10 Of Australia's Best Markets

Browsing through Australia’s markets can be an oddly therapeutic way to connect with your community and support local farmers, artists, and designers. From fresh produce to high fashion and eclectic gifts you’re sure to find a treasure and perhaps even a bargain at these 10 markets.

1. Paddington Markets

Market

Regardless of the weather, the Paddington Market has opened its doors every Saturday since 1973, cementing itself as a Sydney icon. Hosting over 150 stalls teeming with unique creations Paddington Markets is dedicated to supporting local designers and prides itself on being a ‘meet the maker’ market. Paddington Markets even acted as a platform for designers including Lisa Ho and Dinosaur Designs.

2. Queen Victoria Market

Market, Shop

Pick up a jam donut and roam through the historic sheds of the Queen Victoria Market indulging yourself with fresh produce, gourmet delights, souvenirs and more. Listen to the hawker cries and buskers at ‘the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere.’ QVM also celebrates hump day with Wednesday night markets.

3. Mindil Beach Sunset Market

Market, Australian

Overlooking Mindil Beach, the Mindil Beach Sunset Market features over 300 stalls ranging from arts and crafts to delicious global cuisines including Greek, Thai, Mexican and French. Darwin’s largest market sets up underneath the coconut palms from April to October every Thursday and Sunday and has demonstrated a commitment to the environment by banning plastic bags.

4. Adelaide Central Market

Market, Shopping Mall

Inside Adelaide Central Market - Adelaide Central Market has more than 70 traders

For over 148 years, the Adelaide Central Market has been an integral part of the South Australian food and culture scene attracting 8.5 million visitors each year. With more than 80 stall holders the Central Market sells a huge range of goods including fruit and vegetables, meat and seafood, bread and health foods. The market also features some of Adelaide’s best cafes.

5. Salamanca Market

Market

For 45 years, Salamanca Market has been one of Tasmania’s most popular attractions. Held each Saturday along Salamanca Place, the street market has over 300 stalls selling a variety of goods from fresh and gourmet produce, to handiwork, artisan jewellery, clothing, plants, flowers and more. There is also a lawn where you can listen to buskers, relax and have lunch.

The Finders Keepers

Australia’s leading design market was founded in 2008 with the aim of supporting independent and emerging designers. Bi-annually held in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne and annually in Adelaide at historically and architecturally handsome venues The Finders Keepers aims to give shoppers and stallholders a wondrous experience. Now supporting over 1200 sellers each year, the markets feature art, design, delicious food and live music.

6. Camberwell Market

Market

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the market where it is said Kylie’s stylist picked up those infamous gold hot pants. Luring treasure hunters with vintage trinkets, knickknacks, and hot jam donuts, the Camberwell Market has been a beloved part of Melbourne’s community since 1976. Rummage through vintage clothes, records, antiques and a variety odds and ends every Sunday from 6:30am.

The Big Design Market

If you’re tired of buying the same generic gifts at Christmas, then you need to visit The Big Design Market. For three huge days in November, the Big Design Market sets up shop at Sydney’s Royal Hall of Industries before travelling to the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne during December. Explore over 230 stalls across textiles, fashion, lifestyle, homewares, furniture and kids products. The market also hosts creative workshops and kid’s activities. Visitors will also find sweet treats, craft beer and specialty teas.