12 Best Canberra Markets To Visit | Australian Traveller

Whether you’ve come to Canberra for the city’s incredible restaurant scene or to visit some of Australia’s best museums, no stay is complete without a trip to the markets.

Take your pick – there are 12 excellent markets that happen around Canberra, with most popping up each week and some reserved for the season. These are where you’ll find incredible local produce, handmade gifts, vintage fashion and everything else you’d need for a successful shopping haul when visiting our nation’s capital.

Farmers Markets

Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets

When: Thursday – Sunday, 7am – 5:30pm
Address: 36 Mildura St, Fyshwick

The quirky suburb of Fyshwick may not have many residents – only 52 people live there – but the communal vibes are strong at Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets . From Thursday through Sunday, each week here is packed with rows of fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables, deli items, seafood and artisanal bread. Locals swear by the institution, which has been around for 50 years, and visitors always find an essential piece of Canberra to take home with them. You’ll also find some specialty stalls selling wine so it’s a great place to restock the collection.

artisanal bread on display at Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets, Canberra — Pick up artisanal bread from Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets is also home to Niche Markets, which is an extension and runs at the same time with a bigger focus on local craftspeople selling everything from fresh flowers to homewares. Browse Canberra’s finest makers to a soundtrack of live music – it’s become a favourite pastime for locals.

When: Thursday – Sunday, 7am – 5:30pm
Where: 36 Mildura St, Fyshwick

Saturday Markets

The Little Burley Market

When: Saturday, 9am – 1:30pm (closed in winter months)
Address: Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600

No other weekly market in Canberra has a stronger sense of identity than The Little Burley Market .

market stalls at Little Burley Market, Canberra — Shop gourmet foods, artisan wares and seasonally-themed goods. (Image: VisitCanberra)

A favourite for locals and visitors, this Saturday market is set on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin with some of Canberra’s finest showing up each week.

an aerial view of people shopping around the stalls at The Little Burley Market, Canberra — The Little Burley Market is a local favourite. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Browse through a selection of gourmet foods, artisan wares and seasonally-themed goods from notable stallholders like Deep Blue Ceramics and Dedas Smokehouse. It’s a great way to start the day.

making takoyaki in one of the food stalls at The Little Burley Market, Canberra — Fuel yourself while you shop. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Capital Region Farmer’s Market

When: Saturday, 7am – 11:30am
Address: Exhibition Park, Old Well Station Rd, Mitchell

In 2004, the Capital Region Farmer’s Market began as a way for farmers and local producers to offer fresh fruit, vegetables, meats and other products directly to the customer. It’s grown immensely since then, becoming Canberra’s biggest farmer’s market and one of the most valuable in Australia. Pick up a fresh loaf from Bush Bread of Australia, plate up some fresh tagliatelle from Norma Maria’s Pasta or hit up Banjo’s Oysters for some freshly shucked treats. There are more than 125 stallholders so you’ll easily find a few things you love.

Sunday Markets

Old Bus Depot Markets

When: Sunday, 9:30am – 2:30pm
Address: 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston

Old Bus Depot Markets is Canberra’s most popular weekly market and has been standing tall for over 30 years.

the exterior of Old Bus Depot Markets, Canberra — Old Bus Depot Markets has become a renowned Canberra institution. (Image: VisitCanberra)

The huge market is shaped into an old industrial space that once housed the Old Bus Depot building – hence the obvious name – and pops up every Sunday with over 200 stalls selling the best in fashion, accessories, art, furniture, and produce.

shoppers at Old Bus Depot Markets, Canberra — Check out over 200 stalls at Old Bus Depot Markets. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Buy some homemade jam or a statement-making art piece and then celebrate your find at the curated Gourmet Food Hall.

bread from Old Bus Depot Markets, Canberra — Take home sweet and flaky treats from Old Bus Depot Markets. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Haig Park Village Markets

When: Sunday, 8:30am – 2pm
Address: Cnr Lonsdale St and Girrahween St, Braddon

If you’re looking for a leafy weekend market with a strong sense of community, you’ll find it in Haig Park near the heart of Braddon.

a mother and son at a plant stall in Haig Park Village Markets, Canberra — Shoppers flock to Haig Park Village Markets on Sundays. (Image: Haig Park Village Market, Martin Ollman)

Haig Park Village Markets goes down each Sunday from 8:30am to 2pm, always offering a family-friendly day out with local musicians and mostly farmers produce sitting alongside pastries, fresh juices, sandwiches and more.

Head on down, grab some bites and set up a picnic in the park – it’s the best way to do it.

picnic chairs under the trees at Haig Park Village Markets, Canberra — Spend a family-friendly day out at Haig Park Village Markets. (Image: Haig Park Village Market, Martin Ollman)

When: Sunday, 8:30am – 2pm
Where: Cnr Lonsdale St and Girrahween St, Braddon, ACT 2612

Southside Farmer’s Market

When: Sunday, 7am – 11:30am
Address: 2 Launceston St, Phillip

Head out to the picturesque suburb of Phillip to find Southside Farmer’s Market every Sunday. Opening at 7am and only running until 11:30am, the Canberra food markets pitch the region’s best produce tied up in mouth-watering foods like ready-to-eat pies, pastries and artisan cheeses. Stock up on homemade jams, oils and sauces, flowers, fish, eggs, honey and more.

fresh produce at Southside Farmer’s Market, Canberra — Southside Farmer’s Market pitches the region’s best produce.

Hartley Hall Markets

When: First Sunday of every month, 10am – 3pm
Address: Gladstone St, Hall ACT 2618

Held on the first Sunday of each month, the Hartley Hall Markets typically draws in a very mixed crowd and is a favourite for day-trippers as it’s one of Australia’s largest markets of artisan goods and produce. The markets are fun out of Hall Village Showground by Hartley Lifecare and have been around since 1987, growing exponentially with a long list of stallholders selling baked goods, fresh produce, unique gifts, children’s toys and more. Like most Canberra markets, it’s also dog-friendly so you’ll have to resist petting every pup you see while shopping around. Entry is by gold coin donation.

people strolling around the stalls at Hartley Hall Markets, Canberra — Visit Hartley Hall Markets every first Sunday of every month.

Clothes Markets

Three Sixty Fashion Markets

When: Four times a year with no set dates (announced via social media)
Address: Fitters’ Workshop, Printers Way, Kingston

Three Sixty Fashion Markets are part of the wider Canberra Markets collective and only pop up 3-4 times a year on alternative dates in March, June, September and November. Starting at 10am, the niche market pulls together Canberra’s best local labels and independent designers for a range of vintage, retro and high-quality fashion. Only gently used or new goods are accepted, packing Kingston’s Fitters Workshop with rows of the year’s best looks.

Occasional Markets

Canberra Kids Market

When: Twice a year with no set dates (dates announced via social media)

Address: Fitters’ Workshop, Printers Way, Kingston ACT 2604

The Canberra Kids Market typically only comes around twice a year with no set date. Times are always announced on the popular market’s social media channels with most years usually getting one in March and one in November. It’s the best place to shop for kids in Canberra, especially those aged 0-12 years old with a massive range of clothes, toys, baby care, cots, strollers, prams, car seats, party supplies and more goods that focus on giving parents an affordable yet high-quality selection of kids essentials.

Handmade Market

When: Quarterly, check the website for dates and times
Address: Exhibition Pavilion, Flemington Rd, Mitchell, ACT 2911

The quarterly Handmade Market celebrates food and design in equal measure, sticking to the Canberra region with a strong sense of place and community. It’s a great thing to do in Canberra if you’re looking for any unique gifts to take home with the scope including pottery, one-of-a-kind wrapping paper, plants, candles and more. There are over 250 stalls so you’ll surely find something. Plus, the market even offers a “low sensory shopping hour" (9am – 10am) for people with mobility difficulties and sensory sensitivities.

the crowded Handmade Market in Canberra — Find something you love from over 250 stalls at Handmade Market.

The article is originally written by Melissa Mason with updates by Chris Singh.

Discover the best things to do in Canberra.

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

12 of the best markets in Canberra