12 of the best markets in Canberra

Whether you’ve come to Canberra for the city’s incredible restaurant scene or to visit some of Australia’s best museums, no stay is complete without a trip to the markets.

Take your pick – there are 12 excellent markets that happen around Canberra, with most popping up each week and some reserved for the season. These are where you’ll find incredible local produce, handmade gifts, vintage fashion and everything else you’d need for a successful shopping haul when visiting our nation’s capital.

Farmers Markets

Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets

When: Thursday – Sunday, 7am – 5:30pm
Address: 36 Mildura St, Fyshwick

The quirky suburb of Fyshwick may not have many residents – only 52 people live there – but the communal vibes are strong at Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets. From Thursday through Sunday, each week here is packed with rows of fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables, deli items, seafood and artisanal bread. Locals swear by the institution, which has been around for 50 years, and visitors always find an essential piece of Canberra to take home with them. You’ll also find some specialty stalls selling wine so it’s a great place to restock the collection.

Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets is also home to Niche Markets, which is an extension and runs at the same time with a bigger focus on local craftspeople selling everything from fresh flowers to homewares. Browse Canberra’s finest makers to a soundtrack of live music – it’s become a favourite pastime for locals.

When: Thursday – Sunday, 7am – 5:30pm
Where: 36 Mildura St, Fyshwick

Saturday Markets

The Little Burley Market

When: Saturday, 9am – 1:30pm (closed in winter months)
Address: Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600

No other weekly market in Canberra has a stronger sense of identity than The Little Burley Market.

A favourite for locals and visitors, this Saturday market is set on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin with some of Canberra’s finest showing up each week.

Browse through a selection of gourmet foods, artisan wares and seasonally-themed goods from notable stallholders like Deep Blue Ceramics and Dedas Smokehouse. It’s a great way to start the day.

Capital Region Farmer’s Market

When: Saturday, 7am – 11:30am
Address: Exhibition Park, Old Well Station Rd, Mitchell 

In 2004, the Capital Region Farmer’s Market began as a way for farmers and local producers to offer fresh fruit, vegetables, meats and other products directly to the customer. It’s grown immensely since then, becoming Canberra’s biggest farmer’s market and one of the most valuable in Australia. Pick up a fresh loaf from Bush Bread of Australia, plate up some fresh tagliatelle from Norma Maria’s Pasta or hit up Banjo’s Oysters for some freshly shucked treats. There are more than 125 stallholders so you’ll easily find a few things you love.

Sunday Markets

Old Bus Depot Markets

When: Sunday, 9:30am – 2:30pm
Address:  21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston  

Old Bus Depot Markets is Canberra’s most popular weekly market and has been standing tall for over 30 years.

The huge market is shaped into an old industrial space that once housed the Old Bus Depot building – hence the obvious name – and pops up every Sunday with over 200 stalls selling the best in fashion, accessories, art, furniture, and produce.

Buy some homemade jam or a statement-making art piece and then celebrate your find at the curated Gourmet Food Hall.

Haig Park Village Markets

When: Sunday, 8:30am – 2pm
Address: Cnr Lonsdale St and Girrahween St, Braddon 

If you’re looking for a leafy weekend market with a strong sense of community, you’ll find it in Haig Park near the heart of Braddon.

Haig Park Village Markets goes down each Sunday from 8:30am to 2pm, always offering a family-friendly day out with local musicians and mostly farmers produce sitting alongside pastries, fresh juices, sandwiches and more.

Head on down, grab some bites and set up a picnic in the park – it’s the best way to do it.

When: Sunday, 8:30am – 2pm
Where: Cnr Lonsdale St and Girrahween St, Braddon, ACT 2612

Southside Farmer’s Market

When: Sunday, 7am – 11:30am
Address: 2 Launceston St, Phillip  

Head out to the picturesque suburb of Phillip to find Southside Farmer’s Market every Sunday. Opening at 7am and only running until 11:30am, the Canberra food markets pitch the region’s best produce tied up in mouth-watering foods like ready-to-eat pies, pastries and artisan cheeses. Stock up on homemade jams, oils and sauces, flowers, fish, eggs, honey and more.

Hartley Hall Markets

When: First Sunday of every month, 10am – 3pm
Address: Gladstone St, Hall ACT 2618

Held on the first Sunday of each month, the Hartley Hall Markets typically draws in a very mixed crowd and is a favourite for day-trippers as it’s one of Australia’s largest markets of artisan goods and produce. The markets are fun out of Hall Village Showground by Hartley Lifecare and have been around since 1987, growing exponentially with a long list of stallholders selling baked goods, fresh produce, unique gifts, children’s toys and more. Like most Canberra markets, it’s also dog-friendly so you’ll have to resist petting every pup you see while shopping around. Entry is by gold coin donation.

Clothes Markets

Three Sixty Fashion Markets

When: Four times a year with no set dates (announced via social media)
Address: Fitters’ Workshop, Printers Way, Kingston

Three Sixty Fashion Markets are part of the wider Canberra Markets collective and only pop up 3-4 times a year on alternative dates in March, June, September and November. Starting at 10am, the niche market pulls together Canberra’s best local labels and independent designers for a range of vintage, retro and high-quality fashion. Only gently used or new goods are accepted, packing Kingston’s Fitters Workshop with rows of the year’s best looks.

Occasional Markets

Canberra Kids Market

When: Twice a year with no set dates (dates announced via social media)

Address: Fitters’ Workshop, Printers Way, Kingston ACT 2604

The Canberra Kids Market typically only comes around twice a year with no set date. Times are always announced on the popular market’s social media channels with most years usually getting one in March and one in November. It’s the best place to shop for kids in Canberra, especially those aged 0-12 years old with a massive range of clothes, toys, baby care, cots, strollers, prams, car seats, party supplies and more goods that focus on giving parents an affordable yet high-quality selection of kids essentials.

Handmade Market

When: Quarterly, check the website for dates and times
Address: Exhibition Pavilion, Flemington Rd, Mitchell, ACT 2911

The quarterly Handmade Market celebrates food and design in equal measure, sticking to the Canberra region with a strong sense of place and community. It’s a great thing to do in Canberra if you’re looking for any unique gifts to take home with the scope including pottery, one-of-a-kind wrapping paper, plants, candles and more. There are over 250 stalls so you’ll surely find something. Plus, the market even offers a “low sensory shopping hour” (9am – 10am) for people with mobility difficulties and sensory sensitivities.

The article is originally written by Melissa Mason with updates by Chris Singh.

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