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.

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.

8 of South Australia’s best markets