Markets on the Gold Coast: Which Ones to Check Out

There are few better ways to spend a couple of hours than wandering around one of the Gold Coast’s local markets, stocking up on great things to eat, and browsing for vintage finds and cool craft items.

The growth of these open-air venues over the last few years mirrors the increasing interest in sourcing fresh and sustainably grown ingredients and finding ways of supporting small artisan producers and suppliers.

Here’s our low down on some of the best markets to visit on the Gold Coast.

Farmers’ Markets

Turf Club Farmers’ Markets, Bundall

Where: Bundall Racecourse

When: Sundays

Time: 6am – 11am

The highly regarded weekly Farmers’ Markets at Bundall Racecourse is where locals and visitors alike go to stock up on fresh-from-the-field produce sold by the passionate producers who rear and grow it. Expect seasonal fruits and veggies, organic meats and dairy, breads, olive oil, and much more.

Emerald Lakes Gourmet Food and Craft Markets

Where: Emerald Lakes Complex, The Boulevard, Carrara

When: Thursdays

Time: 3pm – 7pm

A great option for those who fancy some late afternoon shopping. In addition to all manner of local crafts, Emerald Lakes also offers hormone-free meats, free-range eggs, and wonderful seafood.

Marina Mirage Farmers’ Markets

Where: Marina Mirage, 74 SeaWorld Drive, Main Beach

When: Saturdays, undercover

Time: 7am – 11am

Located in the chic Marina Mirage precinct, these farmers markets are designed to take foodies on a journey all over the world, with delicious local smoked meats and cheeses as well as French pastries, Mexican empanadas, and gluten-free offerings.

The Organic Gold Coast Farmers’ Market

Where: Miami State High School, 2137-2205 Gold Coast Highway, Miami

When: Sundays

Time: 6am – 11am

Great for those who follow a strictly organic diet, this market provides one of the most extensive ranges of fresh-from-the-farm produce, which is all guaranteed to be Certified Organically grown.

Arts, crafts, and food

Broadbeach Art & Craft Markets

Where: Kurrawa Park, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach

When: 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month

Time: 8am – 2pm

It’s worth giving this a try for the setting alone, as Broadbeach Markets are located in the stunning Kurrara Park.

You’ll find about 150 stalls displaying contemporary jewellery, knits, unique fashion pieces, as well as offerings of mouth watering, freshly baked cakes, and biscuits.

Burleigh Heads Village Markets

Where: Justins Park, The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads

When: Last Sunday of the month

Time: 8am – 2:30pm

The entrepreneurs behind these Village Markets are Marissa Bowden and Sarah Schoeller, who started them when they were made redundant from their marketing jobs.

Seeing a gap in the market for stylish fashion wear, the first of their markets opened in 2008 with just nine stalls. They’ve grown a lot since then. Today you’ll find over a hundred stalls with work by established names as well as talented young designers.

Miami Marketta

Where: Rabbit + Cocoon, 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

When: Every Friday and Saturday nights

Time: 5pm – 10pm Fridays and 4pm – 10pm Saturdays

Not so much a market and more of an event with creative stall holders selling funky fashion and daring art, as well as a variety of food and drink outlets, from tapas to Dutch pancakes.

There’s also live music from 6:45pm, and as the sun goes down, fairly lights come on to enhance the slightly magical feel of the whole place.

Coolangatta Markets

Where: Queen Elizabeth Park, Marina Parade, Coolangatta

When: 2nd Sunday of the month and 4th Sunday every 5 months

Time: 8am – 2:30pm

This is the perfect way to spend a leisurely Sunday morning in a beautiful setting, right on the beachfront at Coolangatta. You’ll find locally made crafts as well as homemade preserves and all manner of delicious baked goods.

Upper Coomera Zero 2 Five Markets

Where: Upper Coomera State College, Reserve Road, Upper Coomera

When: 13 September and 8 November

Time: 9am – 12pm

The name says it all; this market offers pre-loved bargains for those looking after babies and toddlers. It’s an ideal place to sell items like car seats, toys, and clothes that your kids have outgrown or lost interest in, and stock up on what you think you’ll need for their next phase of childhood. New items are also available on some stalls.

Mummy Tree Markets

Where: Sanctuary Cove, Masthead Way, Hope Island

When: 24 October and 12 December

Time: 9am – 1pm

Don’t be put off by the name, everyone is welcome here and not just mothers. These markets specialise in offering hard to find and original products to take you through pregnancy straight to adulthood. These include kids’ clothing, lovely handmade toys, jewellery, and objects for the home. There are also competitions, entertainment, and some great gourmet food on offer.

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets

Where: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

When: Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday nights

Time: 4pm – 8pm

Another venue with a great setting, these markets are held on the Surfers Paradise foreshore. You can find great bargains amongst the huge number of stalls offering everything from artworks to homewares.

Carrara Markets

Where: Gooding Drive, Carrara

When: Saturdays and Sundays

Time: 7am – 4pm

The motto of this 10 acre market is With 400 stalls, we have more of absolutely everything! And this couldn’t be more accurate. Whether you need to stock up on discounted produce for your pantry, find plants for the garden, or buy new pots and pans for your kitchen, Carrara has it all. There’s also clothing, souvenirs, and just about everything else you can imagine too.

With the arrival of spring, why not take advantage of some of the Gold Coast’s great markets? They’re an awesome resource, whether you’re seeking lovely seasonal produce, plants for the garden, a new outfit, or a unique piece of art for your home.