I love a market. There is something magical about wandering around in the sunshine and discovering new, exciting and unique items that you simply can’t find in the soulless mega malls. I try to visit a local market every time I travel. Besides being a whole lot of fun, it really gives you a feel for the place given that most are frequented by the locals just as often as the tourists. You would be mad not to visit one (or more!) of the many Sunshine Coast Markets if you find yourself in this beautiful part of the world. Visitors are spoiled for choice and when I started researching I found more than 25 Sunshine Coasts Markets not too far from where we were staying. If you are only in town for a few days like I was, you are not going to be able to visit them all, so choose wisely. Read on for all the details …
Eumundi Markets
The biggest, and many would say the best of the Sunshine Coast markets. This was number 1 on my ‘must do’ list. So much so that when our flight landed at 11am on a Saturday we drove directly there to get as much time in as possible before the 2pm closure. The first Eumundi Markets opened on 24 march 1979, had three stall holders and a grand turnover of $30. From these humble beginnings, Eumundi markets has grown to attract 1.6m visitors annually to its 600 stalls. Not too shabby for a sleepy country town! Eumundi’s ethos of “make it, bake it, grow it, sell it” ensures a huge variety of products that you are unlikely to find anywhere else. I went a little nuts and you can see two of my purchases worn here. Make sure you allow at least two hours to truly appreciate all that is on offer here. Oh and I should mention … Don’t park on a yellow line. This is apparently the Queensland version of a no parking sign and a trap for new players. Luckily the fine was only $47 and no points π
Caloundra Street Fair
With only time to visit one more we chose the Caloundra Street Fair which was started in 2002 as a way to liven up the main street on a Sunday morning (8am – 1pm). The fair now attracts around 200 stalls and has a relaxed vibe. Stalls range from food (I bought the chili jam and can’t wait to use it!), clothing, art and souvenirs. There is live music and a jumping castle to keep the kids amused. If you tire of browsing the markets but haven’t had you fill of shopping you can always peruse the local shops. As a bonus it’s only a few minutes walk to the beach, so when you are done shopping you can stroll over for an afternoon dip.
15 More Sunshine Coast Markets To Consider
Caloundra Country & Farmers Markets – Sunday 7am – 12pm. A foodies delight. Close to the Caloundra Street Fair so you can do both in the same day. We visited and loved Maleny Cheese who have a stall here, as well as at a handful of the other markets listed here. Their range of feta is amazing and the vintage cheddar is delicious.
Big Top Market Fresh – Wednesday 10am-6pm, Friday 3pm-9pm, and Saturday 8am-3pm. Food Glorious Food – Prides itself on quality fresh local produce and ready to eat delights.
Twilight Community Markets Mooloolabah – Friday 4pm – 8.30pm. Hand crafted gifts and local produce.
Crystal Waters Market – First Saturday each month 8am – 1pm from February to December. No dogs or cats allowed. Local produce, crafts, seedlings, wood-fired sourdough, pre-loved clothing and more.
Montville Market – Second Saturday of the month 7.30am – 12pm. A small market held in and around the Village Hall. You will find locally grown fruit and vegetables, flowers and plants, home made produce, fresh bread, cakes, organic food and fair trade coffee. Make sure you stop in atΒ Chocolate Country while you are in the area.
Beerwah Tower Green Markets – First Saturday each month 8am – 1pm. Community Artisan Markets presented by the Beerwah CWA. Special Mother’s Day High Tea being held 7 May 2016.
Kin Kin Creations Markets – First Sunday each month 9am – 1pm. Country markets selling furniture, food and clothing.
Noosa Marina Markets – Sunday 8am – 2pm. Blessed with an idyllic setting overlooking the Noosa River just a short drive from Hasting Street, you’ll find locally made art and craft and fresh local produce. Local and interstate musicians entertain market goers and you can even arrive by the Noosa Ferry if you choose.
Noosa Farmers Markets – Sunday 7am – 12pm. Located at the Noosa Australian Football Club on Weyba Road and showcasing some of the finest and freshest produce in the region; think fresh organic fruits and vegetables, freshly, gourmet condiments, just caught seafood, freshly baked bread and creamy cheeses.
Fisherman’s Road Markets – Sunday 6am – 12pm. Small market selling second hand bargains, fruit and veg, fresh baked cakes and fresh flowers.
Cotton Tree Markets – Sunday 7am – 12pm Located across the road from one of the Sunshine Coasts most beautiful beaches, the Cotton Tree Markets have been featuring local artisans and designers for more than 20 years. Youβll find fashion, jewellery, original artworks, sculptures, skincare, pottery, baking, homewares, kids toys and entertainment by local performers.
Perigian Beach Markets – First, Third & Fifth Sunday of the month 7am – 12.30pm. Located in Kingfisher Park and featuring a variety of art, craft, up cycled, recycled, created, designed, manufactured, handmade, home grown, organic and fair trade.Β Enjoy a swim in the nearby beach in the morning then pop to the markets for a relaxing massage and grab some supplies for a delicious lunch.
Caboolture Markets – Sunday 6am – 12pm. With over 500 stalls selling pets to clothing and everything in between this is one of the biggest of the Sunshine Coast Markets on offer. Due to the sheer size you are sure to find something to spend your hard earned on. There are pony rides and jumping castles for the kids and a variety of food to satisfy grumbling tummies.
Maleny Markets – Sunday 8am – 2pm. Not huge but it is indoors so its a great option in the rain. You will find fresh organic produce, books, jewellery, collectables, candles, soap, jams, pickles and more. Visit Maleny Mountains Wines while you are in the neighborhood.
So which Sunshine Coast Markets will you visit when you are next in town?
Until Next Time …
Happy Hunting!
SFH
xoxoxo
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Red Nomad OZ (Marion Halliday) says
I’ve been to Eumundi (hasn’t everyone, haha), and also to Noosa farmers Market and Montville – all of which I have VERY fond memories of!! But I’ve never heard of the others in your post – maybe I just haven’t spent quite enough time on the Sunshine Coast! For my next visit, I’ll try the Big Pineapple Growers and Artisan Markets – then I can zip into the BP cafe for one of their awesome Parfaits afterwards π
Allison Smith says
Awesome! You’ll have to let me know how you go!
Punita Malhotra says
Open markets are such fun….browsing and pottering around, hunting for odds-and-ends, curios and home-made goodies. I specially love to pick up home-cooked eatables like cookies, cakes and preserves. Great list.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Agree the food is always a winner at markets. So many creative people out there ?
Rashmi and Chalukya says
Woah such a great list of 25 coasts markets! We had been to Flea markets in Geneva, Amsterdam and Paris and we loved to spend time. Actually it is the perfect place to spend weekend and to find some local foods & traditional crafts.
Nadine Smith (Scenes From Nadine) says
I enjoy going to markets too! I could spend a whole day there. That giant pineapple looks so funny! If I go in there, I’d have my photo taken next to it and probably feel like Spongebob Squarepants (and I’ll probably sing “Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?!”) I like that shop with all the lavender stuff too!
Gemma says
Thanks for sharing! This is making me want to go shopping at a market now. I love that you can find so many unique items.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
That’s the beauty of a market Gemma you never know what you might find ?
Khansa says
I love these markets. Its great to see a lot of hardworking people come together to sell what they have made out of their hardwork. You get to see more art than that in a museum
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Handmade is so cool Khansa and you know you are getting something unique ?
Arzo Travels says
I am not in town very often π But though I am not a huge fan of markets they all look and sound lovely (except the fish market π I think, I would enjoy the pineapple market the most.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I’m hearing you on a fish market, not for me lol. The Big Pineapple is such an Australian thing you have to visit just today you have ?
Noemi of Pinay Flying High says
So many markets, so little time. There are a lot of markets here in London as well but I always get overwhelmed by the crowd while there so I end up leaving sooner than planned. I should be more patient I guess. Lol.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I imagine London markets are a lot more crowded than these ones. While there were certainly people milling around it was not too bad at all ?
Abigail says
I love checking out farmer’s markets because of the vibrant atmosphere. I also love sampling the food and fresh produce. These are some amazing markets to check out if I do get a chance to travel to Australia soon!
Abigail of GlobalGirlTravels.com
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I hope you do get to Australia soon Abigail. Farmers Markets are the best!
Courtney Jones says
Woah, crazy to learn that there are 25 Sunshine coasts markets! It must have been hard narrowing it down to two! That’s too bad you guys got a parking ticket – at least $47 is cheaper than what you’d have to pay back in Sydney though π
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
This is true Courtney. My last parking ticket in Sydney was $380!!!! I was not happy!