12 markets in and around Merimbula to visit

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Looking for markets in Merimbula and beyond? We’ve rounded up 12 markets in the seaside village worth driving for.

A visit to Merimbula markets is a must for roadtrippers. In fact, it’s a great excuse to explore more of the NSW South Coast. Here’s our guide to the many markets in and around Merimbula.

1. Farm on the Green

This urban farm at Club Sapphire Merimbula grows local and seasonal produce on top of the undercover car park on the old bowling green of Club Sapphire. Farm on the Green attracts Merimbula locals on a mission to lower their food miles and invest in chemical and pesticide-free produce.  Staying in Merimbula for a few weeks? You can buy fresh produce from the farm gate every Sunday. And you can also participate in regular working bees to maintain the rooftop garden.

FARM ON THE GREEN
Fresh produce awaits at Farm on the Green.

Where: On top of the Club Sapphire, Main Street, Merimbula
When: Sundays 9.30am–11am

2. Merimbula Seaside Market

Merimbula hums with young hipster energy. You might have seen them the night before serving up natural wines at Bar Superette, one of the best bars in Merimbula. Or heading out for a surf at nearby Main Beach earlier that morning. They’re also here being all wholesome picking up fresh produce in their overalls. In addition to selling fresh produce, Merimbula Rotary Market has jewellery, plants, books, crafts and curios. It also has a playground, ocean-viewing platforms, BBQ and picnic area.

Where: Ford Park, Merimbula (between Fishpen’s and Main Beach)
When: Third Sunday of every month; 8am–noon

3. Candelo Market

Candelo Markets draws a convivial local crowd who come to talk, shop and gossip. Artists, writers, farmers, tree-changers converge here in an unapologetically country aesthetic of floppy hats and Blundstones.

BYO picnic rug and sprawl alongside them on the lawn at Loftus Park to enjoy riverside performances by roaming musicians and entertainers. After refuelling on great food and coffee, fill your basket to the brim with seasonal produce designed to inspire that day’s dinner.

CANDELO markets
Spend a cosy Sunday at Candelo markets.

Where: William St, Candelo (Town Hall and Loftus Park)
When: First Sunday of every month; from 8.30am

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4. Pambula Village Market

No trip to Merimbula is complete without a side trip to Pambula Village Market where the cast of local characters look like extras on The Drover’s Wife.  The first place to pause is at the absolutely iconic sausage sizzle, which supports the Rotary Club of Pambula. Pick up preserves, pickles, jams, saucy spices, olive oil, meat, seafood and cakes. The market also sells upcycled clothing, hand-carved leather goods, jewellery and bric-a-brac.

Where: Toallo St, Pambula (on the local sportsground)
When: Second Sunday of every month; 8am-1pm

5. Wyndham Village Market

Wend along the quiet streets of Wyndham to find this charming all-weather village market located far from the crazed honking of highway traffic. Freshen up on the town’s very own specialty coffee blend while listening to the delightful warbling of the local muso of the month. Many of those selling produce at Wyndham Village Market belong to generations of farmers selling seasonal specialties. The market also sells crafts and homemade treats such as jams and sauces.

Where: Cnr Clarke & Gordon Streets, Wyndham
When: Fourth Sunday of every month; 8.30am-1pm

6. Bermagui Market

The Bega Valley is known as being one of NSW’s most bountiful food bowls. And Bermagui Market should be on every NSW South Coast road trip itinerary. The fact it’s held at the scenic grounds of Dickinson Park makes it a picturesque place to hang out as much as buy fresh produce. In Bermagui, the market doubles as a hub as locals stop to chat in between wandering around the stalls selling fruit, vegetables and flowers. There are also homemade products and preserves. And the blissful setting comes with a sea breeze.

Bermi Markets
Local flavours at Bermagui Markets.

Where: Dickinson Park, Lamont St
When: Last Sunday of every month; from 8.30am-12.30pm

7. Bermagui Growers & Makers Market

This vibrant seasonal market is the kind of place where fresh blooms of dahlias sit alongside ready-to-eat meals and arts and craft. It’s crawling with well-heeled Canberrans testing out the range of their new Teslas and filling their frunks (front trunks) with flowers and food.

Load up with the freshest seasonal vegetables from Field Bucket Farms, fermented foods from Faraway Farm Foods and Mystery Bay Kelp seasonings. Visiting the NSW South coast markets is one of the best things to do in Merimbula.

Where: Bermagui Country Club
When: Every Thursday, from October to April; 3.30pm–5.30pm

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8. Eden Community Market

There’s nothing that washes away big-city life stressors than a mooch around a country market. There are a lot of great places to eat and drink in Merimbula. But there’s nothing more nostalgic than scarfing down a sausage with sauce at an Eden Community Market stall. Wander amid the pyramids of fruit and towering displays of vegetables. Check out the local crafts. Listen to lively music and spicy gossip. And fossick for a bargain amid the bric-a-brac.

Where: Chandos St, Eden
When: Third Saturday of the month.

9. The Little Market

Follow the food-obsessed to the Honorbread courtyard in Bunga St while on the hunt for new obsessions. Do a vox pop of a panel of local experts and you’ll find the pain au chocolat from Honorbread a fantastic version of this fine French fare. From then on, just freewheel about the space spending time to pause at the stalls that have become fixtures at The Little Market. Gather here for gluten-free goodies, goat’s milk soap, Bodalla cherries, salads and greens and full-cream Tilba Milk.

Where: Bunga St courtyard
When: 9am-noon

10. Bega Produce Market

Big ups to Bega and its burgeoning list of growers and makers who have established one of the best markets on NSW’s Sapphire Coast. And hats off to the hardcore locals who shop here each week to support the local farmers. You see them arriving here at sun-up in a convoy of vans jam-packed with fresh produce. The goal with NSW South Coast markets such as this is to continue to educate consumers about where their food comes from. Buy a knitted beanie so you look the part.

Where: Littleton Gardens, Bega
When: Every Friday, 8am–1pm

11. Cobargo Market

Don’t forget your retro nanna trolley so you can move around the weekly farmers’ market in Cobargo with ease. Head to Cobargo after you’ve sorted your daily coffee needs in Merimbula so you’ll be good and ready to devour a few treats. Select a bunch of carrots. A chunky bouquet of broccolini. Procure some vintage vinyl. And then explore the town’s cool little eateries, galleries and heritage buildings.

Where: Main street of Cobargo
When: Every Saturday; 8am–1pm

12. Nethercote Fresh Food Market (quarterly)

The mission behind Nethercote Fresh Food Market is to encourage locals to grow their own food. The gardens supplying the produce vary from single beds to orchards and the produce is sold on the communal growers’ stall.  The food is plucked the night before to ensure it’s in peak condition and the colourful fruit and vegetables on display are a feast for the senses. This market is about more than the produce. It’s about the people. Stay for the Market Hamper Raffle, which is drawn at noon each market day.

Where: Nethercote Hall, cnr of Nethercote and Back Creek Roads, Nethercote
When: Fourth Saturday of January, April, July, October; 8am–noon

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Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti has written across print and digital for Australian Traveller and International Traveller for more than a decade and has spent more than two decades finding excuses to eat well and travel far. A prestigious News Corp cadetship launched her career at The Cairns Post, before a stint at The Canberra Times and The Sydney Morning Herald gave way to extended wanders through Canada, the US, Mexico, Central America, Asia and Europe. Carla was chief sub editor at delicious and has contributed to Good Food, Travel & Luxury, Explore Travel, Escape. While living in London, Carla was on staff at Condé Nast Traveller and The Sunday Times Travel desk and was part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK.
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After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.