Adelaide Central Market: Everything You Need To Know

The Adelaide Central Market is the perfect place for the culinarily curious; colourful, chaotic and with community at its core.

Adelaide Central Market draws in more than nine million visitors per year for its mounds of fresh fruit and vegetables and endless variety of artisan produce. Located in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD, Adelaide Central Market is one of the city’s most iconic treasures; it’s also rated as one of the best fresh produce markets in Australia, and indeed, the world.

gourmet cheese at The Smelly Cheese Co, Adelaide Central Market — Adelaide Central Market is home to The Smelly Cheese Co. which produces the best cheese from around the world. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

With over seventy produce stalls and freshly cooked delicacies from around the world, let your stomach be your guide during your visit.

a woman buying fresh flowers at the Adelaide Central Market — Check out the flower stalls selling vibrant blooms. (Image: Melissa Koh)

Founded in 1869, the Adelaide Central Market is the heart and soul of the Adelaide food scene. The magic of the market is the community who have come from all corners of the world to make Adelaide, or Kaurna country, home. Food connects us – to place and to each other – and there’s no better place to do that in Adelaide than this bustling food hall.

people dining near a vibrant wall art in Adelaide Central Market — Come for the vibrant art and food scene at Adelaide Central Market. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Getting to Adelaide Central Market

The central market is located between Gouger and Grote St in Chinatown on the western side of the CBD. Stop at Victoria Square on the tram and it’s an easy five-minute walk. The free City Connector bus has stops located on Grote St.

Central Market UPark is located just above the market and offers the first hour free to shoppers (T&C’s apply)

a couple walking out of the Adelaide Central Market — Walk into the bustling Adelaide Central Market. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Getting Around Adelaide Central Market

To navigate the market, grab a map from the information desk near the Grote Street entrance or look up at the signage that marks each row of stalls with avenues.

fresh produce sold at one of the many stalls in Adelaide Central Market — Adelaide Central Market is rated as one of the best fresh produce markets in Australia. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The market can be a sensory overload, so if you’d like someone else to lead the way consider booking one of Mark Gleeson’s tours . As an ex-chef and market stallholder he shares his passion and knowledge with visitors from all over the world. To whet your appetite before your visit, listen to the audio tour of the market on Spotify.

a food art at Adelaide Central Market — Whet your appetite with so many options to choose from. (Image: Tourism Australia)

What to See at Adelaide Central Market

Shopping and food options

With a smorgasbord of culinary delights to choose from, here are some places (and people) not to miss.

a vibrant wall painting in Adelaide Central Market — Adelaide Central Market is the centre of Adelaide’s food scene. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Lucia’s Italian restaurant founded in 1957 is now run by Lucia’s children and grandchildren, who serve up homely Calabrian comfort food. You might not be able to replicate the oh-so-soft gnocchi, but you can always take home some of Nonna’s sauce from the deli next door.

Si Sea is a European-style seafood and wine bar that began serving lunches and will soon expand to Saturday night suppers. With signature dishes like Thai mussels cooked fresh while you wait and handpicked South Australian wines, this is an ideal option for seafood lovers.

people dining at Si Sea in Adelaide Central Market — Swing by Si Sea if you’re craving seafood.

Owned by former AFL player Daniel Motlop, Something Wild Indigenous foods focuses on ethical and sustainable native Australian ingredients. The store showcases the breadth of local proteins and botanicals with fresh game meats from camel to kangaroo, native herbs like karkalla and strawberry gum and bush fruits like muntries and quandong. If you’ve finished your shopping, you can even pull up a seat at the bar to enjoy a taste of green ant gin or native yam vodka.

If you meet the Mushroom Man selling chanterelles, ask for a taste of the black garlic and truffle salt – it has enough flavour to make any dish pop.

Shoppers with a sweet tooth should head for Turkish Delight where Mona and Mohammed Hassan showcase their handmade and colourful sweets, or stop at Saudade for a warm Pastéis de Nata Portuguese tart.

the Middle Eastern Real Falafel restaurant at Adelaide Central Market — Head to Real Falafel for an authentic taste of the Middle East.

Real Falafel owner Mitch Aldaswari came from Saudi Arabia as a refugee, and today offers market-goers an authentic taste of the Middle East with one of the best falafels you’ll ever try. If North African cuisine is more your style, Le Souk cooks up Berber tagine dreams inspired by owner Azou’s Algerian roots.

close up of a Middle Eastern dish at Real Falafel — Real Falafel serves up vegan and gluten-free dishes.

Don’t be fooled by the name – Sun Mi Sushi also serves very affordable Korean dishes like mung bean pancakes and bibimbap. Asian Gourmet makes Malaysian Sarawak laksa for those in the know; it’s not on the menu (shhh…) and is served on Fridays and Saturdays only.

Central Organic brings a cocoon of calm in the middle of the market with a range of certified organic products. Bring a container to refill your shampoo or soap from their flagons and help reduce single-use plastic.

If you don’t have time to visit Kangaroo Island during your stay in SA, the Kangaroo Island Shop is a great option for gifts showcasing over 450 products from island producers. Maybe stop for an award-winning KI gin while you’re here?

a couple walking around Adelaide Central Market near Kangaroo Island Shop — Stop by Kangaroo Island Shop for a KI gin. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Look out for the ‘Producer in Residence’ of the month, showcasing the very best local food businesses like Masa Bakery specialising in delectable Latin American pastries.

Events and Activities

The market turns up a notch on Friday evenings with live musicians and late-night trading. Why not try cheese after dark with whisky and wine tastings or watch a cooking demonstration in the community kitchen while the kids get their faces painted?

Tips for Visiting Nearby Attractions

Tartanyangga, or Victoria Square comes alive with events year-round from the Tour Down Under to the Adelaide Fringe so keep an eye out for what’s on. The recently restored Her Majesty’s Theatre has been welcoming audiences since 1913, and you can still catch the latest musicals at Adelaide’s most haunted theatre. To recoup your energy or extend your stay after a day at the markets, stroll a couple of blocks over to the vibrant Hotel Indigo, where the lobbies are inspired by the red brick arches of the Market.

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 7:00am – 5:30pm
Wednesday: 9:00am – 5:30pm (Selected Stalls open)
Thursday: 9:00am – 5:30pm
Friday: 7:00am – 9:00pm
Saturday: 7:00am – 3:00pm
Sunday: Closed

Looking for more markets? These Adelaide markets should be on your radar.

Originally written by Carla Grossetti with updates by Louisa Norman

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach — Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter — Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa — Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter — Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter — Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.

The ultimate guide to visiting Adelaide Central Market