls at the Margaret River Education Campus (below). Producers are selected to participate according to how local they are.
In other words, if it's not made, grown, or raised nearby, you won't see it being sold here. Every stall is run by the same people who produce the goods, allowing you to truly connect with the food your family eats.
Margaret River Farmers Markets
Every Saturday morning you'll find up to 50 local producers readying their stalls at the Margaret River Education Campus (below). Producers are selected to participate according to how local they are.
In other words, if it's not made, grown, or raised nearby, you won't see it being sold here. Every stall is run by the same people who produce the goods, allowing you to truly connect with the food your family eats.
Victoria
Gasworks Farmers Markets
One of the biggest markets in Australia is the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne (below left).
However, on the 3rd Saturday of the month, you can head over to the eclectic Gasworks Arts Park in South Melbourne (below right) where you can do your shopping while experiencing all the fun and charm that the arts district has to offer. Aside from the fresh local produce, you can browse artists' studios, galleries, theatres and cafes. The parklands also include year round attractions like a circus and an outdoor cinema.
Gasworks Farmers Markets
One of the biggest markets in Australia is the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne (below left).
However, on the 3rd Saturday of the month, you can head over to the eclectic Gasworks Arts Park in South Melbourne (below right) where you can do your shopping while experiencing all the fun and charm that the arts district has to offer. Aside from the fresh local produce, you can browse artists' studios, galleries, theatres and cafes. The parklands also include year round attractions like a circus and an outdoor cinema.
Tasmania
Farm Gate Market
Rain or shine, every Sunday you'll find producers setting up their stalls at the Farm Gate Market in Hobart.
While you peruse the stalls overflowing with a selection of fresh seasonal Tasmanian produce and artisan goods, you'll be serenaded by a variety of buskers providing entertainment and atmosphere. Along with the produce you'll find cheeses, jams, relishes, wines and beer as well as burgers, bbq and burritos, making it a great day out.
Farm Gate Market
Rain or shine, every Sunday you'll find producers setting up their stalls at the Farm Gate Market in Hobart.
While you peruse the stalls overflowing with a selection of fresh seasonal Tasmanian produce and artisan goods, you'll be serenaded by a variety of buskers providing entertainment and atmosphere. Along with the produce you'll find cheeses, jams, relishes, wines and beer as well as burgers, bbq and burritos, making it a great day out.
South Australia
Victoria Harbor Farmers Market
On Saturday mornings, Grosvenor Gardens and the Victoria Harbor Farmers Market (below) are the place to be if you want to get a taste of the Fleurieu Peninsula.
In addition to 26 vendor stalls filled with local regional produce, the market features Guest Chefs who provide visitors with tastings of dishes made using the ingredients on offer at the market.
The market is a place for families and friends to gather and include activities for the kids like face painting and animal crèche. All of this is done while the local bands play on.
Victoria Harbor Farmers Market
On Saturday mornings, Grosvenor Gardens and the Victoria Harbor Farmers Market (below) are the place to be if you want to get a taste of the Fleurieu Peninsula.
In addition to 26 vendor stalls filled with local regional produce, the market features Guest Chefs who provide visitors with tastings of dishes made using the ingredients on offer at the market.
The market is a place for families and friends to gather and include activities for the kids like face painting and animal crèche. All of this is done while the local bands play on.
Queensland
Noosa Farmers Market
The Noosa Australian Football Club plays host to the Farmers Market every Sunday morning.
It is a place that strives to tantalize your senses in every way imaginable -- from it's gorgeous produce to the dizzying array of fresh drinks, marinades, sauces, breads, cheeses, jams and even aromatic skin care products that have been hand made by local producers. There is always live music for the adults and a jumping castle for the kids to work out their wiggles on.
Noosa Farmers Market
The Noosa Australian Football Club plays host to the Farmers Market every Sunday morning.
It is a place that strives to tantalize your senses in every way imaginable -- from it's gorgeous produce to the dizzying array of fresh drinks, marinades, sauces, breads, cheeses, jams and even aromatic skin care products that have been hand made by local producers. There is always live music for the adults and a jumping castle for the kids to work out their wiggles on.
New South Wales
The Rocks Markets
Any day of the week you can visit Sydney's favourite outdoor museum with all of its historic charm, shops, and galleries.
But on Saturdays, it's worth a special trip to The Rocks (below) in order to experience gourmet local offerings as well as hand crafted jewellery from local artisans. This is a great place to find traditional Australian gifts and souvenirs. If you are feeling quirky, you can even have your tarot cards read.
There is plenty to do and experience at The Rocks, so you can plan to make a day of it with the entire family.
The Rocks Markets
Any day of the week you can visit Sydney's favourite outdoor museum with all of its historic charm, shops, and galleries.
But on Saturdays, it's worth a special trip to The Rocks (below) in order to experience gourmet local offerings as well as hand crafted jewellery from local artisans. This is a great place to find traditional Australian gifts and souvenirs. If you are feeling quirky, you can even have your tarot cards read.
There is plenty to do and experience at The Rocks, so you can plan to make a day of it with the entire family.
About our Guest Writer: Will Norquay is a passionate traveller and experienced writer at Stayz. He loves to travel around Australia with his camera that he never leaves at home.