The ultimate guide to the best markets in and around Byron Bay

hero media
Get to know the creative heart of Byron Bay and her surrounds at its many markets.

The Northern Rivers might be known for its beaches, rivers and waterfalls, but the region is also home to an incredible range of colourful and vibrant farmers markets and other community markets that highlight the very best of local farmers, producers and growers.

These markets also play a huge part in fostering community and provide a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike, who are keen to catch up over good food and live music (there are always amazing buskers to be found). Here is your hit list.

Farmers markets in Byron Bay

The weekly farmers markets in and around Byron have a focus on supporting small-scale, local farmers and producers. Stallholders at the markets are handpicked for their quality of produce, community ethos and service excellence. At these beautiful Byron Bay farmers markets you can meet directly with the people who grow your food, and enjoy food that is grown seasonally, as nature intended. It’s a good feeling knowing that the money you spend at the market is going back to support local farmers, the community, and a more sustainable future.

Many of the markets listed below share a crossover in the stallholders that appear each week. Some of our favourites include (but this is by no means an exhaustive list – everything is excellent): the Church Farm General Store condiments and soaps, Coopers Shoot Tomatoes, Costanzo Apples, the delicious sourdough breads from Crabbes Creek Woodfired bread, Rainforest Foods for all things macadamias, and delicious food stalls such as Peace, Love and Crepes, and for our favourite food stall of all, The Nomadic Kitchen for the best omelettes in town. We recommend you check the website for each market to find out exactly what stallholders will be appearing.

This is where and when you will find each of the markets happening.

New Brighton Farmers Markets

the New Brighton Farmers Markets in Byron Bay
New Brighton Farmers Markets happens every Tuesday. (Image: Sarah Wood Photography)

When: Tuesday 8am–11am

Where: New Brighton Oval, New Brighton

Driving distance: 20-minute drive from Byron Bay

This lively Tuesday morning market is so much more than an open-air shopping experience, it’s also a social and community gathering. Once you’ve perused the stalls, grab a pastry and a coffee in a reusable cup and take a seat to enjoy the musical stylings of local artists.

Lismore Organic Market

leafy greens at Lismore Farmers Market
Grab some leafy greens at Lismore Farmers Market. (Image: ByronBay.com)

When: Tuesday 7.30 am – 11 am

Where: Lismore Showground, Alexandra Pde, Lismore

Driving distance: 45-minute drive from Byron Bay

Get along to this community favourite for some of the best organic produce in the region. Fresh fruit, leafy greens, mushrooms and all many of artisan-made delights will more than fill your basket.

Murwillumbah Farmers Market

shoppers buying peaches at Murwillumbah Farmers Market
Find fresh peaches at Murwillumbah Farmers Market. (Image: Tweed Shire Council)

When: Wednesday 7am–11am

Where: Murwillumbah Showgrounds

Driving distance: 45-minute drive from Byron Bay
This gorgeous riverside Art Deco town is on the cusp of becoming the next big thing in the region. Already brimming with creative types and generational farmers, there’s always something of interest happening here and plenty of good food to share. Get along to the farmers market to gather supplies, then head to the nearby Tweed Regional Art Gallery for some creative inspiration.

Mullumbimby Farmers Market

a corn stand at Mullumbimby Farmers Market 
Drop by a corn stand. (Image: ByronBay.com)

When: Friday 7am–11am

Where: Mullum Showgrounds, 51 Main Arm Road, Mullumbimby

Driving distance: 18-minute drive from Byron Bay

Widely regarded as Byron Shire’s best farmers market , this humming event set under a leafy canopy is loved by locals and visitors alike. The kids will beg for the rainbow fruit straps and adults will delight in the many morsels to eat now or take home to cook later. It’s a favourite among the chefs of the region, too.

Byron Farmers Market

people perusing the stalls at Byron Farmers Market
Start the morning right shopping for fruits and veg. (Image: Byron Farmers Market)

When: Thursday 8am–11am

Where: Butler Street Reserve, Byron Bay

It doesn’t get much more Byron than the vibe at this morning market , which is far more than simply a place to stock up on your fruit and veg. Come along to absorb the ambience and bring your rug to take a seat and grab something to eat while you watch the world go by at a very leisurely pace.

Bangalow Farmers Market

people browsing through the stalls at Bangalow Farmers Market, Byron Bay
Browse through this popular hinterland market. (Image: ByronBay.com)

When: Saturday 8am–11am

Where: Behind Bangalow Hotel, Bangalow

Driving distance: 15-minute drive from Byron Bay
It’s all Blundstones and designer baskets at this small but well-provisioned market . This morning excursion provides a good excuse to get up from your holiday digs and check out this beautiful hinterland town. Once you’ve done the rounds of the market, browse the collection of well-curated stores on the main street.

Lismore Farmers Market

fresh vegetables on display at a local market, Lismore Farmers Market
Stock up on fresh produce at Lismore Farmers Market. (Image: Getty/clubfoto)

When: Saturday 7.30am–11.30am

Where: Lismore Showground, Alexandra Pde, Lismore

Driving distance: 45-minute drive from Byron Bay

Rise and shine early to take the pretty drive west from Byron to explore this lively produce market . Even if you can’t fill your suitcase with fresh produce, you can still stock up on pantry provisions to take home with you as a memento of your stay.

Saturday markets in Byron Bay

These buzzing monthly community markets in and around the Byron Bay region showcase the talents of a range of different local artists and creatives. You will find arts, crafts, ceramics, clothes, handmade and preloved goods, homewares, plants, soaps, candles, and coffee, plus amazing food stalls and fun stuff for the kids such as pony rides and face-painting. There is always great live music as well. These markets are a great way for the community to come together in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Brunswick Heads Riverside Market

people perusing the stalls at Brunswick Heads Riverside Market
Stroll along the stalls for unique finds and locally crafted goods. (Image: Visit Byron Bay)

When: 1st Saturday of the month, from 7am–2pm

Where: Memorial Park, Fawcett Street

Driving distance: 15-minute drive from Byron Bay

Beautiful Bruns is blessed with both beach and river and it’s along the latter that this monthly market takes place, cooling shoppers with a gentle breeze from the water. Here you’ll find a curation of locally crafted and imported goods to tempt you, as well as plants and hot food. Once you’ve browsed all you can, wander over to the beach for a dip.

Kingscliff Beachside Markets

the Kingscliff Beach on a clear day
The popular beachside market is nestled next to the laid-back Kingscliff Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

When: 2nd (and 4th) Saturday of the month, from 8am–1pm

When: Jack Bayliss Park, Marine Parade Kingscliff

Driving distance: 45-minute drive from Byron Bay

This breezy beachside market in the popular Tweed Shire town of Kingscliff is a lovely morning out. Head here to peruse stalls peddling everything from jewellery and art to local delicacies.

Mullumbimby Community Markets

an artisan-made pottery at Mullumbimby Community Markets
Mullumbimby Community Markets features arts and crafts made by local artists. (Image: sandyweekespottery)

When: 3rd Saturday of the month, from 8am–2pm

Where: Summers Park, Corner Stuart & Myocum Street, Mullumbimby

Driving distance: 18-minute drive from Byron Bay

With live music, face-painting, massages and a collection of unique stalls, this is more of a mini festival than a market . Spend the morning taking it all in from a spot on the grass.

Murwillumbah Makers and Finders Markets

people having a picnic on the grounds of Murwillumbah Makers and Finders Markets
Lounge on the picnic grounds at Murwillumbah Makers and Finders Markets.

When: 3rd Saturday of the month, from 8am–2pm

Where: Knox Park, Murwillumbah

Driving distance: 45-minute drive from Byron Bay

With everything from pottery to upcycled fashion, plants and art, you’ll find something to tempt you at this easy-going market . It’s also set right next to an excellent playground, so bring the kids along, too.

Sunday markets

Bangalow Market

When: 4th Sunday of the month, from 9am–3pm

Where: Bangalow Showgrounds

Driving distance: 15-minute drive from Byron Bay

This is a super-popular local market held at the Bangalow Showgrounds on the fourth Sunday of each month. Some of the stallholders have been there since the market started back in 1982! You will find local artisan goods and fresh produce and food stalls and a fun atmosphere.

Byron Bay Community Market

a mom with her kids at a market stall in Byron Bay Community Market
Spend a Sunday shopping with your kids at Byron Bay Community Market. (Image: ByronBay.com)

When: 1st Sunday of the month (and 3rd Sunday in December and January), from 8am–3pm

Where: Butler Street Reserve, Byron Bay

Byron’s original market has been setting up stalls since 1987 and it’s just as popular as ever with a collection of Byron-leaning arts, fashion and fascinating finds. There’s also plenty of delicious ready-to-eat food, so time your visit to coincide with lunch.

Pottsville Beach Markets

When: 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, from 7am–1pm-ish

Where: Philip St Reserve, Pottsville

Driving distance: 30-minute drive from Byron Bay
Set in the quietly cool Tweed town of Pottsville, this market has everything from locally made treasures to plants and produce, as well as second-hand goods. Come for a wander, then cross the road to Black Drop cafe for an excellent coffee.

The Channon Craft Market

people shopping and dining at The Channon Craft Market, Byron Bay
Grab a bite to eat once you’ve perused the stalls. (Image: The Channon Craft Market)

When:  Every 2nd Sunday of the month, from 9am–3pm

Where: Coronation Park, The Channon

Driving distance: 45-minute drive from Byron Bay
This long-running market has been an icon of the region since 1976 and a must-visit for market lovers. It’s all about making it, baking it and growing it at this event that has deep roots in the community. Because it’s a reasonable drive from Byron, it’s a good idea to make a day of it and add a visit to nearby Nightcap National Park to your itinerary.

Occasional Markets

Byron Beachside Markets

crowd of people perusing the stalls at Byron Bay Community Markets
Find something you love at Byron Bay Community Markets. (Image: ByronBay.com)

When: Four markets are held annually in early January, Easter, July & the September/ long weekend, from 8am–3pm

Where: Dening Park, Byron Bay

A beachside market that happens four times a year on the Byron Bay foreshore east of the Surf Club in early January, Easter, July and late September.

This market showcases local art, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, glass, homewares, fashion, craft, clothing and music, as well as a variety of services from local health and wellbeing practitioners.

Byron Twilight Market

a stall under a tree at Byron Twilight Market
The artisan stalls are set in a lush and laid-back setting. (Image: ByronBay.com)

When: Every Saturday, October to April annually, from 4pm–9pm

Where: Railway Park, Byron Bay

An evening market that takes place every Saturday from October to April where local artists, designers, healers, producers and musicians showcase their talents as well as handmade, high-quality designs in a very family-friendly, relaxed environment.

Georgia Hopkins
Georgia Hopkins is an Australian travel writer and travel advisor, and the founder of travel platform It's Beautiful Here. Georgia is obsessed with finding out what the locals are doing wherever she goes and has been sharing this insider knowledge and other unique, beautiful and interesting travel recommendations, accommodation and experiences on her feed since launching It's Beautiful Here in 2012.
See all articles
hero media

Why the Central Coast is a foodie mecca

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare
From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food
Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm
Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong
Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics
See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food
Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare
Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.