Produce straight from farmers and locally-made goods you won’t find elsewhere – Newcastle’s best markets have it all.
For too long, Newcastle was treated as a stopover destination on the way up the New South Wales coastline. But the city and its surrounds have plenty to offer the curious traveller, from some of the best beaches in the state to a celebrated foodie scene. Another reason to visit the region on your next weekend away? Its markets. The area is renowned for high-quality produce, boutique wineries and artisans, all of whom come together regularly to sell their wares.
Below, find the best Newcastle markets worth noting in your diary, plus what to expect from their stalls.
1. Warners Bay Markets
Where: The Esplanade, Warners Bay
When: The third Saturday of each month, 9 am to 1 pm
A short drive to the peaceful suburb of Warners Bay in Lake Macquarie will find you at Warners Bay Markets, a wonderful spot to peruse locally made products. The markets have a distinct focus on slow fashion brands, artisan spirits, pottery and ceramics. It’s especially worth visiting before Christmas for unique gifts that support small businesses.
2. Handmade in the Hunter Markets
Where: 5 Halls Rd, Pokolbin
When: Saturdays, 9 am to 2 pm
As the name suggests, the Handmade in the Hunter Markets are all about showcasing the best handmade goods from local artisans. It’s the perfect Newcastle market for finding something new, whether that be an innovative skin cream, creative earrings or a stylish summer dress. The market coordinators are selective with stallholders, ensuring no two stalls are the same and encouraging a diverse range of wares from the community.
You’ll find an array of unique items to take home.
3. Olive Tree Markets
Where: Civic Park, cnr King and Darby St, Newcastle
When: The first Saturday of each month, 9 am to 2 pm
The Olive Tree Markets might be the most stylish of all Newcastle markets, featuring 130 of the best artists, designers, makers, producers and street food purveyors from around the region. The highly curated stallholder list is a trove of talented across the fashion, jewellery, art and lifestyle spaces, meaning you’ll almost certainly find a locally made treasure (or two) to take home with you. The event focuses on community and gathering, with live music and food stalls, too.
Shop around Olive Tree Markets or simply lay a picnic blanket and relax.
4. Newcastle City Farmer’s Market
Where: Newcastle Showground, Griffiths Rd, Broadmeadow
When: Most Sundays, 7 am until 1 pm
On Sundays, you can usually find farmers setting up stalls at Newcastle Showground early in the morning, preparing for the waves of locals and tourists who flock to this long-running Newcastle market. Head down and you’ll find overflowing punnets of berries, fresh-picked leafy greens and warm sourdough straight from the oven. Aside from fresh fruits and veg, you can shop handmade items like quilts, soaps, bespoke teas and wooden toys. Skip breakfast and pick up something delicious from one of the vendors, too.
5. Homegrown Markets at the Station
Where: The old train station, Newcastle
When: The second Saturday of each month, 10 am to 2 pm
Homegrown operates several fantastic markets in the Newcastle region, but the Homegrown Markets at the Station are particularly special, as they’re hosted within the old train station. Now a community space, it retains the nostalgic design features of the old grounds, making it a lovely space to enjoy on a weekend morning. Browse over 100 stalls selling eco-friendly products, handmade goods and gifts, all while enjoying live music and a plethora of delicious food stalls.
Browse over 100 stalls at the Station. (Image: Homegrown Markets x AK Photo)
6. Made & Found Market
Where: Webb Park, Redhead
When: The second Sunday of each month, 10 am to 2 pm
Another Newcastle market run by the Homegrown team, Made & Found makes our list as it’s one of the best places to source vintage and second-hand finds. An eclectic mix of stallholders sell handmade goods, curated collections of pre-loved items and upcycled second-hand pieces, like hand-painted denim and tie-dye fashion. If you pride yourself on your style, this is the market for you!
7. Newcastle Food & Flower Markets
Where: 1 Rural Drive, Sandgate
When: Wednesdays – Sundays (7 am to 2 pm Wed – Fri, 8 am to 2 pm Sat, 9 am to 5 pm Sun)
The Newcastle Food & Flower Markets are open five days a week, so if you’re in town outside of the weekend, add it to your list. The market proudly supports local businesses and those with a focus on sustainable and eco-conscious living. You will, of course, find plenty of fresh produce and flowers, but be sure to check the website in advance to see what workshops are being held, from lflower arranging to cooking. There’s also an onsite cafe for after you shop ‘til you drop.
Find pastel-hued bouquets at Newcastle Food & Flower Markets.
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