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)

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

The Central Coast markets you need on your radar