Must visit markets in Canberra and the South Coast

The ACT and NSW South Coast are home to a fabulous array of markets, from fresh produce, fashion and jewellery to arts and crafts, and so much more. Luckily, there’s no shortage of markets on the winter calendar so you can shop (and eat) to your heart’s content. Here are our top picks of the best this season.

The Handmade Market is the capital’s favourite handmade food and design market and has been a local institution since 2008. This winter, on 29–30 July, the market will return and host over 250 stalls of Australian made, handcrafted artisan products, homewares, crafts, fashion and gifts. After shopping up a storm and supporting your local artisans, head to the much-loved gourmet food hall for a drink and a bite to eat, or pick up some local produce to take home and enjoy.

Be sure to make your way to Canberra’s original and biggest farmers market this winter, attracting visitors from near and far each and every week. Expect to find over 100 stalls showcasing the region’s freshest produce including fruit, vegetables, seafood, meat, bread, wine, cheese, and more. Located at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) and held on most Saturday mornings of the year from 7am to 11.30am.

Canberra’s famous Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston has been a local icon since 1994. Open every Sunday from 9.30–2.30pm, the markets are held in an old industrial building brimming with fine handcrafted wares, clothing, food and jewellery. The themed Sundays are a real treat and shouldn’t be missed. Each month, the markets hold a multicultural, collectible and fashion theme on rotating weekends, and throughout winter there are other special events on the calendar, such as Kids in the Shed on the 11th of June, the Creative Fibre Textile Showcase on the 10th of July, and the London-inspired Portobello Road on the 9th of August.

There are two great fashion markets in Canberra that you simply can’t miss this winter, and what’s more, they both focus on sustainability by encouraging the reuse and recycling of high-quality clothing and goods. Firstly, be sure to check out the Three Sixty Fashion Market, a fantastic spot to browse a quality range of high-end designer and vintage clothing and accessories. Their next market day is Sunday the 9th of July at the Fitters Workshop in Kingston. Also at the same location is the Canberra Fashion Market, known for new and quality pre-loved items, including brand names, designer labels and collectibles. Lucky for you there are two winter dates in the diary – Sunday the 25th of June and Sunday the 27th of August. All market days run from 10am to 3pm.

The Hartley Hall Markets, located at the Hall Village showgrounds, offer over 200 fantastic stalls filled with local products and fresh produce including fruits and vegetables, smoked meats, baked goods, metal art, plants, furniture, clothing, pottery, children’s toys, arts and crafts, unique gifts, and so much more. There’s also live music and children’s activities. Run by Hartley Lifecare since 1987, this great market has become a well-loved local icon, so if you haven’t been yet, then make sure it’s at the top of your list this winter.

The award-winning Sage Farmers Market is held every Tuesday from 3pm at Riverside Park in Moruya. This hugely popular marketplace is where you’ll find locally grown and harvested food from the region’s farmers and producers, including fresh meat, fish, vegetables, bread, honey, and milk. Despite crowds often gathering before the 3pm start time, no one is served until the bell rings, but you can head down a little early to choose your favourite stallholders ready for when the clock strikes three.

The Batemans Bay Sunday Market is held twice a month beside the sea at Corrigans Beach Reserve in Batehaven. Two organisations are responsible for organising this fantastic event, with Marine Rescue Batemans Bay hosting the first Sunday of the month, and Rotary Batemans Bay on the third Sunday of the month. Expect to find up to 60 stalls selling fresh food and baked goods, coffee, plants, gifts, antiques, and handcrafted woodwork. You might also be lucky enough to hear some local musicians performing while you browse the stalls.

This winter, head to the Dalmeny ‘Meet the Makers’ Markets for all things new, homegrown and handmade, including fresh produce, hot food, arts and crafts, plants, and great gift ideas. Organised by the Narooma Lions Club, this family-friendly market is a lovely spot to meet the locals, enjoy a spot of shopping and taste-test your way through the local produce. It’s held on the second Sunday of the month at Dalmeny Community Hall from 8am until noon.

Held on the fourth Sunday of the month, the Narooma Rotary Markets offer an abundance of stalls selling plants, fresh produce, clothing, jewellery, crafts, timber products, handbags, preserves, spices, art, tools, antiques, collectables, bric-a-brac, and more. You can mosey through the market stalls and chat to the locals, or taste the fare with your choice of pizza, barbecued meats, coffee, pastries, smoothies and juices, just to name a few. The markets are held from 8.30am until 1pm and are located at NATA Oval Narooma (behind the Narooma Visitor Information Centre).

The Ulladulla Harbour Markets are usually held on the second Sunday of the month and feature a huge range of stalls selling fresh produce, craft, plants and specialty items. The markets are run by the volunteers of the local unit of Marine Rescue NSW and have become an institution for locals and families in the region. This winter, be sure to pencil it in your calendar as it shouldn’t be missed.