13 February 2023
9 mins Read
The Central Coast has some excellent places to eat and some incredible boutique stores, but markets just have something special about them – the food, the friendly stallholders, the whole vibe. Come for the day, or make a weekend of it and stay at one of the many accommodation options on the Central Coast. Whether it be browsing bric-a-brac, picking up handmade pieces for the home, scouring for vintage items or stocking up on fresh local produce from the farmers themselves, you’re sure to find it at one of these Central Coast markets.
Markets just have something special about them—the food, the friendly stallholders, the whole vibe just contributes to a unique experience.
With a focus on regenerative farming practices and sustainability, the produce at the new Long Jetty Farmers Market is not only good for your health but also the planet. There’s also a strong community vibe and kids’ activities to keep the little ones happy while you shop. Pick up meat, eggs, dairy, veggies, honey and more straight from the farmers and artisans.
The Long Jetty Farmers Markets champions regenerative farming practices and sustainability. (Image: @longjettyfarmersmarket)
When: Tuesdays, fortnightly, 3pm – 6pm
Address: 204 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty
The long-running Gosford City Market at Gosford Showground has a large selection of produce and products to stock up the pantry. Meet the farmers and makers, such as the people behind Hunter Valley Pasta Co who make handmade pasta, Tar 10 who make condiments, spreads and oils, and Mill Creek Vineyard who make boutique wine. There are also meats and charcuterie, fruit and veggies, cheeses, baked goods – the list goes on.
Buy freshly picked tomatoes at the Gosford City Market.
When: Every Sunday, 7am – 12pm
Address: Showground Road, Gosford
Rain, hail or shine the undercover Woy Woy Food Market at The Galleria Ettalong has local producers touting fruit and veggies, bread, olives, sweet treats, flowers and more. You can also grab a bite to eat while here; perhaps at Jesus Ate Falafel where you can also enjoy a bottle of the Indonesian tonic Jamu.
Woy Woy Food Market is a one-stop shop for fresh fruits and vegetables.
When: Every Saturday, 9am – 1pm
Address: 189 Ocean View Road, Ettalong
If you’re spending the day in the Central Coast Hinterland, be sure to visit the quaint Mountain Growers Markets held in a barn in Peats Ridge. This small store sells seasonal produce from the mountain area, as well as artisanal products and upcycled furniture.
When: Friday – Sunday, 9am – 2pm
Address: 1109 Peats Ridge Road, Peats Ridge
The Mountain Growers Market is held in a barn in Peats Ridge.
The Terrigal Beach Markets comes with oceanfront views, set up along Terrigal esplanade. Here you’ll find fashion from local boutiques Sukisu and Iland and Co; homewares such as incredible sculptural mugs and vases by Menom; and botanical arrangements and art by Janzan Living Art. You can also grab a bite to eat and enjoy on the steps of Terrigal Beach.
Choose from an array of clothes and bags at Terrigal Beach Markets.
When: First Saturday of every month, 9am – 3pm
Address: The Esplanade, Terrigal
Located at the Long Jetty Foreshore, The Long Jetty Markets brings together more than 100 stallholders, selling everything from beautifully made quilts from India at Spice Road and cool and quirky Lvly Earrings to locally made honey. There are also local artists and face painting for the kids, with playgrounds nearby and a walking/cycling track along Tuggerah Lake that leads to The Entrance.
When: Last Saturday of every month, 9am – 2pm
Address: Tuggerah Parade Foreshore, Long Jetty
With over 100 stallholders, you’ll find anything and everything in the Long Jetty Markets.
Supporting local farmers and craftspeople, the new Gosford Waterfront Markets has a lovely backdrop of Brisbane Water. Set in the Gosford Sailing Club carpark, you can pick up some fresh baked gluten-free chunky cookies, handmade vegan soaps from Naked Eden, and cute-as-a-button handmade soft toys from I Love Buttons.
Drop by the Gosford Waterfront Market for a quick shopping hang out.
When: Third Saturday of every month, 9am – 2pm
Address: Masons Parade, Point Frederick
Grab a drink from the bar and go thrift shopping at Long Jetty Hotel. Located in the Central Coast’s vintage hotspot, you could find anything from vinyl records to 1970s tableware to classic Doc Martins at Betty’s Flea Market. There are also new handmade items, such as macrame hangings, exotic homewares and original art.
When: Last Saturday of every month, 10am – 2pm
Address: 407 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty
Go thrift shopping at Betty’s Flea Market. (Image: Getty)
Formerly known as Ettalong Markets, the Galleria Ettalong Beach has been operating since 1979 and is a large undercover marketplace with boutique stores selling all kinds of wares and services. Browse fine silver jewellery, purchase some oceanic art for your home, let the kids paint some plasters, and then catch a film at Cinema Paradiso.
Stop by the food market every weekend at Galleria Ettalong Beach.
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Address: Corner of Ocean View Drive and Schnapper Road, Ettalong
Located at Norah Head Bowling & Sports Club, this market is another great place to shop local. Stalls may feature locally made spices and rubs, whimsical oil lamps and ceramics from Lambo Art, and cute kids clothing from Ruby Lou. There’s also live entertainment and face painting for the kids.
When: First Sunday of every month, 8am – 1pm (summer) and 9am – 1pm (winter)
Address: Victoria Street, Norah Head
Avoca Beachside Markets
The happening Avoca Beachside Markets comprises 90-plus stalls on the shores of Avoca Lake, where you can pick up quality goods such as beautifully crafted wooden chopping boards from Mar and Pars and handmade copper jewellery from Meg Woodhead, as well boutique produce and fresh food. There’s always live music, food trucks and in summer they hold a special nightly market.
When: Last Sunday of every month, 9am – 2pm
Address: Heazlett Park Foreshore, Avoca
The 90-plus stalls stand on the open and airy shores of Avoca Lake.
Held to showcase the creativity in the local community, the Umina Beach Markets features products such as handmade leather goods from Full Throttle Leatherworks, hand-painted denim jackets by Headless Nation and hand-painted enamel wear by Sunray N Wilde. It’s held at Peninsula Recreation Precinct, just a stone’s throw from Umina Beach.
Shop for beautiful summer dresses at Umina Beach Market.
When: Third Sunday of every month, 9am – 2pm
Address: Sydney Ave, Umina
Next to Woy Woy Memorial Park under large shady trees, the Woy Woy Waterfront Markets focuses on local makers such as small-batch ceramics from Ferne & Co, eco products for the home from Bees Knees Eco Store and an array of incredible food options from Urban Honey to gluten-free baked goods from Soul Food.
These creative lip calm boxes are perfect gifts for your loved ones.
When: Second Saturday of every month, 9am – 2pm
Address: Brick Wharf Road, Woy Woy
The Hidden Night Markets are almost like a festival, with festoon lighting, live music, fire pits in winter, and entertainment such as stilt walkers and fire spinners. But, of course, it’s about the local makers manning the stalls here (you can pick up tea, beeswax wraps, scrunchies, leather goods), as well as the food and bevvies. Dogs are welcome to join the fun.
Check out these custom, handmade rainbow diffusers.
When: Second Friday of every month, 5pm – 9pm
Address: Erina Leagues Club Archery Field
It’s about flavoursome street food at the Gosford Night Markets, held at the Entertainment Grounds in Gosford. There’s even a dedicated dessert section! Appetites aside, there are also stalls with local and regional businesses, live music and kids’ rides, jumping castles and games.
When: First Friday of every month, 5pm – 10pm
Address: 4 Racecourse Road, Gosford
It’s all about flavoursome street food at the Gosford Night Markets. (Image: Getty)
Come to the Terrigal Antique & Vintage Fair to find one-of-a-kind pieces such as fine china, antique jewellery, vintage clothing and more. It’s held over two days at the Lions Community Hall in East Gosford.
Check out some retro collectibles at Terrigal Antique & Vintage Fair.
When: Four times per year; check the website for dates
Address: 8 Russell Drysdale Street, East Gosford
Francophiles unite at the French Country Market for their fill of crepes, eclairs, bread as well as décor, vintage wares and all other manners of things from France. Held at Peats Ridge Public School, there will also be appropriately themed live music and entertainment.
When: Twice a year
Address: 1231 Peats Ridge Road, Peats Ridge
Get your fill of French bread and pastries at the French Country Market. (Image: Getty)
The brand-new Dayspace Artisanal Market is held inside the beautiful Dayspace Creative Studio, which means it goes ahead regardless of the weather. It’s the place to go and browse hand-crafted, sustainable and vintage wares and there’s a coffee van on site too.
When: Check the website for dates
Address: 169 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy
For 15 years, the Central Coast Christmas Fair has been held at Mt Penang Parklands. It hosts 160-plus stalls, has live music, kids’ entertainment, food trucks and stalls, and is the perfect enjoyable way to browse for gifts for your nearest and dearest. There will be Christmas decorations, Christmas treats and Santa, his Elf, and even the Grinch turned up last year to say hi.
When: Check the website for dates
Address: Kangoo Road, Kariong
The Central Coast Christmas Fair is the perfect enjoyable way to browse for gifts for your nearest and dearest. (Image: Central Coast Australia)
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