Locals-approved shoppers’ guide for exploring the top markets on the Gold Coast
There’s a saying that the best way to learn about a city is through its market.
You will have firsthand experience of the city’s culture and traditions. The wares, food, and goods are only a bonus to the journey.
Of course, the same rings true for the Gold Coast. I don’t know how many visitors I’ve met and bonded with while shopping in the city’s numerous markets.
So whether it’s local goods or friendships, the top markets on the Gold Coast offer the best of both worlds. And all they’re waiting for is you.
Farmers’ markets on the Gold Coast
Nothing can beat buying your vegetables, fruits, and meats fresh from the source. You can guarantee the products remain fresh and preservative-free.
Plus, the products are considerably cheaper than those sold in supermarkets and convenience stores. You can even haggle with the prices or get more with what you paid for.
Luckily, the Gold Coast is bursting with farmers’ markets ready to provide affordable goods to the public. Here are some of the most notable spots:
Palm Beach Farmers Market
– Media credit: palmbeachfarmersmarket
Location: Currumbin High School, Thrower Dr, Palm Beach
Contact: [email protected], +61 405 185 683
Hours: Saturday: 6:00 – 11:30 AM
Palm Beach Farmers Market guarantees visitors various great local products at reasonable prices.
Customers can buy giant asparagus for $8 per two packs or a buy-one-take-one broccoli package for $9.
Best of all, it’s one of the few farmers’ markets on the Gold Coast offering cheap out-of-season goods. People can take home cabbages, mangoes, and peaches two months before their usual harvesting time.
After browsing the local goods, customers can energize their weary bodies with food booths and stalls across the market.
The indie music playing in the background only completes the experience. If you’re lucky, you might catch live performances from local bands, but be prepared for huge crowds.
The local pastries are particularly popular among visitors for their sweet but not sugary tastes. They’re also guaranteed to be fresh from the oven, so you won’t have to worry about them being tough to chew.
Pro tip:
If you’re visiting the market early, don’t come with an empty stomach. Most food stalls open much later and only sell small snacks.
If not possible, there’s a McDonald’s joint across the Pacific Motorway. Aperitivo Cafe is past the bridge south for a charming alternative.
HOTA Markets
– Media credit: hotamarkets
Location: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
Contact: [email protected], +61 421 196 722
Hours: Sunday: 6:00 – 11:30 AM
More than being the Gold Coast’s cultural center, the Home of the Arts also serves as the home for one of the best markets for farmers’ and artisans’ goods.
From farm-fresh produce to newly caught fish and seafood, visitors won’t have a shortage of great products to fill their kitchens.
People can browse for budget-friendly produce in their comfort. There’s a huge parking spot nearby with commercial establishments all around.
They won’t also need to worry about getting hungry, as food stalls litter across the market selling various snacks and meals, some of which are Gold Coast originals.
For added enjoyment, they can set picnic blankets under the scattered trees in the clearing as they enjoy their snacks and inspect the goods they bought.
Like Palm Beach, local musicians frequent the market to perform popular songs and original compositions. Customers can request songs for a small fee.
Afterward, they can enter the HOTA complex and browse the exhibits currently displayed in the arts center for free. The facility also sometimes holds free theater and musicals for anyone interested.
Pro tip:
Don’t arrive at the market later than 8:00 AM to avoid long waiting lines and crowded stalls. You would also have a harder time finding great fish, vegetables, and fruits, as the best ones are often sold early.
The Helensvale Farmers Market
– Media credit: thehelensvalefarmersmarket
Location: 243 Discovery Dr, Helensvale
Contact: [email protected], 0406347706
Hours: Saturday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
The Helensvale Farmers Market may be smaller than those in Palm Beach and HOTA, but its products remain high quality.
Customers can spend their whole morning browsing through the collection of fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood, and meats.
There’s a breakfast stall on every corner, a snack shop nearby, and a big tent for lunch eateries in the back. All the while, visitors can enjoy the music from the live singers performing in the market center.
In addition to fresh goods, some stalls sell processed organic delicacies like marmalade jams, kombucha, and vegetable sauces.
Aside from food, other shops offer flowers, handicrafts, and even pet care services for you to explore.
Pro tip:
The market stalls operate in the open air with tents to protect the goods from the elements.
As such, bringing an umbrella and sunscreen would be a great idea to help keep you dry and soft while browsing the products.
Arts and culture markets on the Gold Coast
More than the food, markets are often the cultural center in many cities. People can learn more about the locals, their traditions, and arts by visiting one of the local arts and culture markets.
The same remains true on the Gold Coast. Whether you’re there to browse the wares or just enjoy the vibes, a market is there to welcome you.
Gold Coast Art & Craft Markets
– Media credit: artandcraftonthecoast
Location:
- Broadbeach: Pratten Park, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
- Coolangatta: Queen Elizabeth Park, Marine Parade, Coolangatta
- Surfers Paradise: The Esplanade, Paradise Point
- Burleigh Heads: Justins Park, The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads
Contact: [email protected], +61 402 448 139
Hours: Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The Gold Coast Art & Craft Markets stand unique as it doesn’t have a permanent location. Instead, it tours around the city to bring its products closer to people.
The city-wide tour starts at Broadbeach where decorative plants, pet care products, and fashion clothes dominate the sales.
Customers also have the chance to strike a good deal for handmade utilities like organic soaps, cutleries, and crocheted handbags.
The second destination would be Coolangatta where visitors can browse for fascinating handcrafted metal bracelets, swimwear, and local produce.
After a brief return to Broadbeach, the caravan continues in Surfers Paradise where visitors are greeted with numerous art pieces and flowers up for sale. The art and craft market then ends its journey in Burleigh Heads for a cottage-core market experience.
Compared to its previous locations, the Burleigh Heads stop is dominated by handcrafted goods, trinkets, and holistic therapeutics.
People will feel like they’re browsing through concert or festival stalls with all the unique accessories being sold.
Pro tip:
If you plan to visit the Broadbeach markets, schedule your trip on the third Sunday rather than the first.
Most stalls aren’t usually set up in the first week, limiting your options to what is only available there.
The Village Markets
– Media credit: thevillagemarkets
Location: Logan Rd, Stones Corner
Contact: [email protected], +61 487 711 850
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Giving small businesses and entrepreneurs the platform to reach more people is the main goal of The Village Markets.
The market usually hosts over a hundred boutique stalls selling various clothing, footwear, jewelry, and locally designed fashion wear. People can also find secondhand items in great condition and prices.
If it’s the vibes you only came for, the market hosts live band performances. Many visitors also appreciate the welcoming community The Village Markets has cultivated for 16 years.
As of writing, The Village Markets hasn’t announced a schedule for its stalls.
Pro tip:
It’s best to bring cash with you as most stall owners don’t accept debit and credit cards.
That said, you can still withdraw money from the nearby ATMX, Cashcard, Precinct, and National Australian Bank booths around the corner.
Night markets on the Gold Coast
The fun of market browsing doesn’t stop when the sun sets. The city is even more alive and vibrant after dark, thanks to the numerous night markets populating its beachfronts and streets.
If you ever wander to the Gold Coast, here are some of the top spots you should visit:
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
– Media credit: surfersparadisemarkets
Location: The Foreshore, Surfers Paradise
Contact: [email protected], 0403 696 432
Hours: Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
From food bazaar to artsy handicrafts, there’s nothing you can’t find in Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets.
Visitors can find great deals for locally produced and secondhand clothes in addition to tons of processed delicacies from small businesses.
Artworks, souvenirs, and other fashion items can sometimes be spotted too.
There aren’t many perishable goods like fruits and vegetables on the beachfront markets, but people would surely be overwhelmed with a surplus of street food on every corner.
Since the market is located in one of the more popular suburbs in the city, people won’t need to worry about parking spaces and facilities as numerous establishments surround the area.
More than the goods, the night market offers visitors a glimpse of the authentic Gold Coast community when visiting Surfers Paradise Beach, one of Gold Coast’s top beaches.
Pro tip:
If you don’t like crowded places, avoid going to the beachfront markets during weekends and holidays, as locals and tourists often flock to the area.
Wednesday is the best for leisure strolls on the market because there aren’t many people yet, especially in the early afternoons.
Miami Marketta
– Media credit: miamimarketta
Location: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
Contact: [email protected], 0488 590 599
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Miami Marketta was particularly designed to simulate an underground concert bar, with a platform at the end, while stalls and shops adorned the sides.
This often means the place is jam-packed during live performances and special events, which Miami Marketta usually hosts.
If you’re not keen on music, there are still numerous food and drink shops offering various delicacies from all over the world.
You can enjoy a crispy gyoza in one shop and hop into the next to try chili tacos. The selection is seemingly endless with your stomach and wallet the only limits.
Pro tip:
Finding an available parking space in Miami Marketta is often a struggle.
The night market doesn’t have a dedicated parking space, while the nearby SPEC Carpark and Storage King Miami are usually full when evening comes.
To avoid the hassle, it’s best to use public transport when visiting the night market.
Dreamworld Night Market
– Media credit: dreamworldnightmarket
Location: 48R8+C2, Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera
Contact: [email protected], 07 5588 1111
Hours: Friday to Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
It’s no secret that Dreamworld is among the most visited places on the Gold Coast due to its rides and attractions.
However, another standout of the amusement park would be its night market. It offers visitors a chance to stroll through food trucks, bars, and a few mini-rides for the kids.
Despite being close to the main rides, the night market is surprisingly quiet with numerous seats and resting spots. The glowing trees are particularly popular among weary walkers for their cool breeze.
There are usually only a few people in the area, making it the perfect spot to relax while listening to the nearby live music.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch some of the night market’s special events. These include live pro wrestling, comedy specials, arts workshops, and LEGO training.
Dreamworld Night Market can be accessed for $2 each or for free as part of your Dreamworld pass amenities. Kids are also admitted for free.
Pro tip:
The Dreamworld Night Market is surprisingly cold at night—at least colder than the other night markets. Be sure to bring extra layers of clothing or try some of the coffee stalls to warm up the body.
Family-friendly markets on the Gold Coast
Visiting marketplaces is the best when you come as a family. Kids can enjoy the treats and attractions, while adults browse sales deals.
Luckily, the Gold Coast boasts a few great family-friendly markets perfect for your next weekend trip:
Carrara Markets
– Media credit: carrara_markets
Location: Cnr Manchester Rd &, Gooding Dr, Carrara
Contact: [email protected], +61 7 5579 9388
Hours: Saturday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
With over 300 food and item stalls, visitors can enjoy all sorts of experiences in Carrara Markets.
Marketgoers can spend hours browsing handmade cutleries, trinkets, and fashion wear at reasonable prices.
The potted plant section is particularly popular among grannies looking to expand their gardens, while younger generations flock to the cottage-core decorations.
If you still have enough energy, try the mini golf courses, roller-skate rink, and arts and crafts stalls for a memorable time.
Best of all, the customers themselves have the chance to earn money in the weekend market. For just $30, people can register for the Car Boot Sale to sell secondhand items on their vehicles.
There’s no need to bring a tent or hire extra hands to set up the stall. A minivan with a back opening is enough to profit from your disposables.
Pro tip:
The market can be hot at noon and early afternoons. It’s better to bring a fan and water to keep yourself fresh when visiting the area during these hours.
Currumbin Valley Harvest
– Media credit: currumbinvalleyharvest
Location: 1380 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Valley
Contact: [email protected], +61 460 692 750
Hours: Everyday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Nestled in the heart of the Currumbin Valley, the market offers a calming shopping experience far from the city’s noise and hassle.
Customers can stroll across fresh vegetables and fruits while admiring the rolling greenery in the background.
Even the food sold is organic, with the ingredients sourced straight from the stalls. Vegetarians will particularly like the cone salads, perfect for a nutritional meal in the hinterlands.
Of course, meat-eaters won’t be left out, as the market still sells fresh cuts straight from the farm.
The market might rarely receive live performances, but the sound from the nearby creek is more than enough if you want the authentic nature-based lodging mood.
Pro tip:
The path to the market is undeveloped and can easily get flooded during rainy seasons. Visiting the place via personal vehicle is the best option if you don’t want to wade through the slippery mud.
Emerald Lakes Market
– Media credit: emeraldlakesmarket
Location: Town Centre Residential, 3027 The Blvd, Carrara
Contact: [email protected], +61 417 759 777
Hours: Thursday: 3:00 PM – 7:30 PM
People won’t find many wares and items when visiting Emerald Lakes Market, but they are sure to leave full and satiated.
The Twilight market offers to take the customers’ taste buds on a world tour across many countries’ signature dishes and delicacies without all the high traveling expenses.
Customers are also guaranteed that foreign chefs will prepare the dishes from their respective countries, ensuring that they remain close to the authentic.
Its European restaurant dining options are the most popular, with its wide variety of dishes based on Western and Central European cultures. The European-esque buildings surrounding the market only serve to elevate the mood.
Best of all, people can enjoy their food and drinks in tune with the live local singers’ performances.
Pro tip:
Other than the tabled seats near the stalls, all the benches in the area are under the public space. Don’t “reserve” these seats to avoid getting into trouble with the locals.
Secondhand thrift markets on the Gold Coast
Secondhand goods are the lifeblood of community and thrift markets. People can find great items of good quality for reasonable prices.
The same applies to the Gold Coast. Whether it’s fashion wear or memorabilia, the city’s best pre-loved markets give a chance to these items for a new home.
Desert Digs Vintage Market
– Media credit: desertdigsmarket
Location: 6/36 Central Dr, Burleigh Heads
Contact: [email protected], +61 438 461 423
Hours: Everyday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM
If you ask anyone what the best vintage market on the Gold Coast is, chances are, they’d tell you all about Desert Digs.
The market started as a one-off event in Mo’s Desert Clubhouse but has since returned many times due to popular demand.
For one, the vintage market offers limited-edition shirts and even some instruments from the bands that performed in the clubhouse. People can also try their luck at finding a new earworm in the vinyl section.
Consistent with its name, there are numerous cowboy and desert-themed outfits people can try out for their next concert visits.
After browsing the clothes and trinkets, customers can cool down at Mo’s indoor bar and enjoy cocktails and party drinks.
Pro tip:
Finding a parking spot for the vintage market is hard, especially when it’s fully packed during concert festivals.
With no carparks in the 100-meter radius, visiting Desert Digs via public transportation is the best alternative.