Visiting a farmers’ market is essential when on holidays.
The lively events gift the tastebuds the opportunity to experience a feast of local culinary delights.
Even better, you can grab abundant goodies to fill a picnic hamper or cook on the BBQ – including back at your BIG4 accommodation.
We're showcasing 10 regional farmers’ markets that are among some of the country’s best.
Locals and visitors converge on this buzzing market, found at the heart of one of Australia’s premier food regions. It upholds its reputation by ensuring stallholders are restricted to producers from the local area and surrounds. Expect seasonal fruit and veg, breads, meat, seafood, cheeses and delicious treats like chocolate and nougat.
When: Every Saturday; 7.30am-11.30am.
Where: Margaret River Education Campus, Lot 272, Bussell Hwy.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Bunbury Riverside, BIG4 Taunton Farm Margaret River, BIG4 Breeze - Busselton, RAC Busselton, Mandalay Holiday Resort, Tasman - Yallingup Beach or Tasman - Yallingup Caves.
This is a classic Australian farmers’ market, helped by its gumtree-cloaked location that creates a relaxing and warm atmosphere. Grab a signature cup of cane juice and snap up top-notch regional goodies that include seafood, pastries, condiments, cheese, and so much more.
When: Every Sunday; 6am-12pm.
Where: 155 Weyba Rd, Noosaville.
Nearby accommodation: Ingenia Noosa, Ingenia Noosa North or Noosa North Shore Retreat.
Of course, Australia’s premier wine region has a winning farmers’ market. The variety of goodies on offer here is absolutely mammoth – from sweet to savoury – and the location at Vintner sheds means this is a goer rain, hail, or shine.
When: Each Saturday; 7.30am-11:30am.
Where: 740 Stockwell Rd, Angaston.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Barossa.
Like many on the list, this event is restricted to stallholders that sell only local produce. And in a prized food and wine region like Mudgee, this means you can be assured of high-quality eats. In fact, let your palate run wild in this park setting and you’ll soon discover the produce is simply divine.
When: Third Saturday of the month; 8:30am-12:30pm.
Where: Robertson Park, 97A Market St.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Mudgee.
Operating since 2002, this popular gathering not only emphasises the rich offerings of regional growers but also has a focus on produce that is ethical and sustainable. Again, the assortment of tasty goods on offer means it’s wise to pack an extra bag or two.
When: Every Saturday; 8am-12pm.
Where: Gateway Village, Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Borderland Wodonga or BIG4 Albury.
The beat of the Tasmanian capital thumps a little harder each Sunday morning as crowds converge on this centrally located market. Tasmania receives widespread acclaim for its mouth-watering and diverse produce and it’s easy to understand why when you listen to the passionate growers talk about their craft.
When: Each Sunday; 8.30am-1pm.
Where: Bathurst St, Hobart.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Hobart.
SA's first farmers’ market has grown to become one of the best and is a permanent fixture in this welcoming town, spotted on the fringes of the McLaren Vale wine district. The market has a motto of ‘Meet the grower and taste the region’, so stallholders are predominantly from the Fleurieu Peninsula.
When: Each Saturday; 8am-12pm.
Where: Willunga High School.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Port Willunga, BIG4 Mount Compass or BIG4 Normanville Jetty.
The charming historical Goldfields town is the ideal setting for a farmers’ market: Soak up the alluring atmosphere of these village-style surrounds. Gold once flowed throughout this region, but these days the treasure is found on the tables of the 80-odd stalls that showcase a wealth of great food.
When: Third Sunday of the month; 9am-1pm.
Where: Scandinavian Crescent, Talbot.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Ballarat Windmill, BIG4 Kryal Castle, BIG4 Castlemaine, and NRMA Ballarat.
With an abundance of fresh produce that’s come straight from the grower, the weekly market is a favourite. Sticking with a common theme, this offering has a strict local flavour – stallholders must reside in the Great Southern region and grow the produce themselves. The result is a market with both quality and quantity in its produce. The dairy range warrants particular mention.
When: Every Saturday; 8am-12pm.
Where: Collie St, Albany.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Emu Beach or BIG4 Middleton Beach.
Dozens of regular stallholders and beautiful, shade-dominated surrounds ensure this midweek market is a big hit. As you’d expect, the range is diverse and includes grass-fed beef, Turkish pastries, jams and spices, and so much more.
When: Every Wednesday; 7am-11pm.
Where: Whiting Beach car park.
Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Saltwater @ Yamba.
Isn’t it time you treated yourself to an indulging break? Tastebud-tempting adventures begin with BIG4. Find a park.
