8 of the best Port Macquarie markets to aimlessly wander

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Embrace sea-to-stall produce, locally crafted treats and a warm, relaxed ambience at the best Port Macquarie markets. 

The NSW North Coast dazzles with fresh, coastline-coddled indulgences — the only issue you’ll run into is sampling them all in a single trip. Cue a top-notch collective of Port Macquarie markets, stacked with the region’s most sensational produce in one convenient spot, as well as boho-inspired and vintage fashion, thoughtful gifts, crafty accessories and beach-inspired interiors to help take your holiday home with you. Grab the reusable shopping bags — your market trail starts here. 

1. Real Food Markets 

Real Food Markets
Score the best deals from local artisans.

Consider yourself a true local if dropping into Real Food Markets is on your to-do list. One of the few Port Macquarie markets to pop up weekly, the buzzing haven of locally grown fruit and veg, locally blended condiments, baked goodies, pasture-raised meat and eggs, and vivid blooms, is a one-stop shop for foodies. Whether you’re scheming the week’s groceries for your exceptional Port Macquarie accommodation or just keen to check out what nearby farmers are renowned for, this spot is always rewarding.  

Where: Glasshouse Forecourt, corner Clarence and Hay Streets, Port Macquarie 

When: Every Tuesday, 12pm – 5pm 

2. Port Macquarie Art Society Markets 

Another weekly event to add to your itinerary, the Port Macquarie Art Society Markets are staged within the heritage grounds of Hamilton House — so visiting offers a bonus historical immersion, too. There’s always locally made arts and crafts to comb through, plus there’s often homemade food and condiments, and a scattering of local produce. This Port Macquarie market is an initiative run by the local art society which brings together the region’s most established and budding creative talents to showcase their work and develop their craft. 

Where: Hamilton House, 198 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie 

When: Every Sunday, 8am – 1pm 

3. Kendall Bazaar 

Kendall Bazaar
Shop handcrafted goodies for a cause.

Less than 30 minutes’ drive south of Port Macquarie lies the Kendall Bazaar, a weekly market organised by local volunteers to raise funds for the suburb’s much-adored community centre. Unsurprisingly, community spirit flows freely as local artisans, suppliers and farmers converge to sell peak produce, bric-a-brac, hand-made clothing, relishes, sauces and additional spoils. There’s also coffee and cake on hand, plus undercover spots to sit back and savour your morning tea peacefully. 

Where: Kendall Community Centre, 19 Comboyne St, Kendall 

When: Every Thursday, 9am – 12pm 

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4. The Foreshore Market 

The Foreshore Market
There’s something for everyone, from food to clothes and plants.

Moving on to the semi-regular Port Macquarie markets, The Foreshore Market is a local institution, showcasing the beautiful handiwork of local creatives to the soundtrack of regular live music. The setting itself is also a drawcard, right up against the shimmering Hastings River, but it’s typically this event’s signature chilled out vibes that keep visitors flocking. Expect endless temptations spanning gourmet baked goods and meals, fresh produce and flowers, vintage fashion, jewellery, arts and crafts and more.  

Where: Westport Park, 18 Park St, Port Macquarie 

When: 2nd Saturday of every month, 9am – 2pm 

5. Wauchope Farmers Market 

Wauchope Farmers Market
Find handcrafted treasures for gifting others or yourself.

You’ll need to jump in the car for about 20 minutes and head inland but the journey to Wauchope Farmers Market is worth it. A magnet for the most acclaimed local farmers and producers, the low-key hot spot features delicious locally sourced ingredients including fresh seafood, arts and crafts, native flowers and plants and the odd clothing stall. Breakfast and quality coffee are also dished up to crowds that thoroughly explore the space each and every month.   

Where: Wauchope Showground, 93a High Street, Wauchope 

When: 4th Saturday of every month, 8am – 12pm 

6. Laurieton Riverwalk Markets 

Laurieton Markets
The market has been operating for two decades now.

Another Hastings region winner about 30 minutes’ drive from Port Macquarie proper is the Laurieton Riverwalk Markets, located south of town. Pulling thick crowds to the boardwalk of Camden Haven River once a month, the market has been running for more than 20 years — so consider it a shoppers’ non-negotiable. The stalls are slick, offering charming handmade homewares, crockery, fashion, records, sweets, hot food, quirky collectables and more. There are about 200 stalls in total, so get there early to scan the entire lot at a real snail’s pace.  

Where: Corner Tunis and Short Streets, Laurieton 

When: 3rd Sunday of every month, 8am — 1pm 

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7. Johns River Country Market 

Johns River Country Market
Pick up a range of old wares, homemade items, local crafts, paintings, folk art, leadlight ornaments, and plants. (Image: Joe Godwin)

Set across spacious, grassy grounds in the rural suburb of Johns River, the Johns River Country Market offers a little teaser into the charms of this tight-knit community. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Port Macquarie’s town centre, but you’ll be rewarded for your efforts via a string of stalls that have been operating for more than 25 years. You’ll find vintage collectables, homemade arts and craft, local fruit and veg, bric-a-brac and Devonshire Tea offered by the Trustees of the Johns River Community Hall. There’s also a playground on hand to tire out your littlies. 

Where: Johns River Community Hall & Recreation Reserve, Johns River Rd, Johns River 

When: 2nd Saturday of every month, 8am – 12.30pm 

8. Crescent Head Community Markets 

Crescent Head Community Markets
Quirky items await market visitors. (Image: Donna Amber)

Venture up north for just under an hour to discover one of the prettiest markets in the region. The once-monthly Crescent Head Community Markets pulls visitors from all over the coast so expect a mix of laidback locals and holidaymakers. Handmade clothing, homewares, jewellery and other decorative treasures are the speciality here, while home-grown produce (including fresh seafood), jams and preserves, surf gear (you’re right on the beach, after all), and second-hand items are also dotted throughout. 

Where: Crescent Head Beach Reserve, Reserve Rd, Crescent Head 

When: 2nd Sunday of every month, 8am – 1pm 

Discover the best Port Macquarie 

Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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9 of the best Sydney hotel bars for a local adventure during Vivid

(Credit: Nikki To)

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
    A great night out doesn’t need a road trip, just the right bar. Swap the long drive for an evening at these standout Sydney venues.

    If you’re thinking of a staycation or a long weekend (with foodie benefits), you can’t get much better than the bright lights and beautiful vistas of Sydney. From tucked-away bars to late-night hidden hangs, Australia’s (unofficial) favourite city is packed full of venues that make staying local feel like an adventure.

    And with Vivid lighting up the sky this winter, there’s no better time to find the perfect cosy spot to enjoy the views or escape the crowds.

    1. El Vista, Circular Quay

    bar tender at El Vista, Circular Quay sydney hotel bars
    Enjoy tasty cocktails and gorgeous Sydney views. (Credit: Na Woolfe)

    This welcoming bar by the Maybe Sammy team offers a fun buzz and jaw-dropping harbour views. Part of the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, this lounge bar sits above Circular Quay with the harbour on one side and the Botanical Gardens on the other. You may start here for pre-dinner drinks, but you won’t want to leave before the early hours. If the 1960s Acapulco vibe isn’t enough, the views will be – the Sydney Harbour Bridge is so close it hardly fits in the window, while ferries glide by all night.

    2. Bar Allora, CBD

    Bar Allora, CBD Sydney hotel bars
    Settle in for a taste of Italy.

    Inspired by Milan in the 1980s, Bar Allora brings Italian style and culture to the CBD. Although it’s officially part of the Mantra 2 Bond Street hotel, it’s designed to look and feel like you’ve travelled to Italy for all-day dining. Think espresso in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon and Negronis late into the night. Accompany your liquid diet with Italian-style small plates and pastas with a modern twist.

    3. Percy, Pyrmont

    Percy Sydney hotel bars
    Spanish-style tapas and wine is the name of the game. (Credit: Steven Woodburn)

    Taking centre stage in the luxe foyer of the Woolstore 1888 Hotel in Pyrmont, Percy is a popular Spanish-style tapas and wine bar serving food that makes you want to linger. The restored 138-year-old wool store creates an atmospheric backdrop to your glass of merlot with exposed timber beams, brick and the echoes of Sydney’s past. With an air of Barcelona, expect low conversations, creative dining and the city moments away.

    4. The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD

    The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD Sydney hotel bars
    Seafood lovers should head to The Crudo Bar. (Credit: Nikki To)

    Grab a seat at the beautifully designed crudo bar, taking centre stage of Giovanni Pilu’s latest CBD restaurant, Flaminia. Enjoy a glass or chilled Vermentino from Sardinia or prosecco from the hills of Treviso, matched with freshly shucked oysters. Complement your seafood with a range of special dressings, influenced by iconic Italian port cities. It’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post- glass of wine before visiting the Sydney Opera House.

    5. Mee So, Sydney Central

    Mee So sydney
    Enjoy Japanese-influenced food and drinks.

    For something a little different, Mee So is a modern, neon-lit Japanese-influenced bar in the Ibis Sydney Central. Serving bold flavours and umami-heavy dishes alongside sake and yuzu-infused cocktails, this Tokyo-esque venue offers an escape from the busy streets outside. Order steaming ramen, a Japanese whisky and make a corner of Mee So yours for the night.

    6. Bar Morris, Haymarket

    Bar Morris sydney
    Settle into old-world European glamour.

    Housed in a 1929 heritage-listed building, Bar Morris brings old-world European glamour to the Hotel Morris Sydney, part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection. More of a destination than a pitstop, this bar leans into its Art Deco past with velvet features, intimate lighting and bold brass finishes. Here you can order smaller plates like burrata, cured meats, and seasonal seafood to match your martini.

    7. Pumphouse, Darling Harbour

    Pumphouse sydney
    Enjoy a tipple inside a building from the 1880s.

    When you first walk into Pumphouse, you’ll quickly notice the high ceilings, exposed brick and industrial style decor. Officially part of the busy Novotel Darling Square, this busy local hang doesn’t feel like it; it’s housed inside a former hydraulic pumping station from the 1880s – hence the name – and a local institution. Grab a seat if you can and order off the classic modern Australian menu, before trying one of the many craft beers on tap to wash it down.

    8. Wentworth Bar, CBD

    Wentworth Bar sydney hotel bars
    Drink where the celebrities once did.

    Designed for big groups and late-night cocktails, this open-air terrace bar is part of the Sydney Sofitel Wentworth – one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels. Once the watering hole of royals and celebrities, this mid-century building has recently been refurbished to be sleek, modern and inviting. The stunning rooftop bar attracts Sydneysiders who love to watch the sunset with a table full of Vietnamese and French-inspired dishes.

    9. Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington

    Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington sydney
    See the city skyline, drink in hand.

    Sitting pretty on top of a restored 110-year-old theatre, Monica is a Hollywood-style rooftop bar with views across Paddington and the city skyline. Part of the 25hrs The Olympia hotel, this isn’t a quick drink kind of place, it’s a ‘let’s stay all night’ kind of venue. Weekend DJs will take you from sunset to late-night conversations, while you graze on ceviche, grilled meats or sharing plates.

    For more information on how to enjoy Sydney for a long weekend, visit ALL.com.