Embrace sea-to-stall produce, locally crafted treats and a warm, relaxed ambience at the best Port Macquarie markets.
The NSW North Coast dazzles with fresh, coastline-coddled indulgences — the only issue you’ll run into is sampling them all in a single trip. Cue a top-notch collective of Port Macquarie markets, stacked with the region’s most sensational produce in one convenient spot, as well as boho-inspired and vintage fashion, thoughtful gifts, crafty accessories and beach-inspired interiors to help take your holiday home with you. Grab the reusable shopping bags — your market trail starts here.
1. Real Food Markets
Score the best deals from local artisans.
Consider yourself a true local if dropping into Real Food Markets is on your to-do list. One of the few Port Macquarie markets to pop up weekly, the buzzing haven of locally grown fruit and veg, locally blended condiments, baked goodies, pasture-raised meat and eggs, and vivid blooms, is a one-stop shop for foodies. Whether you’re scheming the week’s groceries for your exceptional Port Macquarie accommodation or just keen to check out what nearby farmers are renowned for, this spot is always rewarding.
Where: Glasshouse Forecourt, corner Clarence and Hay Streets, Port Macquarie
When: Every Tuesday, 12pm – 5pm
2. Port Macquarie Art Society Markets
Another weekly event to add to your itinerary, the Port Macquarie Art Society Markets are staged within the heritage grounds of Hamilton House — so visiting offers a bonus historical immersion, too. There’s always locally made arts and crafts to comb through, plus there’s often homemade food and condiments, and a scattering of local produce. This Port Macquarie market is an initiative run by the local art society which brings together the region’s most established and budding creative talents to showcase their work and develop their craft.
Where: Hamilton House, 198 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie
When: Every Sunday, 8am – 1pm
3. Kendall Bazaar
Shop handcrafted goodies for a cause.
Less than 30 minutes’ drive south of Port Macquarie lies the Kendall Bazaar, a weekly market organised by local volunteers to raise funds for the suburb’s much-adored community centre. Unsurprisingly, community spirit flows freely as local artisans, suppliers and farmers converge to sell peak produce, bric-a-brac, hand-made clothing, relishes, sauces and additional spoils. There’s also coffee and cake on hand, plus undercover spots to sit back and savour your morning tea peacefully.
Where: Kendall Community Centre, 19 Comboyne St, Kendall
When: Every Thursday, 9am – 12pm
4. The Foreshore Market
There’s something for everyone, from food to clothes and plants.
Moving on to the semi-regular Port Macquarie markets, The Foreshore Market is a local institution, showcasing the beautiful handiwork of local creatives to the soundtrack of regular live music. The setting itself is also a drawcard, right up against the shimmering Hastings River, but it’s typically this event’s signature chilled out vibes that keep visitors flocking. Expect endless temptations spanning gourmet baked goods and meals, fresh produce and flowers, vintage fashion, jewellery, arts and crafts and more.
Where: Westport Park, 18 Park St, Port Macquarie
When: 2nd Saturday of every month, 9am – 2pm
5. Wauchope Farmers Market
Find handcrafted treasures for gifting others or yourself.
You’ll need to jump in the car for about 20 minutes and head inland but the journey to Wauchope Farmers Market is worth it. A magnet for the most acclaimed local farmers and producers, the low-key hot spot features delicious locally sourced ingredients including fresh seafood, arts and crafts, native flowers and plants and the odd clothing stall. Breakfast and quality coffee are also dished up to crowds that thoroughly explore the space each and every month.
Where: Wauchope Showground, 93a High Street, Wauchope
When: 4th Saturday of every month, 8am – 12pm
6. Laurieton Riverwalk Markets
The market has been operating for two decades now.
Another Hastings region winner about 30 minutes’ drive from Port Macquarie proper is the Laurieton Riverwalk Markets, located south of town. Pulling thick crowds to the boardwalk of Camden Haven River once a month, the market has been running for more than 20 years — so consider it a shoppers’ non-negotiable. The stalls are slick, offering charming handmade homewares, crockery, fashion, records, sweets, hot food, quirky collectables and more. There are about 200 stalls in total, so get there early to scan the entire lot at a real snail’s pace.
Where: Corner Tunis and Short Streets, Laurieton
When: 3rd Sunday of every month, 8am — 1pm
7. Johns River Country Market
Pick up a range of old wares, homemade items, local crafts, paintings, folk art, leadlight ornaments, and plants. (Image: Joe Godwin)
Set across spacious, grassy grounds in the rural suburb of Johns River, the Johns River Country Market offers a little teaser into the charms of this tight-knit community. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Port Macquarie’s town centre, but you’ll be rewarded for your efforts via a string of stalls that have been operating for more than 25 years. You’ll find vintage collectables, homemade arts and craft, local fruit and veg, bric-a-brac and Devonshire Tea offered by the Trustees of the Johns River Community Hall. There’s also a playground on hand to tire out your littlies.
Where: Johns River Community Hall & Recreation Reserve, Johns River Rd, Johns River
When: 2nd Saturday of every month, 8am – 12.30pm
8. Crescent Head Community Markets
Quirky items await market visitors. (Image: Donna Amber)
Venture up north for just under an hour to discover one of the prettiest markets in the region. The once-monthly Crescent Head Community Markets pulls visitors from all over the coast so expect a mix of laidback locals and holidaymakers. Handmade clothing, homewares, jewellery and other decorative treasures are the speciality here, while home-grown produce (including fresh seafood), jams and preserves, surf gear (you’re right on the beach, after all), and second-hand items are also dotted throughout.
Where: Crescent Head Beach Reserve, Reserve Rd, Crescent Head
When: 2nd Sunday of every month, 8am – 1pm
Discover the best Port Macquarie
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