Australia’s top 10 farmers markets worth a visit

Editor By Editor
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Visiting the local farmers’ market has become the cornerstone of a foodie’s weekend (and a nicer way to get your groceries than the supermarket). Stock up your pantry at these top 10 outings.

1. Adelaide Farmers’ Market Adelaide, SA

Marketplace details:

Adelaide Farmer's Markets.
A glimpse into Adelaide Farmer’s Markets.

Held outdoors at Adelaide Showground every Sunday from 9am – 1pm.

Market fact:

 

Each week cooking demonstrations are held inside the Market Kitchen at Adelaide Farmer’s Markets , using local produce to create mouth-watering dishes. You may recognise some of the faces from MKR and MasterChef.

Market special:

 

Ice-cream in flavours such as lemon myrtle, native mint, lilly pilly and wild ginger from Bushtucker Ice-cream.

 

2. Collingwood Children’s Farm/Melbourne Farmers’ Markets, Abbotsford, VIC

Marketplace details:

Melbourne Farmer's Market at Collingwood Children's Farm.
Delicious raclette cheese available at Melbourne Farmer’s Market at Collingwood Children’s Farm.

Melbourne Farmers’ Markets is held outdoors at Collingwood Children’s Farm on the second Saturday of each month, 8am – 1pm. There’s a $2 entry fee per adult (children are free), which supports projects at the farm. The kids will love getting to know the farm animals.

Market fact:

 

It’s completely plastic bag-free here, so don’t forget your canvas shopping totes.

Market special:

 

The pancake stall is run by volunteers and all funds raised support the Young Farmers program. Tuck in for a feel-good breakfast.

 

3. Eveleigh Market, Eveleigh, NSW

Mushrooms Eveleigh Markets.
Mushroom out from beneath the shade: Eveleigh Markets, Sydney.

Marketplace details: Undercover at Carriageworks, every Saturday (rain, hail or shine), 8am – 1pm.

 

Market fact: Eveleigh Market features well-known Sydney eateries Bourke Street Bakery, Sonomo and Billy Kwong have stands here – you may even see Miss Kylie Kwong herself serving up steamed pork buns!

 

Market special: Honey pollinated around the city from The Rocks to Marrickville at The Urban Beehive.

 

4. Farmgate Market, Hobart, TAS

Marketplace details: Outdoors at Bathurst Street every Sunday (rain, hail or shine) from 8:30am – 1pm.

Farmgate Market in Hobart, Tasmania.
People perusing Farmgate Market in Hobart, Tasmania.

Market fact: At Farmgate Market , everything sold must be grown or produced in Tasmania and only the people who grow, raise, produce, extract or pluck the goods can trade.

 

Market special: Sourdough donuts filled with apple and cardamom jam or dark choc and salty pistachio.

 

5. Noosa Farmers’ Market, Noosa, QLD

Marketplace details: Outdoors at Noosa Australian Football Club every Sunday (rain, hail or shine), 7am – 12pm.

Noosa Farmer's Markets.
Fresh produce from Noosa Farmer’s Markets.

Market fact: Noosa Farmers’ Market organisers are also behind the Noosa Food ETrail – a website showcasing a behind-the-scenes-style exploration of the local food region through fruit picking, farm tours, cooking schools. Plus markets and farm gates.

 

Market special: Handmade quality olive oils, olive tapenade and fresh olives from Fat Hen Farm.

 

6. Capital Region Farmers’ Market Canberra, ACT

Marketplace details: Undercover at Exhibition Park, most Saturdays from 7:30–11:30am.

Canberra Farmers Markets?
Why not pick up a gooey brownie from stallholder, The Hungry Brown Cow at Capital Region Farmers’ Market Canberra?

Market fact: At Capital Region Farmers Market , the majority of produce at the market (excluding some specialty products) comes from less than 300 kilometres away. The distance travelled by each stallholder is listed on the market website.

 

Market special: The pâtés of Fine Terrines & Pâtés come in all sorts of flavours from free-range chicken to Porcini and port – but if those don’t tickle your fancy, they’ll try to make one especially for you.

 

7. Talbot Farmers’ Markets, Talbot, VIC

Marketplace details: Talbot Farmers’ Market is held outdoors at Scandinavian Crescent on the third Sunday of each month, from 9am – 1pm.

Talbot Markets in Victoria.
Browse vintage finds at Talbot Markets in Victoria.

Market fact: The Town Hall Market is held on the same day just adjacent to the farmers’ market – it sells books, toys, crafts, clothing and more.

 

Market special: The award-winning Cooks Treat Ripper Relish and BBQue Brew (both gluten free, too!).

 

8. Margaret River Farmers’ Markets Margaret River, WA

Marketplace details: This market is held at the Margaret River Education Campus on the third Sunday of every month, from 9am – 1pm.

Margaret River Farmer's Market.
Pick up a treat at Margaret River Farmer’s Market.

Market fact: Stalls at Margaret River Farmers’ Market are given priority based on how ‘local’ the produce is: if it’s made by farmers within the Margaret River Region with their own produce, it takes priority over residents of the Margaret River Region using local produce and those who use products from outside of the area and so on.

 

Market special: Bahen & Co’s factory is not open to the public, so get your hands on the artisan chocolate handmade using cacao beans and raw sugar.

 

9. Barossa Farmers’ Markets Barossa Valley, SA

Marketplace details: Barossa Farmers’ Markets is held undercover in the Vinters Sheds, Angaston, every Saturday from 7:30–11:30am.

Barossa Valley Farmer's Markets.
Barossa Distilling Company flavouring the farmer’s markets.

Market fact: The farmers travel an average of just 15 kilometres to get here, so you know all the produce is local and super fresh.

 

Market special: Fill up for breakfast on the delicious egg and bacon Market Burger.

 

10. Gold Coast Organic Market, Miami, QLD

Marketplace details: Outdoors at Miami High State School every Sunday, 6–11:30am.

Gold Coast Organic Market.
Delicious freshly made Organic Vegan Museli, Bowls from Gold Coast Organic Market.

Market fact: All produce at Gold Coast Organic Market must be straight from the farm and Certified Organically grown. But it’s not just the food that’s organic, there are also cleaning products, cosmetics, clothing and bedding.

 

Market special: The fermented beverages from Buchi Kombucha, made from organic white, black or green teas (or a blend), organic raw sugar, and a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast, are meant to be ‘ridiculously good for you’. To sweeten the deal, they come in a variety of flavours including Ginger and Tumeric, Coffee, and Hibiscus Galangal Lime.

 

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Two immersive art experiences are coming to this Vic town in spring

    Gemma KaczerepaBy Gemma Kaczerepa
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    In recent years, Ballarat has emerged as one of Victoria’s most dynamic and daring cities. And, this spring, two unexpected creative showcases will take over the town.

    No matter the season, it’s always a good time to visit Ballarat – but spring might be the most ideal. The weather is warmer, the skies are clearer, the flowers across its botanical landscapes are in bloom. And events in Ballarat transform the city into a playground of creativity.

    This year, Ballarat will welcome both new and returning artistic events, best paired with a jaunt through the city’s eclectic array of things to eat, drink and explore. Here’s how to spend a spring weekend in this cool cultural hub.

    The events

    Two of the most exciting events hitting Ballarat this spring are the 2025 Ballarat International Foto Biennale and the inaugural edition of Sunnyside, a captivating and immersive art extravaganza.

    Ballarat International Foto Biennale

    Ballarat International Foto Biennale, events in Ballarat
    Discover powerful stories through the lens at Ballarat International Foto Biennale. (Image: Astrid Mulder)

    Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply curious, the Ballarat International Foto Biennale is a must. The event permeates the entire city, with works by over 360 local and international photographers adorning over 100 buildings, businesses, streets and public spaces.

    This year marks the 11th chapter and will centre on ‘Lifeforce’ – a theme that’s all about humanity and connection. Among the many talents on show, the headline artist is Campbell Addy, a British-Ghanaian creative who explores roots and identity. Be sure to visit before it ends in 2025 on 19 October.

    Sunnyside

    The colourful entrance to Sunnyside, one of the newest highlights of Events in Ballarat.
    Explore 17 days of bold art at Sunnyside. (Image: Nice To Meet You Again, Morag Myerscough 2023. Photographer: Gareth Gardner)

    Sunnyside is making its debut this year, introducing a brand-new celebration of colour, creativity and community to Ballarat. The 17-day celebration, from 6 to 23 November, will feature immersive installations and experiences, talks, a vibrant opening night gala, and workshops covering everything from crochet to neon block printing.

    Internationally acclaimed London-based artist Morag Myerscough will lead the celebration and convert Ballarat’s historic Mining Exchange – a gold rush era trading hall – and the city’s streets into a multi-sensory art spectacle.

    While you’re there

    Don’t miss out on everything else Ballarat has to offer. Here’s where to eat, drink, see and stay in the city.

    Where to eat

    Vibrant Latin American dishes at Pancho, adding flavour to Events in Ballarat.
    Savour bold Latin American dishes at Pancho. (Image: Einwick)

    For daytime dining, you’re spoiled for choice. Johnny Alloo does contemporary cafe fare in a warm and inviting space, while Hydrant Food Hall is a popular pick for breakfast and lunch classics. Eclectic Tastes makes seasonal dishes that incorporate plenty of local produce, giving you a great opportunity to taste the region’s flavours.

    At night, head to Roy Hammond for delicious cocktails and contemporary Asian-inspired eats or Pancho for vibrant (and very good) Latin American food in fun surrounds. At Hop Temple, you’ll find an incredible selection of craft beers (more than 200, to be exact) and punchy pub fare, or you can head slightly out of town for tasty bistro classics at the historic and character-filled Buninyong Hotel .

    In the mood for something fancy? Visit one of Ballarat’s many hatted restaurants, like Babae (produce-driven fine dining inspired by regional Victoria), Mr Jones (modern Asian by a chef with a Michelin pedigree) and Underbar (an ultra-exclusive spot doing ultra-refined tasting menus).

    Where to drink

    Food and wine tastings at Blue Pyrenees Estate, a refined experience beyond Events in Ballarat.
    Relax over wine at Blue Pyrenees Estate. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    No matter your poison, you’ll find a venue to suit in Ballarat. Aunty Jacks is a local institution, serving a generous line-up of beers made in the on-site brewery. Renard is perfect for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap, with a menu that spans creative signature cocktails, locally produced wines and Australian spirits.

    Try some of Ballarat’s finest creations at one of its many boutique distilleries, including Grainery Lane and Itinerant Spirits. The former specialises in gin and vodka, while the latter offers gin, vodka and craft whiskey. Buy a bottle from either as a memento of your trip.

    You can also venture a little further afield to one of the area’s renowned wineries and cellar doors. There are 25 scattered around the Pyrenees (Ballarat’s very own surrounding wine region), including Dalwhinnie, Summerfield and Blue Pyrenees Estate. Eastern Peake – a family-owned winery led by Young Gun of Wine 2025, Owen Latta – is also a must-visit.

    What to see

    A koala eating eucalyptus leaves at Ballarat Wildlife Park.
    Meet a koala at Ballarat Wildlife Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    If you’ve got time to spare after the thrill of the spring festivities, there’s lots to see and do. More art can be found in the city’s streets and laneways, with local street artists transforming the walls with impressive murals and installations.

    Ballarat is equally renowned for its heritage architecture, much of which flourished during the gold rush. Notable buildings include Ballarat Town Hall, Her Majesty’s Theatre and Craig’s Royal Hotel, all located centrally and within walking distance of one another.

    Travelling with kids? Head to Sovereign Hill for a living-history adventure or Ballarat Wildlife Park to meet koalas, reptiles and free-roaming kangaroos.

    Where to stay

    An elegant suite at Hotel Vera, offering boutique comfort.
    Enjoy all-out luxury at Hotel Vera. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    If you’re venturing to the city by train and want to stay somewhere central, Quest Ballarat Station is an excellent pick. The modern serviced apartments are situated just 250m from the station and a short stroll from downtown Ballarat, making coming, going and exploring the city incredibly easy. There’s also an on-site gym, barbecue area and accessible rooms available.

    For a touch of French luxe in regional Victoria, The Provincial Hotel is a standout choice, with gorgeously appointed rooms and suites in a restored heritage-listed building. The hotel is also conveniently located on Lydiard Street, which is lined with grand historic architecture.

    If you’re after something truly luxe, book a few nights at Hotel Vera. The exclusive collection of only seven suites presents all-out opulence: think lush linens, designer furniture, works by notable artists and gilded touches. It also happens to house fine-dining favourite Babae, making it an optimal stay if you’re keen to try the restaurant.

    Getting there

    aerial of hop lane in ballarat
    Turn your Ballarat visit into a memorable weekend. (Image: Einwick)

    One of the best things about Ballarat is its proximity to Melbourne. It’s only 90 minutes away by car – an easy journey down the Western Freeway – or can be easily reached by rail. The train from Southern Cross to Ballarat Station takes less than 90 minutes and drops you right in the centre of town.

    Start planning your stay at visitballarat.com.au.