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

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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.
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8 ways to discover a new side of Port Stephens

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape.
Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens.
Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface.
Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary  to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile
See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure.
Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay.
Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens
Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters.
Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .