Where to buy your fresh fruit, veg and eggs in SEQ this weekend

The produce racks and fridges at supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths might have been decimated but local markets are here to help. SEE THE MAP

Local farmers markets are scattered all over SEQ.

With many major supermarket shelves still barren across southeast Queensland, more than a week after the great panic-shop of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, buyers are desperate for access to fresh produce.

However, there’s positive news on the horizon with most small green grocers and farmers markets open for business and flush with a plentiful bounty.

Mark Power, Market Coordinator for Goodwill Projects who operate eight markets across southeast Queensland said that this weekend will be a bumper opportunity for locals to really connect with local suppliers and experience what farmers markets have to offer.

See the map of markets below >>>

Mr Power revealed that the holy grail of all groceries right now – fresh eggs – will be available across all eight locations … but gave one hot tip.

“There’s obviously a severe national shortage on eggs, but we are going to have eggs at all markets,” Mr Power said.

“But, you are going to want to get there very early, I imagine there’s going to be people there for eggs alone.

There are plenty of good deals around the corner in SEQ.

“It's a great opportunity to connect with those suppliers, you can ask exactly where the eggs came from, I know some growers even keep eggs aside for buyers who they come to recognise.”

Despite an abundant supply of eggs, Mr Power warned there would be some shortages in produce, including on berries and herbs, as well as some impact to greens.

“Berries and herbs don’t go well with a lot of wet weather and most of the berries are very local and very affected,” Mr Power said.

“Greens will be in lower supply and won’t look as good as usual, though the quality is still great.”

As for fruit?

Mr Power said pineapples, pawpaw and some of those tropical fruits were in great supply, while Royal Gala apples from Stanthorpe were also having a great season.

“There will be other apples, but my tip is if you see other varieties, still go for the Gala.”

Jade Tareha from Sunshine Beach’s intimate 14-seater restaurant Humble on Duke, said that despite deliveries not arriving last week due to the weather, the kitchen was still able to restock, taking advantage of local greengrocers.

Coles and Woolies may be out of stock but farmers aren’t.

Humble on Duke were one of just a few businesses who decided to remain open from Wednesday onwards, despite warnings that they should close as TC Alfred bore down on the southeast coast.

Despite remaining open, they had every booking cancel in that time period, but a social media and email shoutout for support saw them bustling with regulars who were keen to support a favourite local business.

“We had a full restaurant on Thursday … and then no-one was delivering, the last day for deliveries was Wednesday or Thursday morning,” Ms Tareha said.

“We had a very busy Thursday and then we couldn’t get any deliveries … we go to small, independent grocers, which were fine.

“I’m not sure what’s been happening with the big (supermarkets) but we’ve got a small grocer in our little hinterland town which was fully stocked and ready to go.”

If your fruit and vegetable draw is looking a little empty still and you desperately need to eat something a little fresher than your cyclone stash of tinned vegetables and baked beans, we’ve rounded up the best farmers markets to visit this weekend, from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast and everywhere in between.

Markets to check out

Saturday, March 15

■ Saturday Farm Fresh Market, Rocklea

385 Sherwood Rd, Rocklea

■ Carseldine Farmers Markets

133 Dorville Road, Carseldine

■ Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets

The Foreshore, Surfers Paradise

■ West End Markets

Davies Park – Montague Road & Jane Street, West End

■ Kelvin Grove Village Markets

Blamey St &, Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove

■ Jan Powers Farmers Markets Manly

Manly Harbour Royal Esplanade, Manly

■ Jan Powers Farmers Markets Powerhouse

Lamington St, Newfarm

■ Kawana Farmers Market

119 Sportsmans Parade, Birtinya

■ Witta Markets

316 Witta Rd, Witta

■ Yandina Country Markets

North St, Yandina

■ Aura Farmers Market

Whiteley Ave, Bells Creek

Sunday, March 16

■ Tamborine Mountain Country Markets

386-398 Main Western Rd, Tamborine Mountain

■ Global Food Market Woodridge

Corner Station Rd &, Croydon Rd, Woodridge

■ Mt Gravatt Sunday Markets

1644 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt

■ The Bardon Markets

Corner of Baroona Rd & Rainworth Rd, Bardon

■ Nundah Farmers Markets

Station Street, Nundah

■ HOTA Farmers Markets

135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

■ Milton Markets

Milton Green, Cribb Street, Milton

■ Redcliffe Farmers Markets

Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe

■ Noosa Farmers Market

155 Weyba Rd, Noosaville