7 of the Best Townsville Markets - Australian Traveller

Whether you’re after some fresh fruit and veg for your holiday home, a souvenir to remember your travels or a tasty bite from a local food vendor, try your luck at these best Townsville markets.

Shopping at Townsville markets is a win-win: it’s practical and fun at the same time. Find one-of-a-kind North Queensland souvenirs to take home, meet local creatives and farmers and listen to their stories, sample produce and delicacies grown and made in the region, enjoy live music and performances by local artists, all while supporting small businesses.

1. Cotters Market, Flinders Street

baked goods at Cotters Market Townsville — Stock up on freshly baked goods.

When: Every Sunday, 8am – 1pm

No matter what you’re looking for – a handwoven basket? A fresh bunch of blooms? Local honey in bulk? – you’ll likely find it at North Queensland’s largest market. Held in Flinders Street, in the heart of Townsville’s CBD, Cotters Market is a fun-filled morning out, with a diverse collection of more than 150 vendors, live entertainment, fresh produce, food trucks to feed rumbling tummies and a host of free events such as yoga and fitness classes, wildlife presentations, Q&As and more.

2. Willows Sunday Markets, Willows Shopping Centre Carpark

Willows Rotary Markets townsville — Find fresh produce and handcrafted goodies.

When: Every Sunday, 7:30am – 11:30am

This bustling farmers’ market is a short drive from the CBD, with its stallholders touting locally grown fruit and veggies, as well as handmade preserves and food, for 20 years. Handmade arts and crafts, clothing, homewares, plants and an assortment of other treasures make up the 100-plus stalls. It’s a great place to stock up on fresh produce if you’re staying in a holiday rental, then grab a coffee, browse the goods and enjoy some live entertainment.

3. Strand Night Markets, Strand Park

When: First Friday of each month, 5pm – 9:30pm

Townsville’s balmy evenings are best spent on The Strand, the city’s waterfront promenade dotted with cafes, bars, and kids’ playgrounds. On the first Friday of every month, The Strand Park (pictured above) becomes a shopping and entertainment hub too, with lively night markets . Shop for locally made souvenirs and gifts, grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks and relax under a darkening sky as you listen to live music from local acts.

4. Magnetic Island Markets, Horseshoe Bay Foreshore

When: Every Sunday, 9am – 2pm

A visit to beautiful Magnetic Island isn’t complete without a jaunt to Horseshoe Bay. If you’re here on a Sunday – or staying a few days over a weekend – you’ll find this leafy foreshore bustling with stallholders and shoppers for its weekly market. Under the shade of palms and she-oak trees, just steps from the tranquil waters of this favourite beach, Magnetic Island Markets comprises locally made arts and craft, jewellery, fashion, homewares and food vendors, and live music by local musicians.

5. Blak Art Markets, various locations

Blak Markets — Find authentic Indigenous arts, crafts and cultures.

When: Check the Facebook event page for upcoming dates and locations

Held by Big Eye Theatre – a small community-based performing arts organisation, which promotes First Nations stories and artists – Blak Art Markets is a unique market showcasing authentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and crafts. Held at different locations every weekend, market-goers have the opportunity to buy genuine Aboriginal art, meet the artists themselves and listen to their stories first-hand, as well as enjoy cultural performances, dance and workshops, all while supporting the local Indigenous community.

6. Renegade Handmade, Currajong School Hall

Rengade Handmade Markets townsville — Peruse handmade products by local creatives.

When: Second Sunday of each month, 8am – 1pm

Forget mass-made trinkets: this boutique market is filled with authentic North Queensland souvenirs to remember your Townsville travels. Held on the second Sunday of each month, just 10 minutes from the city, Renegade Handmade is made up of just 60 stalls run by local creatives selling handmade products. Think clothing in bright, poppy fabrics, pottery, hand-painted accessories, original artworks and more.

Heading to Townsville soon? Check out our ultimate guide to the best things to do and places to eat and drink in Townsville.

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach — Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter — Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa — Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter — Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter — Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.

A shopper’s guide to the best Townsville markets