A Guide to the Central Coast Markets

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.

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.

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)

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

The Central Coast markets you need on your radar