The best markets on the South Coast

There’s no better way to meet South Coast locals than to have a chat as you mosey your way through a market chock full of delicious, hyper-local things. So, check the market schedules, match them to your holiday calendar and dive on in. After all, there’s no better way to discover the best regional produce than to taste-test your way through a farmers market.

Other markets can also help you with your birthday or Christmas shopping (look for handmade gifts, toys, and bunches of flowers). It’s also a good idea to dust off that picnic basket or cooler and get ready to fill it up at one of these markets, which are often near a scenic spot.

SAGE Farmers Markets, Moruya

Kiama

It’s hard to imagine a more pleasant venue for a spot of open-air shopping than Black Beach Reserve at Kiama. Black basalt sand and pebbles are responsible for giving Black Beach its unusual colour and the outlook includes Kiama Lighthouse. 

The Kiama Makers and Growers Market takes place here on the fourth Saturday of each month – look for handmade soaps, artworks, pastries, potted plants and more. On the third Sunday of each month, the reserve hosts the Kiama Seaside Markets where you might find wooden toys, scones, donuts and, of course, coffee.

Each Wednesday afternoon, join locals as they shop the mouth-watering displays of farm-fresh produce – fruit, veg, flowers, eggs, kombucha and more – at the Kiama Farmers’ Market at Surf Beach, just south of the reserve.

Kiama Makers and Growers, Kiama

Gerringong

Be hungry when you head to Gerringong Rotary Markets (third Saturday of each month at Old School Park) – this market is famous for pies and egg and bacon rolls. Stalls also usually include toys, arts and crafts, books, and heaps of local produce sourced from the verdant hills surrounding Gerringong.

Gerringong Rotary Market, Gerringong

Berry

Berry can get hectic on weekends, with day-trippers flocking to soak up its olde worlde charms (and snag a bag of those famous piping-hot doughnuts from the Berry Donut Van). All the more reason to visit on a Thursday afternoon, when the Berry Farmers’ Market is in full swing at the Showground, a few blocks off the main drag of Queen Street. Berry isn’t that far from the coast, so expect seafood along with fruit and veg, honey, eggs, olive oils, cheese, cider, wine, and baked treats.

Berry Farmers Market, Berry

Batemans Bay

Two organisations share the Batemans Bay Sunday Market, held twice a month beside the sea at Corrigans Beach Reserve, Batehaven. Marine Rescue Batemans Bay is responsible for the first Sunday of the month market while Rotary Batemans Bay does the third Sunday. Expect to find up to 60 stalls selling food, coffee, plants, gifts, antiques, and timber creations, and don’t miss the divine sweet creations of Pascale Artisan Bakery. Local musicians could also be performing some relaxing tunes.

Batemans Bay market, Batemans Bay

Moruya

Sage Farmers Market, held every Tuesday afternoon at Riverside Park in Moruya, is an award-winning hyper-local enterprise, featuring only local producers and food made from local ingredients. Three backyard growers per week are also allowed to sell their excess produce alongside the farmers. Listen out for the 3pm bell and get ready to rush for the best-looking goodies, which might include garlic, oysters, pork, sourdough, honey, and milk.

Moruya Sage Market, Moruya 

Tilba

With a population of about 300 people, Central Tilba – a National Trust village – oozes charm. Soak up more of this township’s yesteryear vibe by stopping on a Saturday morning at the Tilba Market, held in the Big Hall. Browse the baskets and tables filled with herbs, citrus and other fruit, cakes, veg, flowers, marmalade and, when in season, truffles.

Tilba Markets, Tilba 

Bermagui

A bell ringing at 2pm on Thursdays signals the opening of the Bermagui Growers and Makers Market (year-round apart from winter) at the Bermagui Country Club in Bermagui on the Sapphire Coast. Savvy locals and visitors know to get there right on time to snag the best of the fresh local produce, drinks, plants, homewares, and ready-to-heat meals. 

Bermagui Growers Market, Bermagui - Credit: David Rogers

Eden

Eden Community Market, held on the third Saturday of each month at Eden’s Uniting Church Hall and Community Garden, is known as “the friendliest little market ever”. Meet the faces behind the stalls selling books, jams, plants, fruit and veg, crafts and bric-a-brac.