7 Eclectic Newcastle Markets to Add to Your Diary

Produce straight from farmers and locally-made goods you won’t find elsewhere – Newcastle’s best markets have it all.

For too long, Newcastle was treated as a stopover destination on the way up the NSW coast. But the city and its surrounds have plenty to offer the curious traveller, from some of the best beaches in the state to a celebrated foodie scene. Another reason to visit on your next weekend away? Its markets – renowned for high-quality produce, boutique wineries and local artisans, all of whom come together regularly to sell their wares. These are the ones worth noting in your diary, plus what to expect from their stalls.

1. Handmade in the Hunter Markets

Where: 5 Halls Road, Pokolbin
When: Saturdays, 9am–2pm

floral displays and other items at Handmade in the Hunter Markets — You’ll find an array of unique items to take home.

As the name suggests, the Handmade in the Hunter Markets are all about showcasing the best handmade goods from local artisans. It’s the perfect Newcastle market for finding something new, whether that be an innovative skin cream, creative earrings or a stylish summer dress. The market coordinators are selective with stallholders, ensuring no two stalls are the same and encouraging a diverse range of wares from the community.

2. Warners Bay Markets

Where: The Esplanade, Warners Bay
When: The third Saturday of each month, 9am–1pm

A short drive to the peaceful suburb of Warners Bay in Lake Macquarie will find you at Warners Bay Markets , a wonderful spot to peruse locally made products. The stalls have a distinct focus on slow fashion brands, artisan spirits, pottery and ceramics. It’s especially worth visiting before Christmas for unique gifts that support small businesses.

3. Olive Tree Markets

Where: Civic Park, Newcastle
When: The first Saturday of each month, 9am–2pm

people gathering at Olive Tree Markets — Shop around Olive Tree Markets or simply lay a picnic blanket and relax.

The Olive Tree Markets might be the most stylish of all, featuring 130 artists, designers, makers, producers and street food purveyors from around the region. The highly curated stallholder list is a trove of talent across the fashion, jewellery, art and lifestyle spaces, meaning you’ll almost certainly find a locally made treasure (or two) to take home with you. The event focuses on community and gathering, with live music and food stalls, too.

4. Newcastle City Farmer’s Market

Where: Newcastle Showground, Griffiths Rd, Broadmeadow
When: Sundays, 7am–1pm

On Sundays, you can usually find farmers setting up stalls at Newcastle Showground early in the morning, preparing for the waves of locals and tourists who flock to this long-running Newcastle market . Head down and you’ll find overflowing punnets of berries, fresh-picked greens and warm sourdough straight from the oven. Aside from fresh fruit and veg, you can shop handmade items like quilts, soaps, bespoke teas and wooden toys. Skip breakfast and pick up something delicious from one of the vendors, too.

5. Homegrown Markets at the Station

Where: The old train station, Newcastle
When: The second Saturday of each month, 10am–2pm

Homegrown Markets at the Station in Newcastle, NSW — Browse over 100 stalls at the Station. (Image: Homegrown Markets x AK Photo)

Homegrown operates several fantastic markets in the Newcastle region, but the Homegrown Markets at the Station are particularly special. Hosted within the old train station, it retains the nostalgic design features of the historic grounds, making it a lovely space to enjoy on a weekend morning. Browse over 100 stalls selling eco-friendly products, handmade goods and gifts, all while enjoying live music and a plethora of delicious food stalls.

6. Made & Found Market

Where: Webb Park, Redhead
When: The second Sunday of each month, 10am–2pm

Another Newcastle market run by the Homegrown team, Made & Found makes our list as it’s one of the best places to source vintage and second-hand finds. An eclectic mix of stallholders sell handmade goods, curated collections of pre-loved items and upcycled secondhand pieces, like hand-painted denim and tie-dye fashion. If you pride yourself on your style, this is the market for you!

7. Newcastle Food & Flower Markets

Where: 1 Rural Drive, Sandgate
When: Wednesdays–Saturdays, 8am–2pm

flowers on display at Newcastle Food & Flower Markets — Find pastel-hued bouquets at Newcastle Food & Flower Markets.

The Newcastle Food & Flower Markets are open five days a week. The market proudly supports local businesses and those with a focus on sustainable and eco-conscious living. You will, of course, find plenty of fresh produce and flowers, but be sure to check the website in advance to see what workshops are being held, from flower arranging to cooking. There’s also an onsite cafe for a pick-me-up after you shop.

The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

7 treasure-packed Newcastle markets to add to your diary