It’s official; spring has sprung on the streets of Sydney! As the days get longer, warmer and sunnier (and generally just better), we can’t think of a better way to spend the weekend than market hopping.
Not only does sourcing clothing, accessories and food that have been produced locally reduce your product’s carbon footprint, it can also mean a more ethical product due to Australia’s working standards and accreditation. Plus if you’re buying secondhand you’re recycling efforts are much kinder to our world.
Markets are a fantastic way to support budding artists, designers, farmers and foodies. Doesn’t it feel good to know with every purchase you could be helping someone live their dreams?
So whether you’re looking for epic secondhand steals, some unique threads you won’t see yourself in on the street, or even if you’re simply hanging for a good ol’ locally produced feed, we’ve got your next weekend market trip sorted.
Glebe Markets
Glebe Public School, 40 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe. Saturdays 10-4pm
Just a few hundred metres from the hustle and bustle of Broadway shopping centre lies Glebe Markets, your go to destination for second hand clothes, handmade jewellery and, in true Sydney tradition, food. Frequented by Uni students and fashionistas attempting to sell unwanted clothes to fund their next shopping spree (or meal), these weekly markets are equally loved by locals due to the balance of ever changing secondhand stalls. Once you’ve stocked up on some interesting finds (and bargains, we hope), don’t forget to swing by the food stalls on the way out. You can relax on the grass under the trees and enjoy live music every week from 12-3pm.
Why we love them: there is a strong emphasis on local artisans, and of course, you already know how much we love second-hand clothes!
Must Do: arrive early to pick up the best of the pre-loved items.
Carriageworks Farmers Markets
Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh. Saturdays 8am – 1pm
Market-hoppers beware – it is unlikely you will leave here without arms and bellies full of delicious local produce. Resembling both a locavore’s heaven, and foodies delight, Carriagework Farmers Markets brings together an array of fresh local, organic and bio-dynamic produce in the unique architectural space of the old railway sheds. From veggies and fruit, to cheese, sourdough, meat, sauerkraut and other delicacies, you are sure to pick up something here that will impress your next dinner guests.
Not just for those looking for ingredients, these markets also boast an array of freshly made food including much-loved Sydney chef, and sustainable food advocate Kylie Kwong. And the morning caffeine hit is not forgotten, with Ritual Coffee producing the goods.
Why we love them: with a focus on local produce, and a diverse range of organic and biodynamic options, these guys definitely have sustainability as a top priority.
Must do: parking is tight, so consider travel alternatives such as bike-riding, walking or public transport to boost your eco-friendly feels. (King St, Newtown is just a few blocks away, as is Newtown/Redfern train stations). Another pro tip – don’t forget your reusable shopping bags!
Kirribilli Markets
General Market – Burton Street Tunnel. 4th Saturday of the month 7am-3pm
Art & Design Market – Burton Street Tunnel. 2nd Sunday of the month 9am-3pm
Fashion Market – Bradfield Park. 2nd Sunday of the month 9am-3pm
A hop, skip and a jump over the bridge lies the hidden gem that is the Kirribilli markets. Run by the Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, any profits go straight back into the organisation which offers free services such as counselling, legal advice and parenting seminars, alongside their carers program which provides much needed respite and support for those caring for people with mental illness.
You’ll never know what you may find at the General Market; from bric-a-brac, food, fashion and antiques. The Art & Design market showcases designers and artisans to the sound of live music with international food vendors on-hand, and the fashion market gives you an opportunity to scout out some second-hand steals, or some unique, locally crafted pieces.
Why we love them: a market where you never know what you might find and where profits go straight back to the local community – what’s not to love?
Must do: Much like Carriageworks, parking is limited, so save time, stress and emissions by using public transport – the markets are close to Milson Point Station and Luna Park. Also, local institution The Botanist has a regular slider and taco pop-up stall at the markets.
The Picnic Markets
Prince Alfred Park, Chalmers St, Surry Hills. 3rd Sunday of the Month 11am – 4pm
You’ll never know what you might find here, with stalls up for grabs for a meagre $25 giving everyone an opportunity to sell off their unwanted belongings and homemade goods – if it’s on a picnic rug then it’s generally up for sale!
After a winter hiatus, the markets will be back with a vengeance on October 18th, just in time to sell off your spring-clean haul and start sourcing some unique Christmas pressies. Situated almost on top of Central station, and in close proximity to a number of key bus routes and bike lanes, they are easily accessible for most Sydneysiders.
Why we love them: Born out of a desire to combat waste in Sydney, the markets encourage city dwellers without a garage to breathe new life into pre-loved items.
Must do: Make the most of their slow Sunday starting time by grabbing a coffee and brunch at one of the many bustling Surry Hills cafes to fuel your bargain hunting
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Bondi Farmers Markets
Bondi Beach Public School, Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach. Saturday 9am-1pm
Since their establishment, these markets have become as renowned as Bondi Beach itself – at least among the locals. Centred around local and organic produce, the markets host stallholders from across New South Wales. From fruit & veg, to flowers, cheeses, olives, dips, bread and ethical meat and seafood, Bondi provides the goods without the guilt food kilometres and supermarket giants.
Why we love them: local produce with organic and ethical varieties available….need I say more?
Must do: Forgo brekky and grab a bite to eat on site. Perhaps a mouthwatering reuben from Ruby & Rach, or maybe some quinoa delights from Bondi locals Keenwah, and wash it down with a cold pressed juice from Veg Press. Also, wear your cozzies because Bondi Beach is directly across the road!
Surry Hills Markets
Corner of Crown and Collins st, Shannon Reserve, Surry Hills. 1st Saturday of the Month 7am-4pm
Run by the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre which operates out of the library, these monthly markets (directly across from Messina, yum!), are a go-to for pre-loved and vintage fashion. Whether it’s dress patterns, something quirky, or a secondhand designer label you’re after, you can generally find it here, with a mix of regular faces and locals selling the contents of their wardrobes. The markets are a fundraiser for the Neighbourhood Centre, which is supplemented by a ‘Community Cafe’ running in the library foyer selling cakes and coffee for an morning/afternoon treat.
Why we love them: you are almost guaranteed to find some interesting, designer threads here. Plus, the proceeds are again reimbursed into the local community.
Must do: wear your trendiest outfit – while these markets are a more casual affair, visitors are usually dressed to the nines!
Rozelle Markets
Rozelle Public School, 663 Darling St, Rozelle. Saturdays and Sundays 9am – 4pm
Reminiscent of an old-school flea market, these are perhaps one of the more well known markets in Sydney, having operated for over 20 years. Filled with secondhand delights, the antique lovers among us will feel at home here with delights including vintage paintings, records, furniture, homewares and fashion. To add to the quirky affair, plants, palm readings and massages are also on offer, and of course, no markets are complete without coffee, juice and food.
Why we love them: they are a Sydney establishment and provide plenty of interesting things to admire, even if you’re not up to adding that worn-out suitcase to your home.
Must do: make a day of it and explore the local area – Rozelle boasts an array of restaurants and shops and is a stone’s throw away from the harbour and beautiful green spaces like King George Park.
Sarah is an International Studies student at UNSW with a passion for healthy food and farmers markets. When she’s not sourcing out the best breakfast in Sydney, you can probably find her walking her way between the beaches, parks and streets.
IMAGES:
Glebe Markets
The Opera Blog
The Localist
The Picnic Markets
Pinterest
Pinterest
UrbanWalkabout
Feature Image:
North Sydney Times
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