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.

A change is as good as a holiday, but never more so than in the Bendigo region when it’s the seasons putting in the transformative work.

With its gold rush history, opulent architecture and booming food and wine industry, there’s no denying that the Bendigo region is beautiful to visit at any time of year. Visit between March and May, however, and you’ll find the Bendigo in autumn really comes alive. Foliage erupts in a canvas of golden colours and the cooling air makes immersing yourself in nature all the more enticing.

Need a few ideas to get you started? We’re so glad you asked.

1. Tackle the bike trails

Pink Cliffs Reserve in Heathcote can be seen on the O’Keefe Rail Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)

Welcome to a region that punches well above its weight when it comes to cycling. This is where hammies are tested on multi-day rides, and first-timers fall in love with the sport on short (and ridiculously pretty) trails.

The 49-kilometre O’Keefe Rail Trail is the headline act, following the old railway line between Bendigo and Heathcote. Cross the Campaspe River at Axedale Recreation Reserve and pause at the Platypus Compass Sculpture and the First Nations mural marking the connection between Djaara and Taungurung Country, with Axedale acting as the perfect halfway stop to refuel at a pub or cafe.

Pedal a little further Heathcote’s Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve to be rewarded with views of sculpted pink clay cliffs and narrow gorges that are perfect for a photo stop. Searching for a different type of reward? The Heatchote Wine Region is full of inviting cellar doors.

There are plenty of other options in the Bendigo region, from the 210-kilometre Goldfields Track , to the Bendigo Creek Trail and Back Creek Trail – both ideal for riders of all abilities. The 3.7 kilometre Little Lake Boort loop is a great family-friendly option.

Prefer something more adventurous? Spring Gully Mountain Bike Park has been keeping BMX Bandits’ dreams alive for years.

2. Enjoy the crunch of autumn leaves

two people having a picnic at Valley of Liquidambers heathcote — Pack a picnic and head to the Valley of Liquidambers.

Blinding clusters of crimson, burnt orange and brilliant yellow; here, autumn leaves are crisp confetti of fire and gold. See the magic up close with a slew of parks seemingly dedicated to showcasing Mother Nature’s colour wheel, especially from mid April to early June.

Pack a picnic for an afternoon at Valley of Liquidambers in Heathcote, where Liquidamber trees transform into a wonderworld of magical foliage. Don’t miss taking a leisurely stroll across the swinging bridge back towards the main street.

Rosalind Park might be celebrated for its annual tulip display come springtime, but it’s hard to compete with the theatre of autumn. Here, many trees date back to the 1800s, and there’s no better place for a romantic stroll than along the elms, oak and Queensland Kauri that dominate this park.

Head straight to Lake Weeroona, where an ornamental lake begs for a leisurely lap around its edges, either on foot, or with pedal power.

3. Immerse yourself in First Nations culture

woman exploring Kooyoora State Park with guides — Explore Kooyoora State Park on a cultural tour.

Its ‘Mountain of Light’ (Guyura in the Dja Dja Wurrung language) title is impressive, but so too is Kooyoora State Park’s rugged landscape of granite outcrops, rocky ridgelines and wide-open skies.

While there’s nothing to suggest you couldn’t explore Kooyoora’s walking tracks on your own, the best way to understand the 40,000 years of history behind its natural wonders is to book a 2.5-hour Kooyoora Cultural Tour with Dumawul Tours .

Led by Djaara cultural guides, expect a traditional Welcome to Country smoking ceremony, before engaging storytelling rewinds the clock to reveal the deep cultural significance of the land, its flora, fauna and its continuing connection to Country.

Keen to stay a little longer? Consider staying overnight at the campground and committing to the park’s wealth of walking trails, such as the 5.3-kilometre hike from the camping ground to the lookout on the Long Rock Walking Track.

4. Splash in the region’s waterways

Paddle through Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail. (Image: Visit Vic)

Water babies rejoice: the Bendigo region offers a wealth of waterways to explore.

Flowing 392-kilometres from the Great Dividing Range to the Murray River, the best way to enjoy Loddon River is with a stop at Bridgewater. Here you can swim in the natural infinity pool or tackle the all-abilities, five-kilometre Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail before browsing the cute stores in town. Hungry? Grab a bite at Bridgewater Hotel .

Lake Eppalock is popular for water activities, but don’t miss a visit to Little Lake Boort and Big Lake Boort. Birders, in particular, will love the former, thanks to the large variety of bird species that nest in the boardwalk area surrounding the lake.

Meanwhile, Big Lake Boort is celebrated for its significant Indigenous history and over 400 scarred trees, and offers an opportunity to spot birds and go canoing.

Meanwhile, watersports and recreational activities at Crusoe Reservoir, located on the outskirts of Bendigo, are the order of the day. Take a walk to the picnic spots of No. 7 Park nearby, and maybe even camp there for the night.

5. View epic lookouts

customers at Peregrine Ridge — Spend time at Peregrine Ridge.

Sometimes a holiday requires a phenomenal spot on which to perch as you survey your temporary kingdom below. The Bendigo region, happily, doesn’t do anything by halves.

Located in Heathcote-Graytown National Park, Viewing Rock Lookout – a rocky outcrop offering spectacular views over Heathcote and surrounds – remains a popular choice. Take the hour-long Viewing Rock Circuit Walk and try your hand at gold prospecting nearby.

Prefer the romance of sunrise or sunset? Pyramid Hill, a stunning granite hill rising 187-metres above sea level, is the place to be (preferably with a coffee and a bagel)

Over in Terrick Terrick National Park, a walk to the summit delivers a full 360-degree panorama of woodlands, farms and open-sky plains. Pack lunch – and perhaps a tent – as picnic tables and camping are available.

Carve out time for Peregrine Ridge , a vineyard situated at the eastern side of Mt Camel Range with an elevation ranging from 250-290 metres. Be rewarded with delicious wine and a cellar door which offers floor-to-ceiling views.

6. Enjoy the Bendigo region’s parks and gardens

Rosalind Park in bendigo — Stroll through Bendigo’s best gardens. (Image: Visit Vic)

Rosalind Park, located right in the centre of town, is considered Bendigo’s backyard and rightly so. Home to the Bendigo Easter Festival , it’s just as popular year-round for its sixty acres of rolling lawns, towering elms, fernery and winding paths – not to mention the playground which has plenty of little fans of its own. A short drive away, Bendigo Botanic Gardens – established in 1857 – offers a more tranquil space for deep-level nature immersion.

Those who favour something a little more formal, cottage-style Canterbury Park Gardens – famous for its dahlias in autumn – delivers. Stroll through its meticulously maintained ornamental gardens before checking out Lake Tom Thumb and Lake Neangar nearby.

Time to start planning your adventure to the Bendigo Region, visit bendigoregion.com.au.

8 of South Australia’s best markets