Ah markets, how we love thee. Whether it’s something to eat, something a little left of centre, something handy (like a carry-cooler-bag which fits 2 bottles of wine), something crafty, something to wear or something for the abode, you’ll find it. There’s something (or many somethings…) for everyone and best of all, you’re supporting local – and isn’t that what it’s all about!
Here is a who’s who list of our fabulous local weekday and Saturday and Sunday markets here on our beloved Gold Coast.
The Village Markets
An award-winning platform for small creative businesses, The Village Markets host curated markets encouraging collaboration, creativity and good vibes. With clothing from the coolest designers, jewellery and accessories, homewares, rack sales and amazing food, these markets are run like a well-oiled machine. In their 14th year (we still remember the very first…and this makes us feel old), our advice is you’ll blow your dosh every time, so maybe don’t tell hubby where you’re going. Or hide the receipts…
Where: Burleigh Heads Primary School, Burleigh Heads
When: 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, 8am to 1pm
HOTA Farmers & Artisan Markets
The HOTA Markets have quickly become one of the Gold Coast’s numbero uno community markets. They’re passionate about local farmers, makers, bakers and growers, with in-season farm-fresh produce, delicious artisan foods, boutique fashion, handcrafted wears and live music. Nestled against the backdrop of Evendale Lake and the stunning HOTA landscape, the kids can take a dip while you sit back and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Bliss!
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
When: Every Sunday 6am to 11.30am
Farmers’ Markets
There’s options aplenty when it comes to famers’ markets around the Coast to source your fruit, veggies, locally made goods, plants and of course, brekky and caffeine. Supporting local farmers with both organic and conventional produce, you’ll get the feel-good factor as well as the taste-good factor! A ritual for many locals on weekends, it sure beats hitting the mainstream grocery retailers. Plus, the best thing is, you’re spoilt for choice with a number of different locations to hit up.
Where & When: Helensvale State High School – every Saturday from 6am to 11am at 243 Discovery Drive, Helensvale; Marina Mirage Farmers’ Markets – every Saturday from 6.30am to 12pm at Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach; Palm Beach Currumbin High School – every Saturday morning from 6am – 11.30am at PBC, Thrower Drive, Palm Beach; Burleigh Farmers Markets – every Saturday morning from 7am to 12 noon at Burleigh Heads State School, Cnr West Burleigh Rd &, Lower Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads.
Carrara Markets
Still the biggest market in Oz, Carrara Markets house over 300 stalls. Discount shopping at its best, there is literally nothing you can’t find from fresh produce, fashion, homewares, pots, plants, bric a brac, cars, souvenirs, arts and crafts and everything in between. Perfect for the family, there’s buskers, pony rides, a baby animal farm, bungy trampolines, mini golf, face painters, and even a new walk-in Butterfly House.
Where: Gooding Drive, Carrara
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 7am to 3pm
Emerald Lakes Gourmet Food and Craft Markets
Feeling a bit fancy? Described as a complete alfresco gourmet shopping experience with an international ambience, head to Emerald Lakes for some of our region’s best street food and fresh produce. There’s Australian seafood, grain fed and hormone free meats, free range eggs and homebaked goodies, plus stock up on gorgeous candles, melts and a myriad of unique crafts, all handmade with love. Aww.
Where: Emerald Lakes Complex, The Boulevard, Carrara
When: Every Thursday, 3pm to 7pm
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
No prizes for guessing where these markets are located. Mere footsteps from the sand, they’ve been an iconic Gold Coast shopping and cultural experience since the mid-90s. Featuring artisan and traditional Aussie goods, fresh produce, gourmet provisions, handmade wares and more, they showcase our best growers, makers, characters and creators. When you’re done, Surfers’ melting pot of restaurants and bars are a hop, skip and a jump over the road.
Where: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
When: Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights, 4pm to 9pm
Gold Coast Art & Craft Sunday Markets
Lining the beachfront at four beautiful GC locations (Broadbeach, Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads and now Paradise Point), these markets have been a local fave for over three decades. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, souvenirs, art, craft, the ingenious or the weird and the wonderful, it’s here. A-buzz with atmosphere, there are over 150 stalls showcasing original Australian-made products, fresh produce, yummy food and live entertainment.
Where & When: Kurrawa Park – The first and third Sunday of every month from 8am to 2pm at 155 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach; Queen Elizabeth Park – The second and fourth Sunday of every month from 8am to 2pm at 60 Marine Parade, Coolangatta; Justin Park – The last Sunday of every month from 8am to 2pm at Burleigh Heads; Esplanade North Park – The fourth Sunday of every month from 8am to 2pm at Paradise Point.
The Sanctuary Markets
On The Village Green at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you’ll find these popular markets. A nod to the GC’s multi-culturalism with local and international foods plus cool arts and crafts, you’ll also be wowed by our best homegrown entertainers. The venue is fully licensed (translation: let’s wine), featuring craft beers exclusively from Burleigh Brewing Co, and vinos courtesy of Sirromet Wines.
Where: On The Village Green, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin
When: Every Friday, 4pm-9pm
The Organic Gold Coast Farmers Market
Every Sunday morning you can get your fill of organic, spray-free fruit, veggies, ready-made eats (we’re all about easy eats), organic cosmetics, organic clothing…basically, if it’s organic and it exists, it’s here! It’s the perfect place to spend a sunny Sunday morning and load up your basket with treats that will not only make you feel good, but help the planet too!
Where: Merrimac State High School, 3 Dunlop Ct, Mermaid Waters
When: Every Sunday, 6am to 11.30am
Hide & Seek Children’s Market
Housing unique creations that are skilfully hand-crafted or designed by artistic and independent locals, these markets celebrate our mini-me’s with clothing, accessories, toys, décor, furnishings and more. Bop along to all-day live music, grab some bites from local food trucks, and wear the kids out with a range of activities. If you love on-trend goodies, rare finds and spoiling your little loves, you won’t be disappointed.
Where & When: Elanora State High School – The Fourth Saturday of every month from 9am to 1pm – at 261 Nineteenth Avenue, Elanora; Robina High School – Third or fourth Sunday of every month (check website) from 8am to 1pm at 1 Investigator Dr, Robina.
Miami Marketta
There’s only one thing better than a market and that’s a vibin’ night market. A laneway dining experience with food vendors of all nationalities in the one space, take your entree from Spain, your main from Thailand and sweets from France. How multi-cultural of you! With farshon (fashion – but we just like saying FARSHON) and accessories from local designers, these markets have cool factor for days.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
When: Wednesday, Friday & Saturday, 5pm -10pm
Words by Bianca Trathen