Cowes, Inverloch, Wonthaggi: Where to find the best markets in Bass Coast

Find all the markets in the Bass Coast and when they are on throughout the year.

Bass Coast is known for its relaxed way of life and slower pace of living. What better way to enjoy that atmosphere then attending a community market.

There are plenty of unique markets to enjoy in Bass Coast.

Here are all the markets in the area.

Churchill Island Farmers Market

Hours: 8am – 1pm

When: First Saturday of each Month.

Where: Situated on picturesque Churchill Island.

Situated on the picturesque Churchill Island (just off of Phillip Island) this market showcases some of the best local produce from the Bass Coast and Gippsland regions.

Browse through the stalls and you will find fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, sauces, homemade crafts, candles and more.

When you are finished looking at the stalls, there is nature to explore. With walking tracks around the Island, you can take a walk and enjoy the beautiful coastline and bushland.

There are 40+ stalls in attendance so there is sure to be something for everyone to take home.

Some of the highlights of the market are:

• Fresh produce grown and made in Gippsland
• Seasonal fruits and vegetables
• Seafood and Meats
• Poultry and farm fresh eggs
• Plants and Wines
• Olive oils and Honey
• Specialty food products – jams, chutney, and breads

There is also often live music for visitors to enjoy while they pick up their shopping or enjoy a coffee on the grass.

Kongwak Market

Hours: 10am – 2pm

When: Every Sunday (except 18 & 25 December 2022)

Where: Situated in the main street of Kongwak – The Kongwak General Store and Sheds.

Just a 15 minutes drive from Inverloch you can find this quaint market that is a trove of unique treasures and handmade crafts.

To the untrained eye Kongwak looks like a farming town but look a little closer and you will see the thriving art scene, running through the veins of the town.

The market, with 30 plus stalls, is a one-stop-shop for all things retro and vintage, with clothing and collectables galore.

A gold coin donation is required for entry to the market and live music. The market is also smoke-free.

Some of the highlights include:

• Seasonal fruits and vegetables
• Plants
• Collectables, vintage and retro clothing
• Pre-loved goods & books
• Wood crafted dog kennels, bird feeders and more …
• Relax with a massage
• Have a coffee with friends
• Sausage sizzle & Indian Food
• All weather market

Inverloch Community Farmers’ Market

Hours: 9am – 1pm

When: Last Sunday of each month

Where: The Glade – right by the beach and large park/playground

Come on into Inverloch’s first accredited farmers market to enjoy everything it has to offer.

The market is dog friendly which means even the four legged family members can enjoy.

Browse the 50 plus stalls for everything from fresh food to wines and seafood.

The Inverloch Farmers Market boasts “fantastic fresh food” grown and made in Gippsland and Bass Coast.

Some of the highlights include:

• seasonal fruits and vegetables
• seafood
• meats
• poultry and farm fresh eggs
• plants
• wines
• olive oils
• honey
• plus many speciality food products – jams, chutney, and breads

Cowes Market on Church

Hours: 9am – 2pm

When: Open the 4th Saturday of every month

Where: Market on Church is held in the grounds of St Phillip‘s Parish Hall, Cowes

One of Cowes’ longest running markets, Market on Church, has a great range of local produce, craft, plants, trash and treasure shed, hot food and drinks.

With 30+ stalls spread across inside and outside make sure to leave plenty of time to browse through everything.

When you’re finished at the market the Cowes main street shops and foreshore are only a short stroll away so you could spend the day enjoying everything Cowes has to offer.

Some of the highlights include:

• Produce
• Clothing
• Crafts
• Plants
• Trash and treasure shed
• Hot food and drinks

Island Foreshore Market

When: Held various dates between October and June.

Where: Along the foreshore from the Cowes Jetty to Erehwon Point.

One of Phillip Island’s most popular markets which has grown exponentially over the past few years.

The atmosphere comes alive at twilight for this market, with live music and lots of delicious food to eat for dinner.

You could spend hours browsing the stalls and sampling food from a range of different cuisines.

If food isn’t your thing there are plenty of local creatines selling their candles, earings, paintings and other creations.

Take a walk along the jetty and look back to take in the sight of the market or look out to sea and enjoy the serenity of the setting sun.

Some highlights include:

• local and overseas stalls
• local produce
• arts and craft
• handmade merchandise
• mouth watering food trucks
• live music and kids entertainment
• and many specialty food products – jams, chutney, and breads

Newhaven Market

When: Held third Saturday of each month

Hours 9 – 2pm

Where: Newhaven Primary School, 22 School Ave, Newhaven.

This market has a real community focus and supports the local Newhaven Primary School, with a gold coin donation on entry.

There is a lovely range of stallholders and food vendors that create a beautiful market shopping experience.

With a playground on the grounds of the school, kids can be well entertained.

Some of the highlights are:

• community focus
• local produce and stalls
• arts and crafts
• handmade merchandise
• delicious cakes, bread, preserves and other delicacies

Wonthaggi Rotary Market

Hours: 8am – 1pm

When: Second Sunday of the month.

Where: Apex Park, directly across from the Whale Bone Hotel and in front of the old railway station.

Grab the whole family and visit the Wonthaggi Rotary Market.

Dogs are welcome so you really can bring the whole family.

With 50 plus stalls to explore there are unique stalls and items which make supporting local easy.

There are raffles, hot coffee’s, sausages in bread and then all the usual market suspects.

Some highlights include:

• Seasonal fruits and vegetables
• Farm fresh eggs
• Plants and flowers
• Fishing gear
• Commercial products
• New and used goods
• Art and craft
• Trash and treasures
• Collectables and clothes
  

Cowes Island Craft Market

Hours: 9am – 2pm

When: 2nd Saturday of each month

Where: St Phillips Parish Hall, 102 Thompson Ave, Cowes

The market‘s theme is Make, Bake and Grow.

You will find a large range of products from local producers and crafts people. Profits from the market are returned for local community needs.

The market, which includes 60 plus stalls, aims to highlight locally produced food and community crafts.

Some highlights include:

• Crafts
• Clothing
• Plants
• Produce
• Home cooked food

Grantville Market

Hours: 8am – 1pm

When: 4th Sunday of each Month (Except for December it will be the 3rd Sunday)

Where: Grantville Recreation Reserve

Grantville Variety Market sure lives up to its name with a variety of stall holders and raffles to be a part of.

With 100 plus stalls, the market is one of the largest in the Bass Coast area and sells everything including second hand items, antiques, food, and clothing.

The market will be cancelled if it is raining or if rain has made the grounds unusable.

The market will post updates via their Facebook page.

Some highlights include:

• collectables
• antiques
• fresh produce
• clothes
• second hand goods
• commercial goods
• plants
• seasonal fruits and vegetables
• preserves
• fundraising raffles
• gifts
• toys

Corinella Community Market

Hours: 9am – 1pm

When: 2nd Saturday of the month.

Where: Harold Hughes Reserve, Corner Smythe and Balcombe Streets, Corinella

This market is a huge drawcard for this beautiful area, tucked away in a quiet corner of the shire it offers everything you want out of a market.

A family focused market, that is also pet friendly, the Corinella community market brings people together to enjoy fresh local produce and good times.

There are arts and crafts, garden stuff, coffee and a sausage sizzle to enjoy.

There are 30 plus indoor and outdoor stalls.

Some highlights include:

• Bric-a-brac
• Coffee
• Plants
• Fresh eggs
• Sausage sizzle
• Specialty food products – jams, chutney, and breads