11 must-visit markets in the Blue Mountains by town

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With a collection of weekly, monthly and yearly markets rotating through the Blue Mountains, you’re sure to discover one during your stay.

Market-lovers know that the best place to find unique, handmade items and beautifully grown produce is at regional community markets. From the foothills of Penrith to lofty Katoomba, Megalong and beyond, these Blue Mountains events showcase the talent and passion of local artisans and farmers.

1. Christmas Wollemi Artisan Markets, Katoomba

When: Annually in December

Come along to seek out stocking-fillers at this annual free Christmas market in Katoomba to find an array of local, artisan products.

market stalls lined up along Christmas Wollemi Artisan Markets, Katoomba
Browse local artisan products at Christmas Wollemi Artisan Markets (also pictured above). (Image: Liam Foster)

From jewellery, homewares and edible gifts to artworks and fashion, talent is on show as you shop local to the sounds of live music. Take a break from shopping to check out the Gallery Up Late event that’s also on the premises.

a live music performance at Christmas Wollemi Artisan Markets, Katoomba
Listen to live music while shopping. (Image: Liam Foster)

Address: 30 Parke Street, Katoomba

2. Megalong Makers Market, Megalong

When: Easter Saturday and second Saturday of November

The twice-yearly Megalong Makers Market is one to mark on your calendar with a range of local artisans and producers coming together to sell their wares directly to the public from 10am-2pm. You’ll find jewellery, soaps, woodwork, macrame and other crafts, as well as coffee, food trucks and more.

people dropping by the Megalong Creek Estate vehicle at Megalong Makers Market
Visit Megalong Makers Market to buy organic produce and more.

Address: Megalong Community Hall

3. Blackheath Growers Market, Blackheath

When: Second Sunday of the month

Stroll 60 stalls of this lovely market as your tummy grumbles for the delicious produce on display. There’s everything from locally grown fruits and veg to breads, meats, spices cheeses, olive oil, nuts and wines to whet your appetite and inspire you in the kitchen.

a cheese board at Blackheath Growers Market, Blackheath
Blackheath Growers Market is a cheese lover’s haven. (Image: All Events Markets and Festivals)

Address: Blackheath Community Centre

4. Blackheath Mountain Craft Markets, Blackheath

When: Third and fourth Sundays of the month

The undercover Blackheath Mountain Craft Markets is a wonderful way to spend a few hours admiring the works of talented local craftspeople and makers. From sweet treats and delicious provisions to gift cards, wooden puzzles and toys, jewellery, fashion and trinkets, you’ll find something to take home as a memento of your Blue Mountains visit.

Address: RSL sub-branch hall, Bundarra Street, Blackheath

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5. Springwood Growers Market, Springwood 

When: Fourth Sunday of the month

Running since 2015, the Springwood Growers Market is a cornucopia of fresh, regional fruit and vegetables and artisan-made products such as breads, free-range eggs, honey, wines, and condiments.

traditional spices at Springwood Growers Market, Springwood
Find an array of traditional spices at Springwood Growers Market. (Image: All Events Markets and Festivals)

You’ll also find plants and seedlings to buy to get your own garden up and running. Bring your market basket and fill to the brim with beautiful, seasonal food purchased direct from farmers. With around 50 stallholders, you’ll find plenty to stock the fridge and pantry.

fresh apples at Springwood Growers Market, Springwood
Fill your basket with fresh apples at Springwood Growers Market. (Image: All Events Markets and Festivals)

Address: Blue Mountains Community Theatre Hub, Springwood

6. Bilpin Community Markets and Café, Bilpin

 When: Every Saturday

A weekly community get-together, the Bilpin Community Markets and Cafe offers up a wholesome piece of mountain life with a side of delicious produce and good food. Come along for locally-made crafts, treats, jams and preserves, as well as flowers, eco cleaning products and more.

locally made crafts on display at Bilpin Community Markets and Café
Shop locally-made crafts at Bilpin Community Markets and Café.

Address: Bilpin Hall, Bells Line of Road, Bipin

7. Oberon Community and Farmers Market, Oberon

When: First Saturday of the month

The charming Oberon Community and Farmers Market is a lovely way to spend a morning in the mountains. Here you’ll find all manner of lovely items to covet, from patchwork quilts and beeswax candles to wooden chopping boards, plants and ornaments. There’s also coffee, treats and fresh produce to enjoy.

people browsing the stalls inside Oberon Community and Farmers Market
Find everything you need at Oberon Community and Farmers Market.

 Address: Oberon Showground, 79/99 Ross Street, Oberon

 8. Aussie Night Markets – Penrith

When: Third Sunday of the month

There’s an evening of fun to be had every month at the Aussie Night Market in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Between 5pm and 9.30pm head along to shop and eat in a lively, festival-like atmosphere with food stalls and trucks, rides and games, retail stores and live music.

people having a picnic on the grounds at Aussie Night Markets
Spend a vibrant afternoon outdoors at Aussie Night Markets. (Image: Visit Penrith)

Address: Panthers, 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith

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9. Richmond Good Food Market, Richmond 

When: Every Saturday

Trestle tables are laden with food grown and produced in and around the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains regions at the weekly Richmond Good Food Market.

the Richmond Good Food Market on a sunny day
Shop your way around Richmond Good Food Market.

Avoid the supermarket, support local farmers and eat beautiful, nutrient-dense food with a trip here to do your weekly shop. From meat to veg and all manner of products, there’s plenty to fill your shopping basket.

flowery plants on display at Richmond Good Food Market
Check out these pretty indoor plants at Richmond Good Food Market. (Image: Dee Uson Photography)

Address: Richmond Park, 180 Windsor Street, Richmond

Lawson

 10. Magpie Up Style Markets, Lawson

When: Third Sunday of the month (excluding January)

Get ready to rummage through all sorts of treasures at the Magpie Up Style monthly market, where you can peruse collectibles, pre-loved fashion, arts and crafts, books and delicious food. Grab a coffee and a bite as you wander the stalls looking for your next-favourite find.

honey jars at Magpie Up Style Markets, Lawson
Grab a jar of sweet honey at Magpie Up Style Markets. (Image: All Events Markets and Festivals)

Address: Lawson Public School, corner Wilson Street and Great Western Highway

11. Glenbrook Rotary Markets, Glenbrook

 When: First and third Saturdays of the month

The well-established Glenbrook Markets is a fun outing on any Blue Mountains itinerary with plenty of stalls to draw crowds. Discover almost anything, from plants to wooden handicrafts and ceramics, knitted socks, fashion finds and wellness products. There’s also plenty of sellers peddling edible delights, from handmade biscuits and other baked treats to local honey and good coffee.

evolva tea products on display at Glenbrook Rotary Markets
Discover edible delights at Glenbrook Rotary Markets.

Address: 10 Ross Street, Glenbrook

Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne, Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s.

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.