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Here are 5 of Canberra’s best markets
It’s the weekend. You’re awake early, the day is beautiful and you need coffee/food/sunshine/a retail fix or a combination of these. The solution? Visit Canberra’s awesome jam-packed markets! They're one of the best things to do here in all weather, so take your pick.
Overview
- Canberra has some great markets where you can get delicious, fresh produce.
- With over 200 stalls, the Old Bus Depot Market is a fantastic way to spend Sunday morning.
- Handmade Canberra is the perfect place to find a special made-in-Australia gift.
Some specialise in farm-fresh produce and others serve stall after stall of freshly cooked food, clothing and hand-made and secondhand goodies. Another winning thing about many of our best markets? They're just 15 minutes from ANU.
Here are five of Canberra’s best markets.
1. Old Bus Depot Market
Sundays 9.30am to 2.30pm
21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston
A popular favourite, the Old Bus Depot Market has been around for decades, but don’t be put off by the word “old”. The building is significant to Canberra's formative years and is an excellent host; the 200 stalls sell everything from jewellery, clothing and flowers to gourmet foods and handmade arts and crafts.
After you've had a browse, head to the food hall to pick up some taste bud-tingling treats and, while you're eating, relax to the sound of some local tunes by some of Canberra’s most talented buskers and musicians.
Market must-have: Keep an eye on the Old Bus Depot Market's event calendar for their themed days. Designer Sunday and the Canberra Wool Expo are particular favourites.
A normal bustling market can be found each weekend in Kingston.
2. Capital Region Farmers Market
Saturdays 7am to 11.30am
Exhibition Park, Flemington Road, Mitchell
This market is run by the Rotary Club and funds the grants and programs it delivers that benefit the community. The more than 130 stalls are packed with freshly grown, picked and hand-crafted goods supplied by local and regional producers, farmers, bakers and makers.
Sample and purchase local cheeses, baked goods, meats, seafood, chocolates and organic fruit and veggies before heading to the river, lake or a park to spread out a picnic rug and do some people-watching.
Market must-have: Check out the Capital Region Farmers Market website for regular Producer in Focus updates and great tips on what’s in season (and how to use it).
3. Haig Park Village Markets
Sundays 8.30am to 2pm
Haig Park, Braddon
This is a vibrant farmers’ market with a diverse and unique range of goods and produce. All the stalls sit under the sweet-smelling tree canopy of Haig Park in Braddon. Here you’ll find flowers, fresh produce, handmade crafts, honey, meats, fermented foods, teas, pasta and other delectable flavours
Hungry? Grab an internationally-inspired snack and fresh juice and support Aussie farmers and local makers. While you’re there, take some time to listen to the local musical talent while relaxing in this beautiful heritagelisted park.
Market must-have: Haig Park Village Markets has teamed up with PAWS Parties to deliver their Woof Markets, held on the last Sunday of the month. With a range of delightful doggy stalls, it’s a great opportunity to spoil your favourite furry friend.
These stunning outdoor artisan markets are popular with locals, young and old.
4. Night Noodle Markets
Three evenings between 3 and 19 March 2024 from 5pm
Parkes Place West Lawns, near Parliament House
The Night Noodle Markets, one of Canberra’s most popular foodie activities, is part of the city’s annual Enlighten Festival, a colour-filled celebration of art, music, food and entertainment.
Watch out for the dates when the next event will be held; this vibrant once-a-year Asian street food fest offers tantalisingly aromatic and flavoursome broths for your taste buds.
Market must-have: Favourite stalls in past years have included Flying Noodles (Shanghai street food), Danbury Station (Japanese rice-bowl dishes) and Wonderbao (the name says it all!).
Moon festival lanterns hang overhead while diners enjoy their meals.
5. Handmade Canberra
28 & 29 October 2023 and 8,9 & 10 December 2023
Exhibition Park in Canberra (locally-known as EPIC)
Love shopping for things that are thoughtfully fashioned by creatively-minded souls? Head to Handmade Canberra where you'll find an inspiring collection of homewares, fashion, gifts and accessories.
The market’s stallholders are carefully curated and change every month, so you’ll always have something new to get your hungry-for-handmade hands on.
Market must-have: Got the market munchies? Check out the gourmet food hall!
The Handmade markets regularly attract more than 20,000 visitors each market.
These might be our pick of Canberra's best markets (the top 5, anyway), but are they yours? Look for other markets around town to find which ones take your fancy, like Trash & Treasure in Jamison, the Little Burley Market and Hartley Hall Markets.
Visit our very own market, the wholesome and environmentally friendly ANU Food Co-op. Or check out the events calendar.
