10 must-visit markets in New South Wales

From fresh produce to arts, crafts and antiques, here’s the low-down on the ten best markets in New South Wales.

No matter where you are in New South Wales, there are plenty of places to stroll through the markets. From the Murray Darling to the Southern Slopes and Far West, you’ll find talented Aussies selling their wares all over the state.

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Now, on to AAMI's list of must-visit markets:

1. Bathurst Artisan Market

Bathurst’s favourite boutique market only pops up a few times a year and most Aussies will know that it’s always popular! If you take a swing by the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery & Library, you will find a forecourt overflowing with beautifully crafted and unique creations. From vintage clothes, quirky button-themed stationery and artisanal candles to soap and beauty supplies, fine food and local music performances – it’s a great way to spend a day. Check out facebook.com/BathurstArtisanMarket for upcoming events.

2. The Olive Tree Market, Newcastle

Celebrating all things arty, cultural and creative, Newcastle’s eclectic Olive Tree Market should be on every market-goers must-see list. Held on the first Saturday of every month, and the first and third Saturdays of November and December, in the city’s Civic Park. As well as a program of live music showcasing talented local musicians, you’ll find a fantastic array of photography, illustration, fashion, ceramics, homewares, jewellery, printmaking, sustainable design, textile arts, wood and metal work, painting, and handmade children’s clothing and toys. Check out theolivetreemarket.com.au for more info.

3. Mudgee Fine Foods Farmers Market

Mudgee is one of New South Wales’ premier fine food and wine destinations, and that makes their monthly farmers market officially unmissable. Held on the third Saturday of each month from 8:30am to 12:30pm, the food is all sourced locally, and all produce is grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked, smoked or processed by the stallholders themselves as close as possible to the town. Check out mudgeefinefoods.com.au for more info.

4. The Artist Market

Visitors to Port Macquarie won’t want to miss the city’s celebrated art market. Held every Sunday from November to May, it’s an eclectic event bringing together a vibrant and colourful collection of works by local movers, shakers and makers. Operating in the grounds of the town’s maritime museum, the market also includes fine food, live music and lots of local produce, with free workshops for those who love learning and getting creative. Visit portmacquarieinfo.com.au for details.

5. Nimbin Markets

Heading into the Rainbow Region? You won’t want to miss Nimbin Markets. Held on the fourth and fifth Sunday of every month, no two events are the same at Australia’s most famous hippie destination – it all depends on the music! Whether it’s blues and roots, smooth jazz, reggae, rock or acoustic, the tunes will set the tone. Enjoy up-cycled and vintage clothing, as well as handmade jewellery, arts and crafts. Find the upcoming highlights and schedules at facebook.com/Nimbin Markets.

6. Tilba Market

Located just a stone’s throw from the famed property featured in River Cottage Australia, Tilba Market embodies everything fresh, flavoursome and delightfully delicious. Held in the Big Hall of this charming historic township, you’ll find stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and veg, free range eggs, honey, jams and preserves and sweet baked treats. Don’t go past the products from Tilba Real Dairy – we recommend the wonderfully thick double cream and locally made artisanal cheeses. Yum! See tilba.com.au for more info.

7. Terrigal Antique & Vintage Fair

Held quarterly each year in January, April, July and October, the Terrigal Antique & Vintage Fair is the only dedicated antiques market on the whole Central Coast. For a gold coin donation, you’ll step back in time with fabulous stalls selling everything from antique, vintage and retro finds to shabby chic, industrial and up-cycled accessories, plus loads more. Log onto visitcentralcoast.com.au for more info.

8. Sprout & About Market

Stop in at Australia’s famous food bowl with a foray into Sprout & About – Wagga Wagga’s mouth-watering boutique food and homemade market. Held on the second Saturday of every month in the city’s civic centre nearby the banks of Wollundry Lagoon, you’ll find arts, crafts and all things edible. Indulge in the locally grown fruit and veg, tasty Riverina treats like fresh honeycomb, homemade salami and hot sauce, plus organic liquorice and Wollundry Rotary Club’s famous egg and bacon rolls. Visit sproutandabout.org.au for more.

9. Collectors Plant Fair

Keen gardeners won’t want to miss the annual Collectors Plant Fair. Far beyond your regular flower market, horticulture enthusiasts from far and wide flock to the Hawkesbury each year to find rare plants, long-forgotten flowers and wonderfully obscure succulents. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for? Simply place an order and the event organisers will do all they can to find it for you. Discover more at collectorsplantfair.com.

10. Broken Hill Community Markets

Heading to Broken Hill? Then you’re in luck – this frontier mining town is as rich in arts, crafts and culture as it is in precious metals and minerals, and there’s no better place to check it all out than at the Broken Hill Community Markets. Held monthly from November to May, visitors can enjoy everything from sweet treats to jams and preserves, plus local produce, original works of art and more. Don’t miss the handmade chocolates or locally grown and pressed olive oil – and be sure to swing by the sausage sizzle for a good old-fashioned Aussie barbecue lunch. See brokenhill.nsw.gov.au for details.

Go to www.visitnsw.com to discover more must-visit markets and great towns in NSW, or to plan your next road trip.

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