Stock up on the freshest of ingredients and one-of-a-kind statements at the most charming markets in Bendigo.
For a place that gives small-town energy, Bendigo bursts with things to do, including top-notch market days. Enveloped in a wave of tight-knit communities, the Victorian hot spot lures emerging creatives who seek refuge from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne, just 90 minutes’ drive north. Spanning artisanal pantry delights and farm-fresh seasonal produce, to beautifully handcrafted homewares and rare vintage collectables, the markets in Bendigo and its surrounds provide fascinating exploration for visitors of all ages. We’ve rounded up our favourite markets in Bendigo, below.
1. Bendigo Community Farmers Market, Bendigo
Where: Bendigo Foodshare, 227 Breen St, Golden Square
When: 2nd Saturday of every month from 9am to 12.30pm
Stock up on some of the freshest produce in Central Victoria at the Bendigo Community Farmers Market . Guaranteeing a minimum of 75 per cent of all stalls selling to you by growers themselves, this treasure trove of natural bounty is a sensory delight. Whether you’re on the hunt for fruit, vegetables, melt-in-your-mouth cheeses, olives, honey, craft beer from local stalwarts, silky smooth vino from the best Bendigo wineries or sauces and relishes, this is the place to unearth true deliciousness. Additionally, there’s hot food from regulars like Aranchini4All and Market Fresh Gözleme, plus the odd sweet treat from MQ Gelato Van and other speciality retailers.
2. Bendigo Showgrounds Market, North Bendigo
Where: Prince of Wales Showground, Holmes Rd, North Bendigo
When: Every Sunday from 8.30am to 2pm
Love a good crawl through vintage and bric-a-brac collectables? The weekly Bendigo Showgrounds Market is a must-experience for pre-loved goodies spanning clothing, tools, homewares, toys, furniture, plants and even cosmetics. Throw in a scattering of new offerings, including homemade candles and soaps, plus food products and hot food vendors, and the atmosphere alone is enough to light up your weekend. It’s one of country Victoria’s largest weekly markets so expect crowds from far and wide eagerly clogging up the aisles alongside you.
3. Moonlight Market Bendigo, Bendigo
Where: Hargreaves Mall, Bendigo
When: Select Saturdays throughout the year from 3pm to 8pm, so check the website for specific dates
Soak up the twilight vibrance of a night market flowing with hot food and street performances at the Moonlight Market Bendigo . Ramped up during the summer months (there’s often a few dates in November as Christmas looms) while remaining a steady fixture during winter, this Bendigo market buzzes with live music and art installations, food trucks and a collection of sensational stalls. Think arts and crafts, vintage homewares, condiments, jewellery, fashion and more. The market’s annual Easter and Christmas events are so popular that they’re staged during the day, so get there for a great selection of gifts no matter when you’re visiting town.
4. Kangaroo Flat Handmade Market, Kangaroo Flat
Where: 113 MacKenzie St West, Golden Square
When: 1st Saturday of every month from 9am to 2pm
Setting up shop in an all-new location during February 2025, the Kangaroo Flat Handmade Market strives to shine a light on the free flowing creativity coming out of this corner of the world. Whether they’re home cooks, budding fashion, homewares and jewellery designers or simply savvy entrepreneurs, this is the spot to sell the region’s cleverest wares and get brands out there. Shoppers are treated to an eclectic mix of it all, with no market day precisely mirroring another, making for a truly authentic portal into this supportive locale and, of course, one-of-a-kind retail therapy.
5. Castlemaine Farmers Market, Castlemaine
Where: Along Forest St, Castlemaine, but either at the Camp Reserve or Western Reserve depending on what day you visit
When: Either each Wednesday from 2.30pm to 5.30pm or the 1st Sunday of every month except January from 9am to 1pm
An untapped mecca of peak seasonal produce, cosmetics, fashion and seriously delicious homemade cooking, the Castlemaine Farmers Market is about 40 minutes’ drive from Bendigo and worth every bit of effort. Thankfully, it’s staged weekly in addition to monthly, so there’s more opportunity to visit when you’re in town, because you’ll want to sample these high-quality goods. Giant paella pans dishing up authentic Spanish flavours? It’s there. Local cheeses and cured meats to rival fancy upmarket restaurant charcuterie? You’ll find it. Olive oil and stone fruits are also hot picks so get there early to nail your grab-list.
6. Wesley Hill Community Market
Where: Wesley Hill Hall, 149 Pyrenees Hwy, Castlemaine
When: Every Saturday from 9am to 1pm
Explore Victoria’s oldest continuously running market each week, just 40 minutes’ journey from Bendigo. The Wesley Hill Community Market is a must for locals in the area, showcasing central Victoria’s finest artisanal bread, seasonal produce, clever confectionery, native plants, vintage wares, pre-loved books, good coffee and more. Convenient parking off the main road (the market’s located on the highway) is found at the car park on Wallace St, less than a minute away, but you’ll need to arrive early because it fills up fast.
7. Maldon Market, Maldon
Where: Maldon Neighbourhood Centre, 1 Church St, Maldon
When: 2nd Sunday of every month from 9am to 1.30pm
Venture about 30 minutes from Bendigo to discover a group of locals who thrive come market day. The Maldon Market is a collective of talent who showcase their unique skills once a month on a Sunday. You’ll comb the handiwork of makers, bakers, growers and sewers as free tastings and interactive displays snake you right around the cool, leafy grounds that house the Neighbourhood Centre. Once you’re done stickybeaking the stalls, wander further towards Maldon’s historic Main St (it’s within walking distance) to check out the preserved beauty of Maldon, Australia’s first Notable Town according to the National Trust in 1966.
8. Kangaroo Flat Market, Kangaroo Flat
Where: 10 Camp St, Kangaroo Flat
When: The last Saturday of each season from 8am to 1pm so check the website for upcoming dates
If rummaging a car boot never gets old, you’ll delight in what’s on offer at the Kangaroo Flat Market four times annually. A bustling hub of stalls and open boots, it’s trash and treasure central so you’ll be jostling thick crowds to find whatever grabs you. From handy household items to clothing, tools, books, toys, arts and crafts and shoes, digging for spoils is an adventure every time. Additionally, there’s plenty of homemade cakes and slices up for grabs, plus a sausage sizzle and live music to keep you bopping along. A fun day out, rain, hail or shine.
9. Castlemaine Artists Market, Castlemaine
Where: Western Reserve, Forest St, Castlemaine
When: 4th Saturday of every month from 10am to 2pm
A long-standing gathering of the region’s most creative of types, the Castlemaine Artists Market is guaranteed to offer something you’ve never set eyes upon. The scene is cheery and festive as music and varied performances entertain crowds wandering the grounds for arts and crafts, jewellery, screen-printed items, ceramics, leather goods, clothing, timber masterpieces and more. Food vendors also show up in spades, so it’s a great spot to sit back and bask in community spirit while indulging in some grab-and-go morning tea.
10. Inglewood Lions Country Market, Inglewood
Where: Inglewood Recreation Reserve, corner Grant St and Calder Hwy, Inglewood
When: 2nd Saturday of every month from 9am to 1pm
Less than 40 minutes in the car from Bendigo, the Inglewood Lions Country Market is a low-key occasion serving up artisanal creations and beautiful farm-fresh produce. It’s a magnet for smaller suppliers and emerging farmers, so BYO reusable bag as the temptations run rife. You’ll also find garden art, arts and crafts and hot food vendors.
Discover the best places to stay in Bendigo
