8 Of Adelaide And South Australia's Best Markets

Is there anything better? An event when everyone comes together to celebrate the four Cs: clothing, cuisine, collectables and crafts.

Rapidly increasing throughout the state, South Australia’s markets source the very best of the best when it comes to produce – institutions like Adelaide Central Market and Barossa Farmers’ Market have kept visitors coming back for decades.

South Australia’s market scene is nothing if not community-oriented. Here, market stalls aren’t flashy or overpriced, they’re one-of-a-kind and humbly let the goods on offer speak for themselves. Exploring the state’s markets are also a great way to experience South Australia’s ethos: carefree and creative.

With plenty of markets setting up shop throughout the state every week, there’s something to please even the fussiest of punters.

1. Gilles at the Grounds

An insanely popular market, Gilles at the Grounds has been an Adelaide staple for over a decade.

Like many markets, this initiative encourages ethical fashion, through encouraging the purchasing of pre-loved goods, and reducing the negative effects of ‘fast fashion’.

After relocating from Gilles Street Primary School to the Adelaide’s Wayville Showgrounds in 2018, Gilles at the Grounds now proudly hosts up to 114 stallholders, allowing for a wider selection of pieces.

Shopping is not always as fun by yourself, so why not bring your four-legged friend for a day out also? Gilles at the Grounds is a dog-friendly marketplace – as long as your pooch is well-behaved!

Details: Gilles at the Grounds is located in the Adelaide Showgrounds’ Old Brick Dairy Pavilion. Stalls are open from 10am–4pm on market days.

Giles at the Grounds markets adelaide — Look up at Giles at the Grounds (Credit: The Coffee Bible)

2. Round She Goes

Occurring only three times a year, Round She Goes is one of Adelaide’s biggest fashion markets, specialising in pre-loved fashion.

Sydney and Melbourne residents may be familiar with Round She Goes, as the markets come to them three times a year also.

For just $2 entry, Round She Goes promises a bargain and vintage treasures that will transform your wardrobe. And with over 50 stalls to choose from, marketgoers have a plethora of options to choose from.

Details: Round She Goes is located in the Goodwood Community Centre. The last market date for the year is November 30 2019, from 10am-3pm.

round she goes adelaide market — Vintage treasures at Round She Goes Market Adelaide

3. Adelaide Central Market

You can’t list the best Adelaide markets without a huge nod to Adelaide Central Markets. Every Adelaidian has been to the market at least once. The market attracts over nine million visitors every year, so if you’re heading to Adelaide, chances are you’ll visit it at least once too.

As of the oldest markets in Australia, Adelaide Central Market has been in operation for over 150 years, connecting the whole country with fresh South Australian produce. It also showcases Adelaide’s proud multiculturalism; you can find every cuisine under the sun here.

Also, catch Masterchef royalty Poh Ling Yeow’s shop Jamface, which offers sweet pastries. It also hosts a Friday night ‘Crunch Club’, which plays host to a celebration of beer, wine and fun times all round.

Details: Adelaide Central Market is open every day except Sunday and Monday, located in the heart of the city.

Look out for Jamface at Adelaide Central Market

4. Plant 4 Bowden

Surrounded by lush greenery and eateries, Plant 4 Bowden is all about bringing the community together.

Spaced apart nicely throughout the week, Plant 4 Bowden operates three markets, each offering a variety of food stalls. Wednesday evening and Saturday morning markets have a focus on locally grown fruit and vegetables, accompanied by live acoustic music. Friday nights are the ‘party markets’, when the eateries stay open until late at night and a DJ keeps excitement levels up.

Details: Plant 4 Bowden is open every Wednesday (4pm–9pm), Friday (5pm–late) and Saturday (9am–3pm) in Bowden, just north of Adelaide.

Plant 4 Bowden market adelaide — Punters at Plant 4 Bowden

5. Barossa Farmers’ Market

Over 50 stallholders congregate to Barossa Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning, selling much-loved home-grown seasonal produce.

While yes, you can expect your usual fruit and vegetable offerings, Barossa Farmers’ Market stallholders also sell confectionaries, teas, dairy products and cuts of meat. For an additional cost marketgoers can learn about the Barossa’s strong heritage and food culture with a one-hour walking tour. This pays for itself in tasters alone…

Details: Barossa Farmers Market is open every Saturday morning from 7:30am–11:30am, located in Angaston, Barossa.

6. Gepps X Treasure Market

South Australia’s biggest outdoor market, Gepps X (pronounced Gepps Cross) Treasure Market, completely covers the Mainline Drive-In with an interesting array of goodies available to sell.

The market is a bit like a giant garage sale. Sellers can showcase their goods per vehicle, so expect truckloads of items on offer at the treasure market (literally!). From fresh fruit and vegetables, to second-hand goods and furniture, there’s a large assortment of items to rummage through on the day.

It’s super cheap to get in too, with entry only $1.50 for anyone older than 14. Younger kids go free.

Details: Gepps X Treasure Market operates every Sunday morning from 7am.

7. Fishermen’s Wharf Markets

Since opening over 20 years ago, Fishermen’s Wharf Markets have been consistently popular among locals, who spend hours roaming the stalls of vintage clothing, collectables, furniture, food and antiques on the hunt for a bargain.

The marketplace has two levels and is jam-packed with 120 stalls. It’s also undercover, so not even the weather can stop you from spending the day shopping.

Details: Every Sunday from 9am–5pm, Fishermen’s Wharf Markets open their doors for customers in Port Adelaide.

Fisherman's Wharf market market Adelaide — History unfolds at Fisherman’s Wharf market

8. Henley Square Make It Mine Market

Located temptingly close to the water, the Henley Square Make It Mine Market is the perfect sand to shopping activity.

With 75 stalls scattered across Henley Square showcasing a range of handmade arts, crafts and fashion, the marketplace supports local Adelaide businesses on the last Sunday of every month.

Come for the shopping, stay for the food and entertainment; the Henley Square Markets have an onsite DJ, face painting and food stalls to keep you interested.

Details: The Henley Square Markets are holding three more markets for the year from 10am until 3pm – 27 October, 17 November and 15 December, respectively.

The Mornington Peninsula is a coastline of contrasts, where convict and military history meets shipwrecks, wild seas and adventures above and below the surface.

The Mornington Peninsula can be the kind of place where salt-tangled hair feels like a badge of honour – proof you’ve been somewhere wild, raw and real. Peel back the layers and you’ll discover stories that anchor this region to something other than its famed food and wine.

This land is the traditional Sea Country of the Bunurong/Boon Wurrung people. Long before grapevines were planted and artisanal goods were crafted, the Bunurong Traditional Owners lived in deep connection with the land and sea. Today, places such as Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary echo that tradition, with families exploring its rockpools in search of colourful sea stars and crabs at low tide and learning how these fragile ecosystems have been cared for across countless generations.

a group of people visiting the Port Nepean National Park — Take in the rugged coastal landscape at Port Nepean National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

A visit to Point Nepean National Park feels like stepping back through time. The fort, built in 1882, protected the narrow entrance to Port Phillip Bay until the end of the Second World War. It was here that the first Allied shot of the First World War was fired – at a German cargo ship trying to escape just hours after war was declared. Nearby, the old Quarantine Station, one of Australia’s first permanent quarantine facilities, established in 1852, still stands. Walking through the hospital and disinfecting complex evokes stories of those who arrived from faraway shores.

Not far from here is a story of survival that inspired the Aussie phrase ‘you’ve got Buckley’s chance’. In 1803, escaped convict William Buckley vanished into the bush near what’s now Sorrento. Everyone thought he had no hope of surviving, but he reappeared 32 years later, having lived with local Aboriginal people.

Even the waters here hold history. The infamous stretch known as The Rip, just three kilometres wide at the entrance of Port Phillip Bay, is among the most treacherous waterways. Countless ships were lost here in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and in 1967, Australia’s own Prime Minister Harold Holt disappeared while swimming off the coast, never to be found.

a seal swimming in Port Phillip Bay — A seal swimming in Port Phillip Bay. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

But for all its danger, the sea here also holds extraordinary beauty. Dolphins are often seen near Sorrento’s cliffs, while below the surface, seagrass meadows and rocky reefs teem with life. Marine tours offer a viewing to this underwater wonderland, while back on terra firma, walking trails lead along beaches, through coastal scrub, and over rock pools.

And if you think you’ll forget about the Mornington Peninsula once you’ve left? You’ve got Buckley’s chance.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

the suite interior at InterContinental Sorrento — Luxury interiors at the historic InterContinental Sorrento. (Image: Greg Elms)

Point Nepean Discovery Tents is immersive glamping beside the historic Quarantine Station. Or upgrade to luxury at the 1875-built InterContinental Sorrento .

Playing there

an aerial view of Cape Schanck Lighthouse — Make your way to the Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

Bayplay Adventure Tours offer eco-adventures from snorkelling with sea dragons to kayaking with dolphins and cycling Point Nepean. Cape Schanck Lighthouse is fascinating to explore on a guided tour, which takes you into the lighthouse and keeper’s cottage.

Eating there

Portsea Hotel is a beautifully restored 1876 Tudor-style pub right on the beach, serving seasonal local fare.

8 of South Australia’s best markets