18 July 2023
5 mins Read
You may have come to Canberra for the incredible restaurant scene and all the activities it has to offer, but it would be a mistake to discount the city’s market scene. Whether you’re a foodie wanting to explore the region’s excellent produce (after visiting its wineries, of course), are searching for that perfect handmade gift by a local artisan, or love to rummage for vintage deals, Canberra’s markets will provide.
Carve out some time in your sleepy Sunday for the Old Bus Depot Markets, a mecca for unique handcrafted buys.
At the end of every week, local and regional designers and craftspeople converge to provide over 200 stalls selling fashion, accessories, art, furniture and more. There is a gourmet food hall if you’re feeling peckish, too.
When: Every Sunday, 9.30am – 2.30pm
Where: 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston, ACT
Sunday is a busy day for Canberra markets fans, with the recently launched Haig Park Village Markets also held on the last day of the weekend.
Expect fresh produce, floral arrangements, still-warm bakery items, meat, and deli delights, as well as food stalls with multicultural fare you can enjoy in the market’s parkland surroundings.
Check out Rita’s Farm for certified organic produce, Chapo’s Raw Honey for delicious, lightly filtered honey, and The Bite for fresh, warm pretzels.
When: Every Sunday, 8.30am – 2pm
Where: Cnr Lonsdale St and Girrahween St, Braddon, ACT
Canberra’s oldest markets are the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets. In operation for over 50 years, the focus here is on fresh produce – venture down from Thursday to collect fruit and vegetables, meats, seafood, deli items and crispy bread for a weekend feast, or stock up for the week’s meals on a Sunday afternoon. Among the produce stalls, you’ll also find a small collection of specialty stalls selling wine, health products and other wares.
When: Thursday to Sunday from 7:00am to 5:30pm
Where: 36 Mildura St, Fyshwick, ACT
The ethos behind the Capital Region Farmer’s Market was borne out of the drought during the 2000s. In 2004, the market began as a way for farmers and local producers to provide fresh fruit, vegetables, meats and other products straight to customers, and it continues to hold the title of the biggest farmer’s market in the Canberra region to this day.
Pick up a fresh, crusty loaf from Bush Bread Of Australia, tagliatelle from Norma Maria’s Pasta, or creamy oysters from Banjo’s Oysters. With over 125 stallholders, you’re sure to find snacks for the road or produce for a picnic.
When: Every Saturday, 7am – 11.30am
Where: Exhibition Park, Old Well Station Rd, Mitchell, ACT
If you’re in the south of Canberra around Phillip on a Sunday, it’s worth checking out the Southside Farmer’s Market. You’ll find plenty of local growers and makers selling their products here, with everything from flowers, fish, eggs and honey on sale from suppliers like Originbake, Sutton Road Nursery and Long Paddock Eggs.
When: Every Sunday, 7am – 11.30am
Where: Canberra College, 2 Launceston St, Phillip, ACT
A recent addition to Canberra’s markets scene, The Little Burley Market has a huge drawcard – it’s right on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin. If you’re a tourist in town, this ticks two boxes as you can take the famous stroll around the lake while also perusing a range of gourmet foods and artisan wares.
Some notable stallholders are Dedas Smokehouse, Cannoli Brothers, Deep Blue Ceramics and Bowning Tea Company. There is also live music and seasonally-themed markets like the Autumn Art Fair each year.
When: Every Saturday, 9am – 1.30pm (closed in the winter and reopens in spring)
Where: Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, ACT
Celebrating handmade food and design in the Canberra region, Handmade Market runs periodically through the year and is a great Canberra market to visit if you’re looking for unique gifts.
Think pottery, wrapping paper, plants, jewellery, candles and more – best to plan ahead for birthdays and big celebrations before visiting.
Handmade Market also has a low sensory shopping hour between 9am and 10am on each Sunday the markets are held, designed to benefit people with autism, the elderly, those with mobility difficulties and people with sensory sensitivities.
When: Quarterly through the year; check the website for dates
Where: Exhibition Pavilion, Flemington Rd, Mitchell, ACT
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