7 treasure-packed 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 New South Wales coastline. 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 the region on your next weekend away? Its many markets. The area is renowned for high-quality produce, boutique wineries and artisans, all of whom come together regularly to sell their wares to locals and visitors alike.

Below, find the best Newcastle markets worth noting in your diary, plus what to expect from their stalls.

1. Newcastle City Farmer’s Market

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

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 by 7am. Head down, and you’ll find overflowing punnets of berries, fresh-picked leafy greens, warm and crusty sourdough straight from the oven, plus many more locally made delights that will easily stock up your fridge or picnic basket.

Aside from fresh fruits, vegetables and kitchen essentials, you can shop for handmade items like quilts and soaps, bespoke teas, and crafted wooden toys. Skip breakfast and pick up something delicious from one of the vendors, too.

2. Warners Bay Markets

Where: Warners Bay Foreshore, The Esplanade, Warners Bay
When: The third Saturday of each month, 9 am to 2 pm

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

3. Handmade in the Hunter Markets

Where: 5 Halls Rd, Pokolbin
When: Saturdays, 9 am to 2 pm and some Sundays, 9 am to 2 pm

As the name would suggest, the Handmade in the Hunter Markets are all about showcasing the best in handmade goods from skilled artisans in the region. It is the perfect Newcastle market to find something new, whether that be an innovative skin cream, creative earrings made of wood, or a stylish summer dress.

Browse your way through the stalls at Handmade in the Hunter Markets.

The market coordinators are selective with stallholders, ensuring no two stalls are the same and encouraging a diverse range of wares from the local community.

You’ll find an array of unique items to take home.

4. Olive Tree Markets

Where: Civic Park, cnr King and Darby St, Newcastle
When: The first Saturday of each month, plus the third Saturday in November and December, 9 am to 2 pm

The Olive Tree Markets might be the most stylish of all Newcastle markets. The highly curated stallholder list is a trove of talented designers 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.

Choose from a wide selection of handcrafted jewellery.

Founded in 2008, the event also strongly focuses on community and gathering, with live music and food stalls onsite, making it worthwhile setting time aside just to enjoy the atmosphere, too.

Shop around Olive Tree Markets or simply lay a picnic blanket and relax.

5. Homegrown Markets at the Station

Where: The Station, cnr Scott and Watt St, Newcastle
When: The second Saturday of each month, 10 am to 2 pm

Homegrown operates several fantastic markets in the Newcastle region, But The Station markets are particularly special as they are housed within a historic train station.

Now a community space, it retains the nostalgic design features of the old train grounds, making it a lovely space to enjoy on a weekend away. You can browse over 100 stalls selling eco-friendly products, handmade goods and gifts, plus enjoy live music and a plethora of delicious food stalls.

Find a vibrant community space with over 100 stalls. (Image: Homegrown Markets and AK Photo Co)

6. Made & Found Market

Where: Webb Park, 2A Beach Rd, Redhead
When: The second Sunday of each month, 10 am to 2 pm

Another of Newcastle’s markets run by the Homegrown team, Made & Found, makes our list as it’s one of the best places to source vintage and second-hand clothing in the region. A mix of stallholders selling handmade goods, those with curated collections of pre-loved items, and upcycled second-hand pieces like hand-painted denim and tie-dye fashion, this is definitely a market to visit if you’re a fan of eclectic style.

7. Newcastle Food & Flower Markets

Where: 1 Rural Drive, Sandgate
When: 6 am to 12 pm Mondays and Tuesdays, 7 am to 2 pm Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 8 am to 2 pm Saturdays and 8 am to 1 pm Sundays.

This popular Newcastle market is open daily, so if you’re in town outside of the weekend, add it to your list. The market proudly supports local businesses and, in particular, those with a focus on sustainable and eco-conscious living.

Pick fresh blooms for your home.

You will, of course, find plenty of fresh produce and flowers at these markets, but be sure to check the website in advance to see what workshops are being held – the Newcastle Food & Flower Markets are known for these, whether you want to learn the art of flower arranging, plant-care or cooking. There is also a cafe onsite for relaxing after you shop ‘til you drop.

Find pastel-hued bouquets at Newcastle Food & Flower Markets.