8 of the best Ballarat markets for one-of-a-kind pieces

Crammed with hard-to-replicate gems and infectious community spirit, every great Ballarat market is worth a morning’s exploration.

An immense Victorian city that maintains small-town country vibes, Ballarat is filled with unexpected charms. While you’ll spend days ticking off the best things to do in Ballarat, and far longer dining at the best restaurants, the enchanting soul of this city is best grasped at a market. Home to seasonal local produce, inspired entrepreneurial ventures and a ton of artisanal craft, these regular (or semi-regular) portals into the livelihood of Ballarat’s residents are nothing short of enthralling. Here, we round up the best Ballarat markets.

1. Ballarat Farmers Market

Two people shopping for vegetables at a market — Shop for fresh veggies.

If you can time your Ballarat holiday to the second or fourth Saturday of the month, you can kiss the task of supermarket stockpiling goodbye. The Ballarat Farmers Market is the ultimate go-to for organic fruit and vegetables, bread and pastries, meats, cheeses, eggs, snacks and even wine, so get there early for a complete spectrum of supplies. There on an empty stomach? Even better, as a coffee van will pour you a fix and hot food like dumplings, Gözleme, and bacon and egg rolls are also on hand. Don’t miss other highlights including kitchen accessories, native plants, homewares and treats for your pet.

Where: North Gardens Reserve, Lake Wendouree

When: Second and fourth Saturday of every month from 9am to 1pm

2. The Bridge Market

A stall at The Bridge Market in Ballarat — Secure gourmet ingredients and delicacies. (Credit: Matt Dunne)

The buzz is unbeatable at The Bridge Market, which pops up along the retail mecca of Bridge Mall and houses a mixed bag of stallholders. It’s technically a farmer’s market, so bring your reusable shopping bags to secure gourmet ingredients and delicacies, but it draws a thick crowd of design lovers who comb the offerings for statement clothing, jewellery and accessories.

Where: Bridge Mall, Ballarat

When: First Saturday of every month from 9am to 1pm

3. The Design Exchange

the building exterior of Ballarat Mining Exchange — The innovative market is housed in the historic Ballarat Mining Exchange. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

An absolute must-schedule if undiscovered artists and independent design talent inspires you, The Design Exchange is a melting pot of creativity. Children’s clothing and toys, gorgeous ceramics, fine jewellery, lounge room brighteners, homemade treats and so much more is bound to tempt you, plus you’re guaranteed to find months’ worth of hard-to-find gifts so don’t leave without stickybeaking every row.

Where: Ballarat Mining Exchange, 12 Lydiard St North, Ballarat

When: Twice annually, so check the website’s Info page for upcoming dates

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4. Ballarat Vintage & Collectables Market

memorabilia at Ballarat Vintage & Collectables Market — Ballarat Vintage & Collectables Market has over 80 stalls with vintage finds and serious collectables. (Credit: Supplied)

Just a 10-minute drive east of the centre of town, the Ballarat Vintage & Collectables Market is unlike any other market in the region. Flowing with vintage finds and serious collectables, stepping into the place feels as though you’re walking through the backdrop of Antiques Roadshow (and the likelihood of striking gold is quite possible, too). Furniture, antiques, old records, retro furnishings, and so more random treasure hunting awaits.

Where: 9367 Western Highway, Warrenheip

When: It’s open every day from 10am to 6pm

5. Avoca Riverside Market

people shopping at the stalls along Avoca Riverside Market, Ballarat — Potter around the stalls filled with baked goods and handmade crafts. (Credit: Visit Melbourne)

An idyllic daytrip from Ballarat, less than one hour’s drive away, the Avoca Riverside Market is a charming collective of stalls. Set on the banks of Avoca River and dotted with river gums, the market invites aimless strolling — that is until you find the local Pyrenees vineyards offering wine tastings. Make a beeline for their stalls if you’re a sucker for top-notch drops (the Pyrenees region of Victoria is renowned for its big reds and sparklings) to help you find a new label to love. There’s also hot food, homewares, a few fruit and veg stalls and plants to peruse.

Where: Avoca River Flats, Cambridge and Dundas Sts, Avoca

When: Fourth Sunday of every month from 9am to 1pm

6. Ballan Farmers Market

a stall selling honey at Ballan Farmers Market — Find homemade goods from more than 25 stalls at Ballan Farmers Market. (Credit: Patrick Bonello)

Run by volunteers determined to showcase their region’s stellar artisans and suppliers, the Ballan Farmers Market is a magnetic morning ritual located about half an hour from Ballarat. As live music lights up the inside of an old church, more than 25 stalls sell a mix of homemade foods and local produce, while the odd candle, soap or craft supplier also makes an appearance.

Where: St Paul’s Uniting Church, 73 Inglis St, Ballan

When: Second Saturday of every month from 9am to 1pm

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7. Smythesdale Country Market

fresh raspberries at Smythesdale Country Market, Ballarat — Take home high-quality fresh fruit. (Image: Getty/JMichl)

A rural village boasting a tight-knit community, Smythesdale features a picture-perfect historical precinct and one of its biggest attractions is the monthly Smythesdale Country Market. You’ll need to zip about 15 minutes’ south-west of Ballarat, but a little road tripping is worth it as more than 40 stalls span super-fresh produce, native plants, artisanal creations and fun initiatives like a ‘beanie battle’ to inspire local craft types. Expect food trucks, coffee vans and plenty of hot food to help keep the good times kicking.

Where: Woady Yaloak Recreation Facility, Smythesdale

When: Third Saturday of every month from 9am to 1pm

8. Talbot Farmers Market

crowds at the Talbot Farmers Market, Ballarat — The bustling scene at the Talbot Farmers Market. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Drawing solid crowds monthly, the Talbot Farmers Market set the region alight when it burst onto the scene in 2004, serving as one of the first local farmers’ markets. Fast-forward 20-odd years and you’ll be rubbing shoulders with thousands, all equally as eager to uncover the suppliers who have inspired market replicas right throughout the Goldfields region. It goes without saying that BYO bags will be filled with the season’s most peak produce, while jams, chutneys, cheeses and other extremely delectable temptations can’t be ignored. It’s about a 40-minute drive north of Ballarat.

Where: 40 Scandinavian Cres, Talbot

When: Third Sunday of every month from 9am to 1pm

9. Creswick Market

A woman shopping at Creswick Market — Creswick Market is a buzzy hub of activity.

Get your four-legged pal on tour with you? Pile them into the car and set off 20 minutes north of Ballarat in search of Creswick Market. It’s a buzzy hub of activity once a month as stallholders sell everything from olive oils, sauces, jams and honey to arts and crafts, jewellery and clothing. There’s always live music to help set the scene, while a playground and lush gardens also serve to tire out little limbs.

Where: 19-21 Victoria St, Creswick

When: Third Saturday of every month from 9am to 1pm

Discover the best places to stay in Ballarat

Feast your way through Sun Country on the Murray – a beautiful and bountiful region in northern Victoria with gourmet delights galore.

Nestled on the lands of the Yorta Yorta People along the mighty Murray River, Sun Country is a truly extraordinary place. The northern Victorian enclave is a tapestry of meandering waterways, ancient forests, sandy beaches, enchanting country towns and an easy way of life.

Beyond its landscapes and bucolic charm, Sun Country on the Murray is a culinary paradise: think farm-fresh produce, family-run wineries and no shortage of places to feast.

If you’re a serious foodie or simply epicurious, here’s your ultimate guide to a gourmand Murray River getaway.

The Murray Farm Gate Trail

The self-guided Murray Gate Farm Trail lets you sample the area’s best produce while immersing yourself in the lush Goulburn and Murray Valleys. The trail has something to suit every palate and pace, but there are a few notable highlights.

1. Rich Glen

Rich Glen Provedore and Rich Glen Skin & Beauty — Stock up at Rich Glen. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Rich Glen is renowned for its award-winning olive oils. Everything is grown and created on the family farm in Yarrawonga, the results of which you can visit at Rich Glen Provedore – a treasure trove of gourmet foods, including that signature olive oil. Or explore Rich Glen Skin & Beauty, which stocks lush handmade skincare and wellness products.

2. How Now Dairy

A charming micro-farm producing ethical dairy, How Now Dairy, lets its baby calves remain with their mothers and its cows roam on rolling pesticide-free pastures. Try a selection of cheeses that do good and taste good, including a fantastic punchy blue, and velvety milk with a thick, creamy top.

3. Cactus Country

Cactus Country in the murray — Stop into Cactus Country. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Cactus Country is a 12-acre stretch of desert-like garden containing cacti of all shapes, sizes and colours. Naturally, it makes the most of its bounty at the on-site bar and restaurant, with a cactus-infused dessert menu alongside a vibrant line-up of Mexican snacks and mains.

4. The Olde Creamery

The Olde Creamery is a local icon, a former hobby farm that has flourished into a thriving purveyor of flowers and foods. The elderflower cordial and bramble gin and tonic jam are must-tries, and make for tasty mementoes of your trip.

Wineries, breweries and distilleries

The region’s sunny climate and rich soils make it a prime place for viticulture. If wine isn’t your thing, you’ll also find boutique breweries and distilleries producing top-notch beers and spirits.

1. Squires Winery

a couple sitting at the bar at squire's winery, sun country on the murray — Pop in for a tasting. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With its idyllic positioning on the Ovens River, Squires Winery is a lovely setting for a long, leisurely lunch or tasting. Enjoy a riverside sip of prosecco, rosé or cab sauv, complemented by seasonal bites and a backdrop of towering gum trees.

2. Cape Horn Vineyard

Cape Horn is one of the region’s most established vineyards. Its sparkling durif/shiraz is a crowd favourite and well worth trying on your foodie tour, especially if it’s served with one of the winery’s delicious wood-fired pizzas.

3. Byramine Homestead & Brewery

A top pick among beer, cider and history enthusiasts, Byramine serves a rotation of brews made on-site in the historic homestead. Wander through the venue and learn about its colonial past before sitting down to a freshly made Ploughman’s and cold local ale.

4. Monichino Wines

Monichino is a slice of la dolce vita in northern Victoria, producing classic Italian varietals like pinot grigio and aromatica. Drop by for a tasting at the cellar door (open weekends or by appointment) and explore everything from crisp whites to robust fortified wines, or pack a picnic and savour your glass in the picturesque gardens.

5. Corowa Distilling Co

Corowa Distilling Co crafts an incredible variety of single-malt and blended whiskies, and is a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike. Stop in for a tasting flight in the whisky room, or a hearty breakfast or lunch paired with a wee dram.

Farm-to-table dining

If you’ve got the time to linger over a gourmet spread, Sun Country on the Murray has an abundance of outstanding restaurants and cafes.

1. O’Reilly’s Food and Wine

O’Reilly’s feels much like stepping into a good friend’s home, albeit with a refined twist. The menu changes weekly and rotates through a selection of comforting yet elevated dishes – think lamb cottage pie, French-style moussaka, a perennially popular open steak sandwich and cakes that change flavours weekly.

2. Stock and Barrel

a couple eating at Stock and Barrel victoria — Soak in views of Lake Mulwala. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Tucked inside The Sebel Yarrawonga hotel, overlooking sparkling Lake Mulwala, Stock and Barrel does pub classics with a Sun Country spin. Order a perfectly seared steak and triple-cooked potatoes alongside a freshly poured pint, or try a regional highlight: local produce features abundantly across Stock and Barrel’s dishes.

3. The Bend

With spacious decks and panoramic views of the Murray, The Bend is ideal for a sun-soaked long lunch. Order a round of moreish share plates (like baja fish tacos and a warm-from-the-oven brioche loaf stuffed with cream cheese and herbs) or a signature cocktail and indulgent main – we can’t go past the slow-braised wagyu brisket.

4. Blacksmith Provedore

If you’re after a slick yet relaxed dining destination, head to Blacksmith Provedore. Perched right next to Lake Mulwala, the venue is airy and elegant, with a minimalist-chic design. The pizzas are seriously good too, made with 72-hour fermented dough and toppings sourced from Italy’s finest producers.

5. Broken Willow

As soon as you enter Broken Willow’s front doors, you’re greeted with genuine hospitality and a classic bistro menu that has something for everyone: succulent grilled meats, parmas and schnitzels, juicy burgers, and international dishes ranging from weekly curry and stir-fry specials to zippy banh mi.

While you’re there

Thompson Beach in sun country on the murray — Discover plenty to do between meals. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Got a few hours to spare? Make the most of your trip by exploring the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of your riverside surroundings.

Barmah National Park is a sanctuary of walks through majestic river red gums and serene wetlands. Here, a seat on board a Kingfisher River Cruise offers a different Murray experience, letting you see the vast river from the perspective of the Yorta Yorta peoples.

If you’re a watersport enthusiast, Lake Mulwala in Yarrawonga is a favourite for canoeing, cruising, fishing, kayaking and water skiing. While the silo murals at Katamatite, St James, Tungamah and more recently Waaia are essential stops in Victoria’s famed Silo Art Trail.

In Cobram Barooga, make sure to visit Thompson’s Beach, the largest inland beach in the southern hemisphere. Nearby, the Bullanginya Dreaming project is an award-winning 1.8km immersive art experience that immerses you in light and sound to tell a rich story of country, culture and connection.

Start planning a tasty getaway to Sun Country on The Murray at suncountryonthemurray.com.au.