Soak up arts and culture just 15 minutes from Noosa at the world-famous Eumundi Markets.

A market’s a market, right? Wrong. I massively undershot my first visit to Eumundi Markets back in 2022, planning a zippy hour-or-so dip out of Noosa before a lunch booking on bustling Hastings Street. From the moment I saw the market’s ginormous car park, I regretted giving it so little time.

Attracting more than 1.2 million visitors annually, the Eumundi Markets is wildly expansive with live performances, homewares, arts and crafts, ridiculously good condiments, mouth-watering food, and most of all, beautiful community spirit that flows from deeply connected townsfolk. It trickles over several streets and is so popular that it’s staged bi-weekly. Where on earth to start? Let me lead you.

History of the Eumundi Markets

Learning the Eumundi Markets’ backstory helped me appreciate the distinct madness so much more. Back in 1979, Christa Barton and her friend Gail Perry-Somers opened the first Eumundi Market on a Saturday morning with just three stalls and eight visitors. Back then, it was in the Country Women’s Association Hall on Memorial Drive, and the idea was to create a space that brought artisans and farmers closer together. On their first day, the duo made a turnover of $30, which is probably what I spend on snacks alone whenever I visit the Eumundi Markets these days.

By 2000, their big idea had blossomed to 350 stalls, and the Eumundi Markets was a staple visit for any Queensland road trip within the Sunshine Coast vicinity. People came from all over the country to visit what is now the largest art and craft market in Australia. In 2002, Eumundi Markets expanded its Saturday operations by adding Wednesday opening hours to the mix. More than 40 years since its inception, the market is always busy, so there’s no strategic time to beat the crowds (Wednesday’s smaller selection of stalls still packs a punch). But I do think the Saturday mid-morning throng — any time from 9am — is the toughest time to find a proximity car park so factor that in mind.

What to expect

Firstly, there are several entrances and sections, so if you’re toting young bubs, bring the pram as it’s a leg day (plus, you can store ample spoils in the bottom). When my kids were toddlers, they ran amok through the Eumundi Markets’ grassy fields and playgrounds, so they were relieved to take a load off and jump in and out of their wheels as we pushed on. What are we persuing, specifically? Arts and crafts, tick, (but unique and intricate, uncommon creations, not just crocheted teapot cosies and tie-dyed halter dresses), fashion and jewellery, tick. Candles cut into the shape of battered fish and crinkle-cut chips? Another tick.

Run by Eumundi and wider Sunshine Coast locals, each stall showcases personal creations crafted from locally produced materials and ingredients. These guys are mindful of their impact on their lush surroundings so I’m often incidentally exploring organic and environmentally sustainable temptations, too. Grab one of the markets’ branded tote bags for smarter shopping and a souvenir — they’re made from natural unbleached calico and serve as quite the humble brag when you’re back home.

Additionally, the Eumundi Markets sets up drinking stations to fill reuseable bottles and there are eco-emphasised products on sale including Bee Eco Essential Wraps to keep food fresh and Conscious Path’s natural skincare. Desperate for a new ‘do? Where’s Cazz? is on hand for appointment-free haircuts and once you’re done, make your way over to Jenny Phelan (exclusive to Saturday) for a tarot card reading, or Wendy Sugars for a spot of foot reflexology.

Top Eumundi Markets stalls to visit

The best Eumundi Markets food

Although Eumundi Markets is best-known as a hunting ground for artisanal arts and crafts, I am all about the smorgasbord of international food up for grabs. Spanning bagels, tapas, Dutch poffertjes, bratwurst, samosas, those addictive curly fries on sticks, donuts, tarts, Japanese pancakes, kombucha, laksa, woodfire pizza, and so much more, it’s a buffet without the hefty price tag. I love the Flying West van for my morning coffee fix. My first taste of this killer Noosa roaster was savoured at the Eumundi Markets in 2022 and subsequently had me sniffing out its Doonan cafe the moment I took off.

Right nearby, loaded donuts from Motha Trucka provide the perfect AM accompaniment when their mobile operation rocks up on Saturday. Hot sauce enthusiasts need to visit The Chilli Tribe for its award-winning blends, while blistered, cinnamon-dusted Portuguese tarts at Lisboa Caffe, around the corner from the chilli kings, are another must-devour. Fat Wren Farm is the place to stock up on locally made chutney and jams, and Bezel’s Bagels draws crowds first thing and past lunch for its self-proclaimed ‘life-changing’ creations.

The best Eumundi Markets shopping

When it’s time for retail therapy, my kids and I love exploring whatever My Soap Original’s been working on. There’s always classic Aussie treats like cheesecakes and soft serves to utterly delight children and dial up nostalgia among grown-ups. Jaded Painted is another great spot as cheese boards and catchall trays are decorated with subtle, beautifully finished artwork.

Rachael Curry Art is one of my favourite artists on display as her stunning takes on local flora and fauna look as lifelike as photographs, while Conscious Pet Co. is a winner for plastic-free pet toys, Bushblocks literally nails recycled timber island benches, and Merrie Tomkins is a must-explore for coastal-inspired ceramics.

How to get to the Eumundi Markets and where to park

The Eumundi Markets is only a 15-minute drive from Noosa’s Hastings Street, making for an easy day trip away from the beach. If you’re coming from Brisbane, it’s a 90-minute road trip. Now, my hot tip when it comes to parking: you’ll find a spot quickly if you venture into the main market parking on the corner of Albert and Napier roads, no question. However, you’ll save a flat rate of $9 if you can score something on the surrounding streets. Two-hour spots are hard to come by but stalk the ones right opposite the main car park and it’ll be worth it because they’re steps away from the entrance.

How much time should you expect to stay?

It depends on how much parking you’ve locked down. If you’ve got a full morning to play with, you can easily fill it with stall wandering from 7:30am. Alternatively, dropping into the markets for a coffee and treats is a common Saturday morning ritual among locals before turning to other weekend plans. Bottom line: there’s always more to explore at this place, even if you’ve been before.

Are there any Eumundi Markets events?

Sure are, and it’s one of my favourite bits about this Sunshine Coast hot spot. The Eumundi Markets team loves its local musicians and entertainers, so you’ll find multiple performers scattered around stalls. Occasionally, you’ll even find a one-time-only act that pushes groups to swarm. Local regulars include musician Renny Field, lap slide guitarist Pat Tierney, acoustic folk singer-songwriter Lucy Mills and more. I was lucky enough to catch Frank & Louis, a brother band from the Sunshine Coast, when I last visited and the two youngsters captivated the crowd with soulful renditions of original tunes and covers. Unearthing local talent is undoubtedly one of Eumundi Markets’ distinct drawcards. In terms of staged events, there are a few special occasions throughout the year. Santa is guaranteed to visit during December, and you’ll typically find a massive egg hunt plus loads of egg-cellent activities over the Easter holiday period.

Eumundi Markets opening times

The markets are open every Wednesday and Saturday from 7:30am until 2pm, all year round — even when it rains.

Eumundi Markets address

The Eumundi Markets is found at 80 Memorial Drive, Eumundi, but make sure you explore the surrounding streets as smaller markets offering equally fascinating arts and crafts are found at Eumundi Square, 1-7 Albert Street, and The Pavilion Eumundi, 79 Memorial Drive.