Your Guide to Australia's Best Markets
From sampling gourmet cheeses and artisan gins, to picking up some funky vintage clothes and farm fresh produce, a trip to the markets would have to be one of the best weekend activities there is. As a domestic touring company, we are all about forming local connections and supporting the communities of the destinations we visit, and there is no better place to do this than visiting the markets. Here are our top picks for the best markets across Australia.
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, Darwin, Northern Territory
An iconic Top End setting, Mindil Beach is the ultimate location for an afternoon at the markets. Browse the 200+ stalls before finding a spot to sit on the sand to watch as the tropical sunset changes the colours of the horizon a magical array of colours. The stalls showcase a huge variety of goods, including the most incredible indigenous artworks, jewellery, vintage clothes, and a huge variety of cuisines and specialty foods such as fresh oysters and Sri Lankan curries.
We recommend: Get there at 5pm to browse the stalls and watch the buskers before buying a laksa and finding a spot on the sand to watch the sunset. Did you know that Darwin is known as the ‘laksa capital of Australia’?!
Open every Thursday and Sunday in the Dry Season (April – October) from 4pm – 9pm
Visit on Top End Highlights, Outback Adventure, Outback Safari.
Salamanca Markets, Hobart Tasmania
Experience the bustling spirit of Tasmania when you browse the laneways of the famous Salamanca Markets. Taking place every Saturday at Salamanca Place in Hobart, the markets have become one of Tasmania’s most popular attractions. Featuring over 300 stalls showcasing everything one could ever want. Prepare to be amazed by the abundance of arts, crafts, jewellery, fresh food and produce, collectables and homewares available. Many of the stallholders offer free samples, so you can taste your way through what some visitors call the ‘best market in Australia.’
We recommend: Arrive early, taste your way through the stalls and purchase a coffee to enjoy on the lawn, where you can listen to the buskers and relax.
Open every Saturday from 8:30am – 3pm
Visit on any of our Tasmania itineraries.
Adelaide Central Markets, South Australia
When in Adelaide, it is essential that you pay a visit to the ‘thriving hub of food and culture’ that is the Adelaide Central Market. While they are undoubtedly one of the best fresh produce markets in Australia, it is a fact that they are the largest fresh product market in the Southern Hemisphere, welcoming over nine million visitors every year. With over 80 stalls, the market offers a huge range of food including fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, seafood, cheeses, baked goods, as well as some of Adelaide’s most popular cafes and eateries. This one is a must for the foodies.
We recommend: Visiting on Saturday morning and taking the guided food tour. Be sure to buy one of the delicious treats from Masterchef season one contestant Poh Ling Yeow’s Jamface bakery!
Opening hours:
Tuesday 7am – 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am – 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 7am – 9pm
Saturday 7am – 3pm
Closed Sunday and Monday
Visit on Outback Adventure and Outback Explorer.
Queen Victoria Markets, Melbourne, Victoria
Next on the list is the iconic Queen Victoria Markets, frequently referred to as the ‘heart and soul’ of Melbourne. Recognised as the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, Melbourne’s most iconic fresh produce market officially opened in March 1878 and has recently been added to the National Heritage List. With everything from fresh produce, amazing coffee, delicious food, homewares gifts, and of course the iconic hot jam doughnuts that are so worth the queue! Remember to BYO bag, as the market is officially plastic bag and straw free!
We recommend: Go early on a Tuesday to get the freshest produce, browse and sample your way through the stalls before grabbing a coffee and multiple famous hot jam doughnuts.
Opening hours:
Tuesday 6am – 3pm
Closed Wednesdays
Thursday 6am – 30pm
Friday 6am – 3pm
Saturday 6am – 4pm
Sunday 9am – 4pm
Closed Monday
Visit on Magnificent Melbourne – Morning City Tour.
Kuranda Heritage Markets, Queensland
Nestled among the beauty of the tropical rainforest, the Kuranda Heritage Markets are filled with a wide range of stalls offering locally produced souvenirs, jewellery, arts and crafts, gemstones and clothing. And once you have had a leisurely browse through the hundreds of quirky treasures on offer, you can also enjoy the renowned Birdworld Kuranda, Kuranda Koala Gardens and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary! There is also the Frogs Restaurant, where you sit down for a delicious meal while you admire your new finds. It is an all-weather covered market, and is open every day of the year, so is a must do if you’re in the area.
We recommend: Board the famous Kuranda Scenic Rail from Cairns to Kuranda Village, spend some time looking through the stalls and buy yourself a nice gift before visiting the gorgeous koalas in the Kuranda Koala Gardens.
Open every day of the year from 9:30am – 3:30pm
Visit on our Kuranda itineraries.
Fremantle Markets, Western Australia
One of the leading tourist destinations in Western Australia, Fremantle Markets are rich with local talent and an incredible atmosphere and character. With over 150 stalls, you could easily spend hours browsing through the incredible array of unique locally made arty gifts, homemade clothing, homewares and souvenirs and chatting to the stallholders and craftsman. And you only have to take one look at the Fremantle Market Instagram page to realise the market is also a food haven, selling everything from the best burgers, icecream, cronuts, and the freshest fruit and veg.
We recommend: As it is an indoor market, it makes for the perfect rainy day activity! Be sure to try the Muffle and Co waffle cone icecreams – seriously outrageous and delicious!
Open Friday 9am – 8pm, Saturdays & Sundays 9am – 6pm.
Visit on South Western Escape, Western Wonderland and East Meets Western Wonderland.
