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 

Discover the best beaches on the Mornington Peninsula

Abandoned mills and forgotten paper plants are finding second lives – and helping redefine a city long underestimated.

Just 15 years ago, Federal Mills was a very different place. Once among the most significant industrial sites in Victoria, the historic woollen mill was one of a dozen that operated in Geelong at the industry’s peak in the mid-20th century, helping the city earn its title as ‘wool centre of the world’. But by the 1960s global competition and the rise of synthetic fabrics led to the slow decline of the industry, and Federal Mills finally shuttered its doors in 2001. Within a few years, the abandoned North Geelong grounds had become makeshift pastoral land, with cows and goats grazing among the overgrown grass between the empty red-brick warehouses. It was a forgotten pocket of the city, all but two klicks from the bustle of the CBD.

Geelong cellar door wine bar — Geelong has shed its industrial identity to become an innovative urban hub with reimagined heritage spaces. (Image: Ash Hughes)

Federal Mills: from forgotten factory to creative precinct

Today, the century-old complex stands reborn. The distinctive sawtooth-roof buildings have been sensitively restored. An old silo is splashed with a bright floral mural, landscapers have transformed the grounds, and the precinct is once again alive with activity. More than 1000 people work across 50-plus businesses here. It’s so busy, in fact, that on a sunny Thursday morning in the thick of winter, it’s hard to find a car park. The high ceilings, open-plan design, and large multi-paned windows – revolutionary features for factories of their time – have again become a drawcard.

Paddock Bakery andPatisserie — Paddock Bakery and Patisserie is housed within the historic wool factory. (Image: Gallant Lee)

At Paddock , one of the precinct’s newer tenants, weaving looms and dye vats have been replaced by a wood-fired brick oven and heavy-duty mixers. Open since April 2024, the bakery looks right at home here; the building’s industrial shell is softened by ivy climbing its steel frames, and sunlight streams through the tall windows. Outside, among the white cedar trees, families at picnic benches linger over dippy eggs and bagels, while white-collar workers pass in and out, single-origin coffee and crème brûlée doughnuts in hand.

Geelong: Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design

Paddock Bakery can be found at Federal Mills. (Image: Gallant Lee)

“A lot of people are now seeing the merit of investing in Geelong,” says Paul Traynor, the head of Hamilton Hospitality Group, which redeveloped Federal Mills. A city once shunned as Sleepy Hollow, and spurned for its industrial, working-class roots and ‘rust belt’ image, Geelong has long since reclaimed its ‘Pivot City’ title, having reinvented itself as an affordable, lifestyle-driven satellite city, and a post-COVID migration hotspot.

And the numbers stand testament to the change. In March 2025, and for the first time in its history, Greater Geelong became Australia’s most popular regional town for internal migration, overtaking Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Current forecasts suggest Geelong will continue to outpace many other Australian cities and towns, with jobs growing at double the rate of the population.

Tourism is booming, too. The 2023-24 financial year was Geelong and The Bellarine region’s busiest on record, with 6.4 million visitors making it one of the fastest-growing destinations in the country. It’s not hard to see why: beyond the city’s prime positioning at the doorstep of the Great Ocean Road, Geelong’s tenacity and cultural ambition stands out.

As Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design, Geelong is swiftly shaking off its industrial past to become a model for urban renewal, innovation, sustainability and creative communities. The signs are everywhere, from the revitalisation of the city’s waterfront, and the landmark design of the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre and Geelong Arts Centre, to the growing network of local designers, architects and artists, and the burgeoning roster of festivals and events. That’s not even mentioning the adaptive reuse of storied old industrial buildings – from Federal Mills, to Little Creatures’ brewery ‘village’ housed within a 1920s textile mill – or the city’s flourishing food and wine scene.

The rise of a food and wine destination

Restaurant 1915 is housed within a restored former boiler house. (Image: Harry Pope/Two Palms)

Traynor credits now-closed local restaurant Igni, which opened in 2016, as the turning point for Geelong’s hospo industry. “[Aaron Turner, Igni’s chef-patron] was probably the first guy, with all due respect, to raise the bar food-wise for Geelong,” he says. “People now treat it really seriously, and there’s clearly a market for it.” While Igni is gone, Turner now helms a string of other notable Geelong venues, including The Hot Chicken Project and Tacos y Liquor, all within the buzzy, street art-speckled laneways of the CBD’s Little Malop Street Precinct. Many others have also popped up in Igni’s wake, including Federal Mills’ own restaurant, 1915 . Housed within the cavernous boiler house, 1915’s interior is dramatic: soaring, vaulted ceilings with timber beams, exposed brick, a huge arched window. The share plates echo the space’s bold character, playing with contrast and texture, with dishes such as a compressed watermelon tataki, the sweet, juicy squares tempered by salty strands of fried leeks, and charred, smoky snow peas dusted with saganaki on a nutty bed of romesco.

The Woolstore , one of The Hamilton Group’s most recent hospo projects, opened in February. It occupies a century-old riverside warehouse and exudes a more sultry, fine dining ambience. Much like Federal Mills, the blueprint was to preserve the original brickwork, tallowwood flooring and nods to the building’s former life. That same careful consideration extends to the well-versed, affable waitstaff as well as the kitchen. Head chef Eli Grubb is turning out an eclectic mix of ambitious and indulgent mod Oz dishes that deliver: strikingly tender skewers of chicken tsukune, infused with hints of smoke from the parrilla grill, and glazed with a moreish, sweet gochujang ‘jam’; nduja arancini fragrant with hints of aniseed and the earthy lick of sunny saffron aioli; and golden squares of potato pavé, adorned with tiny turrets of crème fraîche, crisp-fried saltbush leaves, and Avruga caviar, to name but a few stand-out dishes.

Woolstore menu — Woolstore’s menu is designed for sharing.

Breathing new life into historic spaces

On the city’s fringe, hidden down a winding side road with little fanfare, lies a long-dormant site that’s being gently revived. Built from locally quarried bluestone and brick, and dating back to the 1870s, the complex of original tin-roofed mill buildings is lush with greenery and backs onto the Barwon River and Buckley Falls; the audible rush of water provides a soothing soundtrack. Fyansford Paper Mill is one of few complexes of its time to survive intact. It feels steeped in history and spellbindingly rustic.

“We were looking for an old industrial place that had some charm and romance to it,” explains Sam Vogel, the owner, director and winemaker at Provenance Wines which moved here in 2018. When he first viewed the building with his former co-owner, it was in such a state of disrepair that the tradie tenant occupying the space had built a shed within it to escape the leaking roof and freezing winter temperatures. “To say it was run down would be an understatement,” he notes. “There was ivy growing through the place; the windows were all smashed. It was a classic Grand Designs project.”

Provenance Wines moved to Fyansford Paper Mill in 2018. (Image: Cameron Murray Photography)

The team has since invested more than a million dollars into their new home. Where paper processing machinery once sat, wine barrels are now stacked. Vaulted cathedral ceilings are strung with festoon lights, and hidden in plain sight lies a shadowy mural by local street artist de rigueur Rone – one of only three permanent works by the artist.

While the award-winning, cool-climate pinot noir, riesling and chardonnay naturally remain a key draw at Provenance, the winery’s restaurant is a destination in itself. Impressed already by whipsmart service, I devour one of the most cleverly curated and faultlessly executed degustations I’ve had in some time. It’s all prepared in a kitchen that is proudly zero-waste, and committed to providing seasonal, ethical and locally sourced meat and produce under head chef Nate McIver. Think free-range venison served rare with a syrupy red wine jus and a half-moon of neon-orange kosho, shokupan with a deeply savoury duck fat jus (a modern Japanese take on bread and drippings), and a golden potato cake adorned with a colourful confetti of dehydrated nasturtiums and tomato powder, and planted atop a sea urchin emulsion.

handcrafted pieces — Bell’s handcrafted functional pieces on display.

The complex is home to a coterie of independent businesses, including a gallery, a jeweller, and its latest tenant, ceramicist Elizabeth Bell, drawn here by the building’s “soul”. “There’s so much potential for these buildings to have new life breathed into them,” says Bell, whose studio is housed within the old pump room. “Even people in Geelong don’t know we’re here,” she says. “It’s definitely a destination, but I like that. It has a really calming atmosphere.”

A Melbourne transplant, Bell now feels at home in Geelong, which offers something Melbourne didn’t. “If this business was in Melbourne I don’t think it would’ve been as successful,” she notes. “It’s very collaborative in Geelong, and I don’t think you get that as much in Melbourne; you’re a bit more in it for yourself. Here it’s about community over competition.”