The Central Coast markets you need on your radar

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Whether it’s fresh food or a handmade gift you’re after, these Central Coast markets will have you covered.

The Central Coast has some excellent places to eat and some incredible boutique stores, but buying from a local market is feel-good and fun. Whether it be browsing bric-a-brac, picking up handmade pieces for the home, scouring for vintage items or stocking up on fresh local produce from the farmers themselves, you’re sure to find it at one of these Central Coast markets.

Two people purchasing produce at the Mountain Grower's Market Harvest Festival in Central Coast, Australia
Markets just have something special about them—the food, the friendly stallholders, the whole vibe just contributes to a unique experience.

Farmers’ markets

Long Jetty Farmers Markets

When: Tuesdays, fortnightly, 3pm – 6pm
Address: 204 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty

With a focus on regenerative farming practices and sustainability, the produce at the new Long Jetty Farmers Market is not only good for your health but also the planet. There’s also a strong community vibe and kids’ activities to keep the little ones happy while you shop. Pick up meat, eggs, dairy, veggies, honey and more straight from the farmers and artisans.

Long Jetty Farmers Markets
The Long Jetty Farmers Markets champions regenerative farming practices and sustainability. (Image: @longjettyfarmersmarket)

Gosford City Market

When: Every Sunday, 7am – 1pm
Address: Showground Road, Gosford

The long-running Gosford City Market at Gosford Showground has a large selection of produce and products to stock up the pantry. Meet the farmers and makers, such as the people behind Hunter Valley Pasta Co. who handmake pasta, Bills Organic Bakery who bake sourdough, and Mill Creek Vineyard who make boutique wine. There are also meats and charcuterie, fruit and veggies, cheeses, baked goods – the list goes on.

fresh tomatoes at the Johnson's Farmgate stall in Gosford City Market
Buy freshly picked tomatoes at the Gosford City Market.

Ettalong Fresh Food Market

When: Every Saturday, from 7:30am
Where: Broken Bay Scout Hall, Ettalong

This little market is the place to come with the whole family (including your four-legged friend) to stock up on fresh food and locally made goods. You’ll find eggs from Mountain Pride Farm, mushrooms by Margin Mushrooms, meat from Grace Springs Farm, sourdough by Tinapay Sourdough, pastries by Rise Bakery Ettalong – you name it. Ettalong Fresh Food Market promises a wide variety and good vibes. Grab a coffee and a bite to eat after your shopping list is done.

Mangrove Mountain Growers and Artisans Market

When: First Sunday of every month, 9am – 2pm
Where: Mangrove Mountain Hall, 2 Waratah Road, Mangrove Mountain

Go for a drive in Central Coast’s hinterland and stop by this charming market held at the historic Mangrove Mountain Hall . More than 40 stalls showcase local farmers and artisans, touting freshly picked fruit and veggies, gourmet goodies and handmade arts and crafts. There is always live music and food vendors to enjoy while relaxing under the gum trees.

Visitors at the Mangrove Mountain Growers and Artisanal Market on the Central Coast
Mangrove Mountain Growers and Artisans Market is hidden in the hinterland.

Saturday Markets

Terrigal Beach Markets

When: First Saturday of every month, 9am – 3pm
Address: The Esplanade, Terrigal

The Terrigal Beach Markets come with oceanfront views, set up along Terrigal esplanade. Here you’ll find fashion from local boutiques Sukisu and Iland and Co; homewares such as incredible sculptural mugs and vases by Menom; and botanical arrangements and art by Janzan Living Art. You can also grab a bite to eat and enjoy on the steps of Terrigal Beach.

A woman shops for a hat at Terrigal Beach Markets on the Central Coast
Shop for a range of hand-crafted goods at the Terrigal Beach Markets.

Long Jetty Markets

When: Last Saturday of every month, 9am – 2pm
Address: Tuggerah Parade Foreshore, Long Jetty

Located at the Long Jetty Foreshore, The Long Jetty Markets brings together more than 100 stallholders, selling everything from beautifully made quilts from India at Spice Road and cool and quirky Lvly Earrings to locally made honey. There are also local artists and face painting for the kids, with playgrounds nearby and a walking/cycling track along Tuggerah Lake that leads to The Entrance.

A crowd of people at the Long Jetty Markets in Central Coast, Australia
With over 100 stallholders, you’ll find anything and everything in the Long Jetty Markets.

The Entrance Markets

When: Third Saturday of every month, 8am – 1pm
Where: Memorial Park, The Entrance

From fresh produce to handcrafted treasures – such as locally made and inspired scented candles or preserved floral arrangements for the home – The Entrance Markets offers a variety of stalls set against the background of The Entrance Waterfront. Browse the goods, grab a bite to eat, listen to live music and go for a wander along the waterfront pathway – a Saturday well spent.

Stalls set up along the waterfront at The Entrance Markets on the Central Coast
The Entrance Markets are held the third Saturday of every month.

Betty’s Flea Market

When: Last Saturday of every month, 10am – 2pm
Address: 407 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty

Grab a drink from the bar and go thrift shopping at Long Jetty Hotel. Located in the Central Coast’s vintage hotspot, you could find anything from vinyl records to 1970s tableware to classic Doc Martins at Betty’s Flea Market. There are also new handmade items, such as macrame hangings, exotic homewares and original art.

Old clothes at a flea market
Go thrift shopping at Betty’s Flea Market. (Image: Getty)

Galleria Ettalong Beach

When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Address: Corner of Ocean View Drive and Schnapper Road, Ettalong

Formerly known as Ettalong Markets, the Galleria Ettalong Beach has been operating since 1979 and is a large undercover marketplace with boutique stores selling all kinds of wares and services. Browse fine silver jewellery, purchase some oceanic art for your home, let the kids paint some plasters, and then catch a film at Cinema Paradiso.

fruits and vegetables displayed at Galleria Ettalong Beach
Stop by the food market every weekend at Galleria Ettalong Beach.

Sunday Markets

Avoca Beachside Markets

When: Last Sunday of every month, 9am – 2pm
Address: Heazlett Park Foreshore, Avoca

The happening Avoca Beachside Markets comprises 90-plus stalls on the shores of Avoca Lake, where you can pick up quality goods such as beautifully crafted leather products by Bella Rosa Mexico, sustainably created by Mayan communities, and handmade children’s clothing and toys by Mop and Dolly, as well produce and fresh food. There’s always live music, food trucks and in summer they hold a special nightly market.

The main path at the Avoca Beach Markets in Central Coast, Australia
The 90-plus stalls stand on the open and airy shores of Avoca Lake.

Umina Beach Markets

When: Third Sunday of every month, 9am – 2pm
Address: Sydney Ave, Umina

Stalls set up at Umina Markets on the Central Coast
Umina Beach Markets are held at the Peninsula Recreation Precinct.

Held to showcase the creativity in the local community, the Umina Beach Markets  features handmade products such as glassware and décor by David Hislop Glass, cute and quirky earrings by Bubble and Mouse and delicious jams and relishes by Jenns Jam. It’s held at Peninsula Recreation Precinct, just a stone’s throw from Umina Beach, and there’s a free shuttle from Woy Woy Wharf, Ettalong Wharf, Ettalong Diggers and Bunnings in Umina.

summer dresses for kids at Umina Beach Market
Shop for beautiful summer dresses at Umina Beach Market.

Woy Woy Waterfront Markets

When: Second Saturday of every month, 9am – 2pm
Address: Brick Wharf Road, Woy Woy

Next to Woy Woy Memorial Park under large shady trees, the Woy Woy Waterfront Markets  focuses on local makers such as hand-crafted wooden products from Ronnie Lynch Crafts, beautiful ceramics from the Bare Stone Studio and soaps and beauty products by Carmen’s Handmade, as well as locally made honey, liquors and baked goods.

lip calm gift boxes available at Woy Woy Waterfront Markets
These creative lip calm boxes are perfect gifts for your loved ones.

Night Markets

Gosford Night Markets

When: First Friday of every month, 5pm – 10pm
Address: 4 Racecourse Road, Gosford

It’s about flavoursome street food at the Gosford Night Markets, held at Gosford Showground. There’s even a dedicated dessert section! Appetites aside, there are also stalls with local and regional businesses, live music and kids’ rides, jumping castles and games.

A woman eating street food at a night market in Central Coast, Australia
It’s all about flavoursome street food at the Gosford Night Markets. (Image: Getty)

Occasional Markets

Central Coast Vintage and Collectables Fair

When: Four times per year; check the website for dates
Address: 8 Russell Drysdale Street, East Gosford

Come to the Central Coast Vintage and Collectables Fair to find one-of-a-kind pieces such as fine china, antique jewellery, vintage clothing and more. It’s held over two days at the Lions Community Hall in East Gosford.

retro collectibles at Terrigal Antique & Vintage Fair
Check out some retro collectibles at Terrigal Antique & Vintage Fair.

French Country Market

When: Twice a year
Address: Check the website as the location can change.

Francophiles unite at the French Country Market  for their fill of crepes, eclairs, bread as well as décor, vintage wares and all other manners of things from France including themed live music and entertainment.

French pastries on display
Get your fill of French bread and pastries at the French Country Market. (Image: Getty)

Central Coast Christmas Fair

When: Check the website for dates
Address: Kangoo Road, Kariong

For 15 years, the Central Coast Christmas Fair has been held at Mt Penang Parklands. It hosts 160-plus stalls, has live music, kids’ entertainment, food trucks and stalls, and is the perfect enjoyable way to browse for gifts for your nearest and dearest. There will be Christmas decorations, Christmas treats and Santa, his Elf, and even the Grinch turned up last year to say hi.

Central Coast Christmas Fair in Australia
The Central Coast Christmas Fair is the perfect enjoyable way to browse for gifts for your nearest and dearest. (Image: Central Coast Australia)
Megan Arkinstall
Megan Arkinstall is a freelance travel writer who you’ll often find at the beach, bushwalking or boating with her young family. She loves reliving travel memories through writing, whether that be sipping limoncello in a sun-drenched courtyard of Monterosso or swimming with green turtles in the aquamarine waters of Tropical North Queensland.
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7 great day trips from your Coffs Coast homebase

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.