Adelaide Central Market: Everything You Need To Know

The Adelaide Central Market is the perfect place for the culinarily curious; colourful, chaotic and with community at its core.

Adelaide Central Market draws in more than nine million visitors per year for its mounds of fresh fruit and vegetables and endless variety of artisan produce. Located in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD, Adelaide Central Market is one of the city’s most iconic treasures; it’s also rated as one of the best fresh produce markets in Australia, and indeed, the world.

gourmet cheese at The Smelly Cheese Co, Adelaide Central Market — Adelaide Central Market is home to The Smelly Cheese Co. which produces the best cheese from around the world. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

With over seventy produce stalls and freshly cooked delicacies from around the world, let your stomach be your guide during your visit.

a woman buying fresh flowers at the Adelaide Central Market — Check out the flower stalls selling vibrant blooms. (Image: Melissa Koh)

Founded in 1869, the Adelaide Central Market is the heart and soul of the Adelaide food scene. The magic of the market is the community who have come from all corners of the world to make Adelaide, or Kaurna country, home. Food connects us – to place and to each other – and there’s no better place to do that in Adelaide than this bustling food hall.

people dining near a vibrant wall art in Adelaide Central Market — Come for the vibrant art and food scene at Adelaide Central Market. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Getting to Adelaide Central Market

The central market is located between Gouger and Grote St in Chinatown on the western side of the CBD. Stop at Victoria Square on the tram and it’s an easy five-minute walk. The free City Connector bus has stops located on Grote St.

Central Market UPark is located just above the market and offers the first hour free to shoppers (T&C’s apply)

a couple walking out of the Adelaide Central Market — Walk into the bustling Adelaide Central Market. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Getting Around Adelaide Central Market

To navigate the market, grab a map from the information desk near the Grote Street entrance or look up at the signage that marks each row of stalls with avenues.

fresh produce sold at one of the many stalls in Adelaide Central Market — Adelaide Central Market is rated as one of the best fresh produce markets in Australia. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The market can be a sensory overload, so if you’d like someone else to lead the way consider booking one of Mark Gleeson’s tours . As an ex-chef and market stallholder he shares his passion and knowledge with visitors from all over the world. To whet your appetite before your visit, listen to the audio tour of the market on Spotify.

a food art at Adelaide Central Market — Whet your appetite with so many options to choose from. (Image: Tourism Australia)

What to See at Adelaide Central Market

Shopping and food options

With a smorgasbord of culinary delights to choose from, here are some places (and people) not to miss.

a vibrant wall painting in Adelaide Central Market — Adelaide Central Market is the centre of Adelaide’s food scene. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Lucia’s Italian restaurant founded in 1957 is now run by Lucia’s children and grandchildren, who serve up homely Calabrian comfort food. You might not be able to replicate the oh-so-soft gnocchi, but you can always take home some of Nonna’s sauce from the deli next door.

Si Sea is a European-style seafood and wine bar that began serving lunches and will soon expand to Saturday night suppers. With signature dishes like Thai mussels cooked fresh while you wait and handpicked South Australian wines, this is an ideal option for seafood lovers.

people dining at Si Sea in Adelaide Central Market — Swing by Si Sea if you’re craving seafood.

Owned by former AFL player Daniel Motlop, Something Wild Indigenous foods focuses on ethical and sustainable native Australian ingredients. The store showcases the breadth of local proteins and botanicals with fresh game meats from camel to kangaroo, native herbs like karkalla and strawberry gum and bush fruits like muntries and quandong. If you’ve finished your shopping, you can even pull up a seat at the bar to enjoy a taste of green ant gin or native yam vodka.

If you meet the Mushroom Man selling chanterelles, ask for a taste of the black garlic and truffle salt – it has enough flavour to make any dish pop.

Shoppers with a sweet tooth should head for Turkish Delight where Mona and Mohammed Hassan showcase their handmade and colourful sweets, or stop at Saudade for a warm Pastéis de Nata Portuguese tart.

the Middle Eastern Real Falafel restaurant at Adelaide Central Market — Head to Real Falafel for an authentic taste of the Middle East.

Real Falafel owner Mitch Aldaswari came from Saudi Arabia as a refugee, and today offers market-goers an authentic taste of the Middle East with one of the best falafels you’ll ever try. If North African cuisine is more your style, Le Souk cooks up Berber tagine dreams inspired by owner Azou’s Algerian roots.

close up of a Middle Eastern dish at Real Falafel — Real Falafel serves up vegan and gluten-free dishes.

Don’t be fooled by the name – Sun Mi Sushi also serves very affordable Korean dishes like mung bean pancakes and bibimbap. Asian Gourmet makes Malaysian Sarawak laksa for those in the know; it’s not on the menu (shhh…) and is served on Fridays and Saturdays only.

Central Organic brings a cocoon of calm in the middle of the market with a range of certified organic products. Bring a container to refill your shampoo or soap from their flagons and help reduce single-use plastic.

If you don’t have time to visit Kangaroo Island during your stay in SA, the Kangaroo Island Shop is a great option for gifts showcasing over 450 products from island producers. Maybe stop for an award-winning KI gin while you’re here?

a couple walking around Adelaide Central Market near Kangaroo Island Shop — Stop by Kangaroo Island Shop for a KI gin. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Look out for the ‘Producer in Residence’ of the month, showcasing the very best local food businesses like Masa Bakery specialising in delectable Latin American pastries.

Events and Activities

The market turns up a notch on Friday evenings with live musicians and late-night trading. Why not try cheese after dark with whisky and wine tastings or watch a cooking demonstration in the community kitchen while the kids get their faces painted?

Tips for Visiting Nearby Attractions

Tartanyangga, or Victoria Square comes alive with events year-round from the Tour Down Under to the Adelaide Fringe so keep an eye out for what’s on. The recently restored Her Majesty’s Theatre has been welcoming audiences since 1913, and you can still catch the latest musicals at Adelaide’s most haunted theatre. To recoup your energy or extend your stay after a day at the markets, stroll a couple of blocks over to the vibrant Hotel Indigo, where the lobbies are inspired by the red brick arches of the Market.

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 7:00am – 5:30pm
Wednesday: 9:00am – 5:30pm (Selected Stalls open)
Thursday: 9:00am – 5:30pm
Friday: 7:00am – 9:00pm
Saturday: 7:00am – 3:00pm
Sunday: Closed

Looking for more markets? These Adelaide markets should be on your radar.

Originally written by Carla Grossetti with updates by Louisa Norman

From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

1. Festival of Sails

the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025 — The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

When: 24–26 January
Where: Melbourne and Geelong

This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race — Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

When: 31 January – 1 February
Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

3. Riverboats Music Festival

the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River — The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

When: 13–15 February
Where: Echuca–Moama

Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

4. Neerim ArtsFest

the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures — Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

When: 28 February – 15 March
Where: Gippsland

This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

5. ChillOut Festival

a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival — Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

When: 5–9 March
Where: Daylesford

Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival — Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

When: 6–9 March
Where: Port Fairy

In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival — Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

When: 7–9 March
Where: Ballarat

In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival — The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

When: 3–6 April
Where: Bendigo

Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

9. Grape Escape

a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape — Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

When: 1–3 May
Where: The Grampians

Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

10. Comedy in the Vines

Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards — Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

When: 24–26 October
Where: Yarra Valley

The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.

The ultimate guide to visiting Adelaide Central Market