The best markets in Australia

Selling everything from food and wine to clothing and bric-a-brac, market shopping has traversed from a weekend trend to a yearlong tradition in most capital cities around the world. Along with Europe and the Americas, Australia is proud to host some of the best shopping markets in the world.

So where can you bag a bargain?

Darwin

The tastes of the top end of Australia come alive at the annual Mindil Beach Sunset Market, held from May to October. Food and beverage, fashion, jewellery, homewares, homeopathy and skin care products are on offer every Thursday and Sunday evening. The vast array of sizzling cuisines is the major drawcard of this famed market. Tourists and locals can sample authentic cuisines of Portugal, Greece, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Malaysia, Thailand and more.

Brisbane

Few community markets cater more to the community than the Brisbane Finders Keepers Market. Organised by an independent team of designers and artists called The Finders Keepers, this free market showcases the best new works of designers and artists from Australia and New Zealand. Attendees can enjoy live music while they browse the numerous designer pieces from notable up-and-coming designers.

Sydney

From suitcase rummages to car-boot sales and vintage fairs, it’s hard to pick just one out of the many popular markets in Sydney. As one of the city’s longest running fairs, Glebe Markets is a treasure trove of vintage finds and quirky crafts for tourists and locals alike. Enjoy the many tastes and personalities of Sydney’s Inner West every Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.

Melbourne

Market shopping Melbourne-style doesn’t get any better than at the Queen Victoria Market. Lauded as one of the best food markets in the world, this Melbourne institution has been a gourmet patisserie, delicatessen, butcher and farmer’s market all rolled into one magnetic marketplace since 1878. Get your fix of decadent foods, fresh produce, gorgeous homewares and other odds and ends every day of the week.

Adelaide

The distinctive hustle and bustle of Adelaide Central Market has been going since the market opened in 1870. Along with fashion, antiques, homewares and bric-a-brac, shoppers can buy some of the best fresh produce from around the state. Adelaide Central Market is open from Tuesday to Saturday all year round.

Perth

Branded as ‘original and still the best’, Fremantle Market is one of the most successful community markets in Australia. Selling only indigenous and independent produce and other products, Fremantle Markets has been supporting local farmers and artists since 1897. It’s housed in a quintessential Victorian building on Henderson Street, where shoppers can bag a bargain every weekend.

There are a wide range of markets across the country where you can find anything from fresh produce to second hand clothes. Get out on the weekend and go exploring in your own city.