9 of the best markets on the Gold Coast
GOLD Coasters love their markets for their relaxed approach to good old-fashioned commerce. We’ve found the best places to spend a dollar - or just a part of your weekend.
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GOLD Coasters love their markets for their relaxed approach to good old-fashioned commerce.
We’ve found the best places to spend a dollar - or just a part of your weekend.
The Village Markets
Burleigh Heads State School, 1750 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
From its humble beginnings as a boutique fashion market, The Village Markets has been the launching pad for a string of successful local labels including Peony Swimwear, KiVARI boho creations and designer pet outfitter Bones Society.
TVM prides itself on its carefully curated selection of funky fashion, preloved and vintage clothing and homeware stalls, with food trucks, live music and its trademark relaxed Sunday vibe thrown in.
Co-founder Marissa Bowden says she’s particularly proud the markets have morphed into a collaborative hub for emerging creative businesses over the past 10 years.
“Our next market is on May 6, perfect for Mother’s Day shopping,” she says.
The Village Markets are on the first and third Sunday of every month from 8.30am - 1pm.
Sanctuary Markets
Currumbin Sanctuary, corner Tomewin and Teemangum streets, Currumbin
Feeding time at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has taken on a whole new meaning since the Sanctuary Markets launched on Friday nights almost four years ago.
Set on the Sanctuary’s Village Green, the markets feature 27 international street food trucks with live music from 5pm.
Director Terri Askew says a recently-added Korean truck has proved a hit and there’s no need to fear the elements, with newly refurbished undercover dining areas boasting aircon in summer and heating in winter.
“It’s become a real locals’ meeting place for an end-of-week catch-up” Terri says.
With free off-street parking and free entry, the markets run every Friday (except Good Friday) from 4-9pm.
The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
Surfers Paradise Esplanade, at the end of Cavill Mall
The Beachfront Markets are a Surfers institution, running for the past 23 years in the tourist heart of the city.
Evening strollers can browse more than 120 stalls featuring mainly handmade or homegrown wares, while enjoying the live entertainment and prime beachfront location.
“There are local artists, including a glassblower, who’ve been selling at the markets for years,” manager Rachel Cartledge says.
“We’ve got macaws and reptiles for tourists and we constantly refresh the stalls for locals too.”
It’s a firm favourite of visitors who enjoy the casual mood of the markets amid the night-time buzz of central Surfers. Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights from 4-9pm (weather permitting).
Bundall Farmers’ Market
HOTA – Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Bundall
HOTA comes alive on Sunday mornings as locals emerge to stock their pantries for the week ahead.
There are more than 80 stalls manned by local farmers, growers, producers and creators of fine artisan foods.
Not surprisingly, the organisers are committed proponents of the producer to plate movement. As well as ticking off the food shopping, market-goers can take in breakfast or brunch, enjoy live music and wander the arts precinct, including the gallery, Evandale Lake and the children’s playground.
Remember to bring your own bags as single use plastic ones aren’t available on site.
Jute and large paper carriers can be purchased from market management or stall holders.
The markets operate from 6–11.30am every Sunday.
Chinatown Street Markets
Young and Davenport Streets, Southport
It should come as no surprise that this is the place to savour authentic Asian street food.
The Chinatown night markets have all the buzz of the Orient with regular cultural performances including the ever-popular lion dancing.
The markets are particularly child-friendly with activities for kids and live music.
Don’t forget to BYO water bottle for free refills.
No water in plastic bottles is sold at the markets and, in another nod to environmental crusading, if you ride your bike there, you can receive a free maintenance check.
The Chinatown Markets are on the first Saturday of every month (excluding December-January) from 5-9pm.
Palm Beach Farmers’ Markets
Palm Beach-Currumbin High School, Thrower Drive, Palm Beach
This is arguably the Gold Coast’s most popular fresh produce market, attracting a throng of weekly shoppers who wouldn’t buy their fruit and veg anywhere else.
There are around 80 stalls selling organic, biodynamic and conventionally grown produce as well as meats, fish, breads, preserves, coffee, honey and other staples.
Organiser Coralie Harris says the interaction between farmers and their customers is what makes the markets special.
“It’s all about education and promoting the value of local, seasonal food,” she says.
“That communication is such a big part of the experience.” The markets are on 6– 11.30am every Saturday.
Broadbeach Art and Craft Market
Old Burleigh Road, Kurrawa Park
The Broadbeach markets feature more than 150 stalls of handmade fashion, jewellery, homewares, skincare, food, plants and the creative wares of local arts and craftspeople.
Many a tourist has snared a unique custom-made souvenir during the market’s 20-year history and locals enjoy browsing the stalls on their way to and from the beach. (Tip: many of the stallholders can be found at the Art and Craft markets’ other locations at Coolangatta and Burleigh Heads on alternate Sundays.)
The Broadbeach Markets are on the first and third Sunday of the month, from 8am-2pm.
Carrara Markets
Gooding Drive, Carrara
No list of Gold Coast markets would be complete without Queensland’s largest permanent market, with more than 400 stalls covering four sprawling hectares.
There’s almost no limit to what you can find at Carrara Markets – new and second-hand treasures, fashion, accessories, food, fresh produce, pots, plants, homewares, art, books, toys and collectibles.
This is the original bargain hunters’ stamping ground. There are around 10 cafes on-site and attractions for kids, including mini golf, pony rides, jumping castle, bungy trampolines and face painters.
On the first and third Sundays of every month, there’s a bonus car boot sale from 6-9am. Carrara Markets is open every weekend from 7am-3pm.
Gold Coast Organic Farmers’ Market
Miami High School, 2137-2205 Gold Coast Highway, Miami
This is the Gold Coast’s first organic only growers’ market, providing straight-from-the-farm, guaranteed certified organically-grown produce.
Here you can find a wide selection of “picked yesterday” fruit and vegetables, herbs, coffee, teas, preserves, dry goods and cosmetics.
There are also community stalls promoting environmental awareness and natural health.
The markets are regularly visited by specialist vendors selling products such as organic clothing and bedding and even the rare as hens’ teeth wild-caught Alaskan salmon, the only healthy way to eat salmon according to the purists.
With plenty of on-site parking, the Organic Farmers’ Markets are on every Sunday from 6-11.30am.
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