The best Mornington Peninsula markets for local treasures

These are the indoor and outdoor markets to include on your shopping list if you’re after the best the locals have to offer.

Exploring the wonderful array of things to do on the Mornington Peninsula wouldn’t be complete without diving into its vibrant market scene. Whether you need to stock the pantry for your beachside break or are looking for a piece of the peninsula to take home, you shouldn’t miss these Mornington Peninsula markets. This is where farmers bring their finest berries or goat curd, local artists sell their impeccable arts and crafts, and snacks, coffee and entertainment are all part of the ritual. There are options every weekend for farmers’ and craft markets and even a few indoor markets that open daily. Don’t forget your shopping bags.

Farmers’ markets

Seaford Farmers Market

When: Third Sunday of every month, 8am – 1pm

Before you head home (or at the beginning of your week on the Mornington Peninsula) stock up on locally grown produce direct from the farmers and other producers at Seaford Farmers Market . When you’re done, you’ll be enjoying free-range eggs, fresh fruit and veggies, and fresh and smoked meats, as well as pickles, conserves, pasta and other tasty treats.

 Address: Broughton Street Reserve, Station Street, Seaford, Mornington Peninsula 

Mt Eliza Farmers’ Market

When: Fourth Sunday of every month, 9am – 1pm

This is the only farmers’ market on the Mornington Peninsula accredited by the Victorian Farmers’ Market Association, which means its stalls are only stocked with food and produce from local farmers and specialty makers. Your first stop at Mt Eliza Farmers’ Market should be Fire & Stone for warm scones with jam and cream before you fill your shopping bags with Flinders Sourdough, Mumma Made jams and relishes, Red Hill Apples, Blue Bay cheese and more.

Address: Corner Mt Eliza Way and Canadian Bay Road, Mt Eliza, Mornington Peninsula 

Bottles of tea found in one of the Mornington Peninsula Markets. — Taste the difference of local goodness at Mt Eliza Farmers’ Market.

Saturday markets

Pearcedale Community Market

When: Third Saturday of every month, 9am – 1pm

You could buy yourself the perfect picnic at pretty Pearcedale Community Market , shaded by towering eucalypts. There’s freshly baked bread, locally harvested honey, jam made from strawberries grown on the peninsula and plenty of other produce created nearby. Plus, there are craft stalls, potted plants, and delicious snacks and coffee to enjoy while you’re browsing.

Address: Pearcedale Public Hall & Gardens, 45 Pearcedale Road, Pearcedale, Mornington Peninsula 

A stall in Pearcedale Market. — Enjoy craft stalls, snacks, and coffee under the eucalypts.

Rye Foreshore Market

When: First Saturday of every month, 7.30am – 1pm

This market, a community fundraiser for the Rotary Club, is the way to get your weekend off to a brilliant start. Rye Foreshore Market classifies itself as a “make, bake and grow" market, meaning it has at least 70 per cent homegrown or home-made goods and produce. There are more than 80 stalls of the best the peninsula can offer, from seasonal fruit (the summer berries in this part of the world are excellent) to handmade soap. Don’t bother with breakfast before you arrive because the bacon and egg rolls are *chef’s kiss*.

Address: Opposite Rye Hotel, 2415 Point Nepean Road, Rye, Mornington Peninsula

Somerville Saturday Market

When: Second Saturday of every month (except January), 8am – 12.30pm

The old-school Somerville Saturday Market brings the community together, encourages local creatives to sell their work, and helps resource the church. There’s a great sausage sizzle, as well as coffee and tea, along with stalls selling books, plants, cards, cakes, gifts and bric-à-brac. The church op shop is also open.

Address: St Andrew’s, 2 Eramosa Road West, Somerville, Mornington Peninsula 

Stalls filled with books at Somerville Saturday Market. — Support local creatives and enjoy a classic market day at Somerville.

Boneo Community Market

When: Third Saturday of every month, 8am – 12.30pm

Whether you’re filling the fridge or looking for a memento of your visit to the Mornington Peninsula, you’ll find it at the Boneo Community Market . This area is renowned for its market gardens, so fresh fruit and veg are top quality. You can also buy Merricks Farm jams and conserves, Pure Peninsula Honey and fresh flowers. Ask the growers about their produce and pick a sweet treat for later. There are also lots of beautiful arts and crafts, including locally produced jewellery and ceramics. Plus, if you’ve got the kids with you, they’ll love the animal farm.

Address: Boneo Recreation Reserve, Limestone Road, Boneo, Mornington Peninsula 

Stalls set up at Boneo Community Market with a sign that leads to the mobile farm. — Chat with growers and stock up on top-quality produce at Boneo Market.

Little Beauty Market

When: Final Saturday of the month, usually 9am – 2pm, although occasionally at twilight (check on the website)

Frankston is considered the last point on the Victorian ‘mainland’ before you get to the Mornington Peninsula, so if you’re driving down on a Saturday, it’s worth stopping at this makers’ market set around a lake in the park. Little Beauty Market has more than a hundred stalls selling handcrafted items, art, homewares, vintage clothes, collectables, kids’ outfits and toys, farm produce and food carts serving street food from around the world. There’s also a bar and live music. 

Address: Beauty Park, Spring Street, Frankston

A sea of people at Little Beauty Market. — Explore over 100 stalls and enjoy live tunes at Little Beauty Market.

Sunday markets

Bittern Community Market

When: Every Sunday, 8am – 1pm

Get your fresh fruit and vegetables, check out the locally created homewares and gifts, and rummage through second-hand goods and bric-à-brac at the Bittern Community Market , which has been operating for more than 30 years. Need a coffee or something to eat? There are stallholders that will sort out that for you, too.

Address: Bittern Railway Station, Frankston–Flinders Road, Bittern, Mornington Peninsula 

Mornington Racecourse Craft Market

When: Second Sunday of every month, 9am – 2pm

If you like handmade, original treasures, you’ll love what’s on offer at Mornington Racecourse Craft Market . Everything here has been designed and made in Australia; much of it is from Victoria. Of course, there are also produce and locally created food items, as well as street food from a selection of vendors and live music setting the ambience.

Address: Mornington Racecourse, Racecourse Road, Mornington, Mornington Peninsula 

People checking out stalls in the Mornington Racecourse Craft Market. — For handmade goods lovers, shop unique creations and enjoy live music at Mornington Market.

Shoreham Market

When: Third Sunday of the month (September – May), 9am – 2pm

This market is as much about the community as it is about commerce. Even if you don’t buy anything at the dog-friendly Shoreham Market , you can take part in a yoga class, take the  younger members of the family to enjoy some children’s activities, or kick back and enjoy some music. There are lots of great stalls, of course, selling food to eat on site, food and produce to take away, and beautiful crafts, fashion and homewares.

Address: 67–85 Byrnes Road, Shoreham

Bring the family and unwind with music at dog-friendly Shoreham Market.

Moorooduc Station Market

When: First of the month from October to March (plus June and August), 10am – 2pm

It’s worth heading to Moorooduc Station Market just to grab a bite from Geez That’s Good Toasties to enjoy beneath the gum trees. There are more than 60 stalls featuring local makers and their ranges, as well as street food and drink trucks. It’s set next door to the old railway station and the kids might enjoy a ride on the vintage train to Mornington and back.

Address: 460 Moorooduc Highway, Moorooduc, Mornington Peninsula 

A lady with her stall of bags at Moorooduc Station Market. — Moorooduc Station Market is where family fun, street food, and local stalls come together.

Occasional markets

Point Nepean Portsea Market

When: See website for upcoming dates

The Point Nepean Portsea Market has it all: a picturesque coastal location, surrounded by historical buildings and vast lawns, and endless reasons for you to stick your hand in your pocket. Everything you see in the stalls has been made or grown by the stallholder. Crafts and treasures are in plentiful supply, but there’s also food vans serving up delicious food to eat picnic-style, tables of fresh produce to take away, and live music to create an unbeatable atmosphere.

Address: Point Nepean Quarantine Station, Coleman Road, Portsea, Mornington Peninsula 

The view at Point Nepean Portsea. — Enjoy a picturesque coastal location with handmade treasures and delicious food. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Mt Martha South Beach Market

When: Victorian public holidays, 10am – 2pm

Perched on a hill overlooking Port Phillip Bay, this has become one of the most popular markets in the region. And it’s not all about that view. The organisers of Mt Martha South Beach Market pride themselves on bringing together more than 60 stalls selling high-end goods, including fashion, beauty, art, homewares, homemade goods and pet products. Plus, you’ll be able to fill your belly with tasty dishes and drinks from a number of food vans.

Address: Mount Martha House, 466 Esplanade, Mount Martha, Mornington Peninsula 

A landscape image of Mt Martha South Beach Market that includes the coastal view. — Fill your basket with high-end goods and take in the coastal view at Mt Martha South Beach Market.

The Mount Martha Briars Market

When: Every couple of months, 9am – 2pm

It’s not every day you can enjoy shopping some well-stocked stalls and visiting a wildlife sanctuary in one spot. The Briars is a historical homestead and conservation park that plays host to the much-loved Mount Martha Briars Market . In the morning you can browse the homemade and home-grown wares, from fresh produce to eye-catching homewares, then snaffle something tasty for lunch. Afterwards, spend some time walking the Briar’s trails and visiting the native animals. Check the website for upcoming dates.

Address: 450 Nepean Highway, Mount Martha, Mornington Peninsula 

Stalls at Mount Martha Briars Market and a view of the beach. — Browse homemade wares, wander the trails, and enjoy the wildlife at The Briars.

Permanent markets

Dromana Indoor Market

When: Daily 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm (closed Tuesdays in winter)

Get a fix of the best of everything Mornington Peninsula markets have to offer at this big warehouse with more than 90 stalls offering a wide range of ever-changing treasures. Dromana Indoor Market has plenty of vintage and antique pieces, from toys and collectables to designer clothing and furniture. Grab a read for your break at one of the book stalls or stock your fridge with local produce. If you love to browse this is a great way to spend a few hours, especially on a gloomy day.

Address: 110 Nepean Highway, Dromana, Mornington Peninsula 

A display of vinyls at Dromana Indoor Market. — Spend hours browsing vintage finds and local produce at Dromana Indoor Market.

Flock of Seagulls Indoor Market and Cafe

When: Monday to Saturday 10am – 4.30pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm

There’s plenty to rummage through at the more than 50 stalls at Flock Rye . There are vintage objects and clothing items galore, as well as locally made fashion, gifts, homeware and candles. Check out the work of peninsula artists in the gallery, stop for coffee and cake at the cafe, or book a session with the onsite hairdresser, masseuse or reiki master.

Address: 2211 Point Nepean Road, Rye, Mornington Peninsula 

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In recent years, Ballarat has emerged as one of Victoria’s most dynamic and daring cities. And, this spring, two unexpected creative showcases will take over the town.

No matter the season, it’s always a good time to visit Ballarat – but spring might be the most ideal. The weather is warmer, the skies are clearer, the flowers across its botanical landscapes are in bloom. And events in Ballarat transform the city into a playground of creativity.

This year, Ballarat will welcome both new and returning artistic events, best paired with a jaunt through the city’s eclectic array of things to eat, drink and explore. Here’s how to spend a spring weekend in this cool cultural hub.

The events

Two of the most exciting events hitting Ballarat this spring are the 2025 Ballarat International Foto Biennale and the inaugural edition of Sunnyside, a captivating and immersive art extravaganza.

Ballarat International Foto Biennale

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply curious, the Ballarat International Foto Biennale is a must. The event permeates the entire city, with works by over 360 local and international photographers adorning over 100 buildings, businesses, streets and public spaces.

This year marks the 11th chapter and will centre on ‘Lifeforce’ – a theme that’s all about humanity and connection. Among the many talents on show, the headline artist is Campbell Addy, a British-Ghanaian creative who explores roots and identity. Be sure to visit before it ends in 2025 on 19 October.

Sunnyside

Sunnyside is making its debut this year, introducing a brand-new celebration of colour, creativity and community to Ballarat. The 17-day celebration, from 6 to 23 November, will feature immersive installations and experiences, talks, a vibrant opening night gala, and workshops covering everything from crochet to neon block printing.

Internationally acclaimed London-based artist Morag Myerscough will lead the celebration and convert Ballarat’s historic Mining Exchange – a gold rush era trading hall – and the city’s streets into a multi-sensory art spectacle.

While you’re there

Don’t miss out on everything else Ballarat has to offer. Here’s where to eat, drink, see and stay in the city.

Where to eat

Vibrant Latin American dishes at Pancho, adding flavour to Events in Ballarat. — Savour bold Latin American dishes at Pancho. (Image: Einwick)

For daytime dining, you’re spoiled for choice. Johnny Alloo does contemporary cafe fare in a warm and inviting space, while Hydrant Food Hall is a popular pick for breakfast and lunch classics. Eclectic Tastes makes seasonal dishes that incorporate plenty of local produce, giving you a great opportunity to taste the region’s flavours.

At night, head to Roy Hammond for delicious cocktails and contemporary Asian-inspired eats or Pancho for vibrant (and very good) Latin American food in fun surrounds. At Hop Temple, you’ll find an incredible selection of craft beers (more than 200, to be exact) and punchy pub fare, or you can head slightly out of town for tasty bistro classics at the historic and character-filled Buninyong Hotel .

In the mood for something fancy? Visit one of Ballarat’s many hatted restaurants, like Babae (produce-driven fine dining inspired by regional Victoria), Mr Jones (modern Asian by a chef with a Michelin pedigree) and Underbar (an ultra-exclusive spot doing ultra-refined tasting menus).

Where to drink

Food and wine tastings at Blue Pyrenees Estate, a refined experience beyond Events in Ballarat. — Relax over wine at Blue Pyrenees Estate. (Image: Visit Victoria)

No matter your poison, you’ll find a venue to suit in Ballarat. Aunty Jacks is a local institution, serving a generous line-up of beers made in the on-site brewery. Renard is perfect for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap, with a menu that spans creative signature cocktails, locally produced wines and Australian spirits.

Try some of Ballarat’s finest creations at one of its many boutique distilleries, including Grainery Lane and Itinerant Spirits. The former specialises in gin and vodka, while the latter offers gin, vodka and craft whiskey. Buy a bottle from either as a memento of your trip.

You can also venture a little further afield to one of the area’s renowned wineries and cellar doors. There are 25 scattered around the Pyrenees (Ballarat’s very own surrounding wine region), including Dalwhinnie, Summerfield and Blue Pyrenees Estate. Eastern Peake – a family-owned winery led by Young Gun of Wine 2025, Owen Latta – is also a must-visit.

What to see

A koala eating eucalyptus leaves at Ballarat Wildlife Park. — Meet a koala at Ballarat Wildlife Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’ve got time to spare after the thrill of the spring festivities, there’s lots to see and do. More art can be found in the city’s streets and laneways, with local street artists transforming the walls with impressive murals and installations.

Ballarat is equally renowned for its heritage architecture, much of which flourished during the gold rush. Notable buildings include Ballarat Town Hall, Her Majesty’s Theatre and Craig’s Royal Hotel, all located centrally and within walking distance of one another.

Travelling with kids? Head to Sovereign Hill for a living-history adventure or Ballarat Wildlife Park to meet koalas, reptiles and free-roaming kangaroos.

Where to stay

An elegant suite at Hotel Vera, offering boutique comfort. — Enjoy all-out luxury at Hotel Vera. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’re venturing to the city by train and want to stay somewhere central, Quest Ballarat Station is an excellent pick. The modern serviced apartments are situated just 250m from the station and a short stroll from downtown Ballarat, making coming, going and exploring the city incredibly easy. There’s also an on-site gym, barbecue area and accessible rooms available.

For a touch of French luxe in regional Victoria, The Provincial Hotel is a standout choice, with gorgeously appointed rooms and suites in a restored heritage-listed building. The hotel is also conveniently located on Lydiard Street, which is lined with grand historic architecture.

If you’re after something truly luxe, book a few nights at Hotel Vera. The exclusive collection of only seven suites presents all-out opulence: think lush linens, designer furniture, works by notable artists and gilded touches. It also happens to house fine-dining favourite Babae, making it an optimal stay if you’re keen to try the restaurant.

Getting there

aerial of hop lane in ballarat — Turn your Ballarat visit into a memorable weekend. (Image: Einwick)

One of the best things about Ballarat is its proximity to Melbourne. It’s only 90 minutes away by car – an easy journey down the Western Freeway – or can be easily reached by rail. The train from Southern Cross to Ballarat Station takes less than 90 minutes and drops you right in the centre of town.

Start planning your stay at visitballarat.com.au.