Best of the Gold Coast 2019: the region’s 13 best markets for bargains, craft and fashion
From farm-fresh food to totally unique fashion, we’ve collated the ultimate guide to Gold Coast markets.
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From farm-fresh food to totally unique fashion, Amber Macphers has collated the ultimate guide to Gold Coast markets.
Bundall Markets
HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
With a backdrop of skyscrapers and the Nerang River, the Bundall Farmers Markets is a meeting place for hinterland producers, locals and tourists.
Market Manager Nikki Murphy says the CBD location at Home of the Arts makes it the perfect place to begin your lazy Sunday.
“It’s really become a Sunday ritual to the locals,” Nikki says. “Some of them bring their table cloths and cutlery and set up a picnic.
“The markets are quite unique because of the location.
“We’ve got a beautiful area lakeside, there’s shaded trees, and dogs are permitted in that area as well. You can bring the whole family.
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“We have approximately 90 stalls, there’s a huge array of farmers, including certified organic farms, and there’s a whole stack of artisan food vendors.”
There’s ample parking on site and a convenient bus stop, but remember to bring your reusable bags and your own water bottle as the market has banned both items.
“No plastic bags — we brought that in a year before the supermarkets did,” Nikki says.
“And at the beginning of this year we banned the use of single water bottles. There are a couple of water stations at the amphitheatre.
“It does take time to change people’s habits. We found it pretty tough when we did ban the plastic bags, but now it’s going along quite well.”
Bundall Farmers Market is open 6am to 11.30am every Sunday.
Palm Beach Farmers Markets
Palm Beach Currumbin State High School, Thrower Drive, Palm Beach
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You can guarantee the produce is straight off the plot at the Palm Beach Farmers Market — the operators have checked it themselves. “We have real farmers coming to the market,” general manager Michelle Nugent says. “They’re not purchasing their stock from the Rocklea Markets. We go out and certify the farms ourselves. Our mission is to facilitate connections between farmers, producers, consumers and the community.” The Palm Beach Farmers Markets are held every Saturday from 6 to 11.30am with more than 75 stalls of food and produce. Today the markets will be celebrating Harmony Week with Japanese drummers and Thai dancers.
The Village Markets
Burleigh Heads State School, 1750 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
The iconic Village Markets at Burleigh Heads can lay claim to launching the careers of plenty of fashion and craft labels, as well as being a platform for up and coming musicians. “We’ve had Zigi Alberts play at The Village Markets, Tones and I played recently,” co-founder Marissa Bowden says. “It’s been a real launch pad for creatives, and so good for the Coast.” The Village Markets began as a small outlet for the creative community and has grown to include dozens of stalls selling fashion, craft and arts. Held at Burleigh Heads State School on the first and third Sunday of the month, it’s the place to pick up a handmade gift, a vintage garment or simply a coffee and snack to enjoy on the grassy oval.
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Sanctuary Markets
Currumbin Bird Sanctuary, 68 Teemangum Street, Currumbin
Sanctuary Markets manager Kerry Askew says street markets are more than a pop up trading spot — they’re a meeting place for the neighbourhood. “(My wife and I) travelled through Europe and saw there was a social impact for street markets,” Kerry says. “I like to describe it as a great public benefit. From babies in prams to the elderly, they make it their meeting and greeting place on a Friday night.” On top of offering an array of delicious food vendors and original artisan stalls, the Sanctuary Markets financially supports the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital with the markets held at the attached Wildlife Sanctuary. “We have a great partnership with the sanctuary,” Kerry says. The Sanctuary Markets are held 4pm to 9pm every Friday.
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Carrara Markets
Manchester Road and Gooding Drive, Carrara
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A pioneer of the Gold Coast market scene, the Carrara Markets is the largest and longest-running marketplace in the region. Spread across four hectares with more than 400 stalls, it’s a bargain hunters paradise and a family-friendly fair. “Carrara Markets is the original markets on the Gold Coast. It’s been around over 30 years,” manager Mia Lee says. There’s 10 cafes on site for caffeinating the adults, while children can let off steam with mini golf, pony rides, a jumping castle and bungy trampolines. Mia says the permanent markets also host regular events under its large pavilion, with a second hand clothes trading day called Frockarama coming up on March 31. “It’s going to be like a girls’ day out — we’ll have a DJ and wine bar,” Mia says.
Marina Mirage Farmers Markets
74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
The Marina Mirage Farmers Markets not only has an enviable waterfront position, it’s also completely undercover. Held every Saturday from 7am to 12pm, the boutique bazaar hosts a small number of market stalls selling fresh produce and food only. The operators believe in quality over quantity, keeping the offerings exclusive and gourmet to service the people of Southport, Main Beach and Surfers Paradise as well as visiting tourists. Patrons can meet the farmers growing the produce and ask them any questions about their goods, with stalls selling Chinese greens, herbs, heirloom tomatoes, free range eggs and more. There’s also a traditional Italian bread and east European stalls selling baked treats.
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Lavelle Street Market
Lavelle Street, Nerang
This quaint market closes off the main street of Nerang every Sunday with a range of produce, craft and bric-a-brac for sale from local vendors. The drive west will take you from suburbia to tree-lined streets, with tall concrete buildings giving way to charming country Queenslanders. Lavelle Street Market site manager Mia Accurso says the weekly markets have a positive impact on local businesses. “We’re supporting our community,” Mia says. “It’s an organic farmers market for family and friends, and we’re pet friendly.” Many small hobby growers make extra cash at these markets, so it’s the perfect spot to pick up a new succulent or fresh fruit and vegetables.
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Emerald Lakes Markets
The Boulevard, Emerald Lakes, Carrara
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Another evening market for after hours opportunists, the Emerald Lakes Markets runs from 3pm to 8pm every Thursday between the European-style terrace houses of the estate. Manager Kerry, who also runs the Sanctuary Markets with his wife Terri, says the Emerald Lakes Market is a long established event offering craft, food, produce, fish and meat. “It’s got a pretty solid participation from the local residents, and that area is growing and growing,” Kerry says. “It’s got a loyal following of locals.” The market is described as an alfresco shopping experience with an international ambience, featuring food and music under the stars.
Gold Coast Organic Farmers Markets
Miami State High School 2137-2205, Gold Coast Hwy, Miami
If you like your produce pesticide-free, this is the market for you. The Gold Coast Organic Farmers Market hosts stalls with completely organic fruit, vegetables and treats grown and made with love by Queensland and interstate farmers. There’s also fresh and dried herbs, sourdough bread, homemade condiments, pet food, eco-friendly cleaning products, free range eggs and dry goods all for purchase, meaning you can pick up almost every ingredient you need for an environmentally-conscious home and lifestyle. The Gold Coast Organic Markets are held every Sunday from 6 to 11.30am.
Chinatown Street Markets
Davenport and Young Street, Southport
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Dumplings, ramen and spring rolls — these markets are an Asian street food fanatic’s dream. On the first Saturday evening of every month (excluding December and January), Southport’s Chinatown Market stalls fry, boil and steam snacks from all over the Orient. Most stalls are operated by the nearby restaurants, giving patrons the chance to sample their fares while checking out the live music and cultural entertainment. No plastic water bottles are sold on site so make sure to BYO for free refills. There’s a nearby tram stop and free bicycle maintenance if you choose the eco-friendly route to arrive. While you’re there, make a night of it and pop in to one of the few trendy little bars in Southport.
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Broadbeach Art and Craft Markets
Kurrawa Park, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Located at Kurrawa Park, the Broadbeach Art and Craft Markets are spread out across the flat, grassy lawn, making them accessible for prams and wheelchairs. Art and Craft on the Coast manager Damon Robbins says the Broadbeach markets were created with the community in mind. “It’s an affordable gateway for small micro businesses to trade and a fun meeting place for locals to enjoy the culture and retailers,” Damon says. The markets run every first and third Sunday of the month. This Sunday the markets will not be on due to the Aussies Titles race, but many of the stallholders can be found at the Art and Craft markets’ other locations at Coolangatta and Burleigh Heads on alternate Sundays.
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
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The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are an institution for tourists and locals alike. Located steps from the sand along The Esplanade and opposite Cavill Avenue, here you’ll a multitude of souvenirs, jewellery, artwork, beauty products, homewares and much more among the 100 stalls that set up every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night. There’s also a number of artisans that create their wares in front of your very eyes, from glass blowing to sculpting a replica of your hand with wax. You can nibble on free taste tests of locally made sweets, get creative with children’s activities and be photographed with a macaw or reptile.
Hide and Seek Market
Miami State High School, 2137-2205 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami
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This is a market just for the little ones. The Hide and Seek Market is held on the fourth Sunday of every month and features fashion, craft and toys just for children aged 12 and under. The creations on offer are unique and usually handmade, making them an excellent option for picking up a new outfit or knick knack for your tiny tacker while supporting a local business. This weekend the market is gearing up for an Easter holiday celebration with live music, food trucks, face painting, children’s activities and a visit from a special rabbit.
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