For food lovers and casual browsers alike, these Orange regional markets will fill your basket with the best of the Central West.
There’s nothing like a market to relish the warmth of country hospitality. These excellent community markets are brimming with the nutrient-rich and well-tended produce of the region, as well as local wines, crafts and ready-to-eat treats. While Orange has its own monthly markets, if you’re spending time in the region, get along to further afield towns to soak up their unique market ambience and offerings.
1. Orange Farmers Market
With such an abundant cornucopia of produce in the Orange region, it’s little surprise the monthly Orange Farmers Market is a vibrant community event.
You can be sure to fill your basket with the freshest, seasonal produce that has travelled only short distances to end up in your fridge.
There’s everything from artisan and organic breads to olive oils, eggs, gourmet preserves, fruit and vegetables and local wine and other alcoholic beverages. Come early, come hungry and stick around for a bargain at the end.
Where: Naylor Pavilion Orange Showground
When: 8.30am–12pm the second Saturday of the month.
2. Rotary Markets of Orange
These fundraising markets held by the local Rotary Club are a great family event with proceeds going to worthy community causes. Browse the bric-a-brac and artisan products on sale from produce to toys, crafts and clothing, and enjoy snacks from one of the hot food stalls. There’s music and a genuinely warm and wonderful atmosphere of country spirit.
Where: Orange Showground
When: Held four times a year, check website for next date.
3. Millthorpe Markets
One for the calendar, this bi-annual market fills the village of Millthorpe with a carnival-like atmosphere. A fund-raising event by the Millthorpe Public School this event seemingly involves the whole community. Bring your gold coin donation and come along for delicious food and more than 250 stalls selling all manner of wares from produce and plants to clothes, jewellery, woodwork and arts and crafts. Grab a coffee and a cake from the school’s stall and watch the kids on the jumping castle and rides.
Where: Redmond Oval, Millthorpe – 24 minutes from Orange.
When: Twice a year, usually on the first Sunday of April and December.
4. Bathurst Farmers Market
Sharing the same volcanic soils that have enriched Orange’s vineyards, Bathurst is equally rich with the produce of the region. This community market is run by the Lion’s Club and held at the Bathurst Showgrounds, welcoming all with a variety of stalls from fruit and veg to meat, poultry and eggs, as well as bread, cheeses, jams, alcohol and even cosmetics. If you’re visiting Orange, but have missed out on the farmers market there, it’s worth a detour to Bathurst to sample the flavours of the central west.
Where: 1 Kendall Avenue, Bathurst – 49 minutes from Orange.
When: 8am–12pm the fourth Saturday of the month
5. Cowra Community Markets
If you’re taking a drive in the region, make Cowra the destination on the third Saturday of the month. This community market is a medley of produce and crafts with stallholders peddling everything from face painting and leather goods to crystals and coffee. There’s music, coffee and a fun fete-style atmosphere to enjoy.
Where: Sid Kallas Oval, Cowra – one hour and 10 minutes from Orange
When: 8am–12pm the third Saturday on the month.
6. Dubbo Farmers Market
If you’re adding a detour to Dubbo, be sure to lock in a trip to the town’s farmers market to pick up provisions for a drive back to Orange.
Market. (Image: Destination NSW)
This regional market is well-supplied with goodies to entice hungry home cooks, from breads, fruits and vegetables to eggs, meats and honey. Arrive early and enjoy breakfast and good coffee at the market before you begin browsing.
Where: Macquarie Lions Park, Dubbo – one hour and 48 minutes from Orange
When: 8am–12pm the first and third Saturday of the month.
7. Forbes Farmers Market
A visit to this leafy, heritage town set on the Lachlan River is a worthy addition to a central west itinerary and if you can align it with the monthly farmers market , you’ll also be treated to a charming community market in the park. Grab a bacon and egg roll and go for a stroll to take in the wares of stallholders, such as pickles, produce pet treats and charcuterie.
Where: Victoria Park, Forbes – one hour and 21 minutes from Orange.
When: 8am–12pm the fourth Saturday of each month.
For more ways to taste the region, read our guide to the top restaurants in Orange, start your day at the town’s best cafes and visit a brewery or distillery door.
