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.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

7 treasure-packed Newcastle markets to add to your diary