Particularly as winter rolls around, it’s a good idea to eat as much fresh fruit and veggies as possible. It’s even better to support local growers at the same time.

Luckily, we have quite the array of options when it comes to farmers markets on the Gold Coast so you never have to travel too far to stock up.

In honour of all that, here’s a list of 10 farmers markets right here on the Gold Coast. From north to south, happy shopping.

Helensvale Farmers Markets
Supporting local farmers with organic and conventional produce, you’ll find a range of gourmet food stalls alongside carefully selected unique handcrafted creations from local micro-businesses. You’ll find seasonal fruits and vegetables, eggs, meats and seafoods, condiments, organic bread, gluten-free breads and baking, honey, flowers, herbs, kombucha, sweet treats and much more. There’s local music and puppies are welcome too. Open Saturdays from 6am until 10.30am.
Where: Helensvale State High School, 243 Discovery Drive, Helensvale

Marina Mirage Farmers Market
Fresh produce, gourmet foods, specialty items and luscious beauty products, the Marina Mirage Farmers Market is a premier market with everything you need. There’s everything from gourmet roasted coffee, freshly made take home meals and baked goodes, deli treats like stuffed olives, cold meats, pates and dips. You can also pick up some gifts while you’re there, there’s organic body scrubs, white Belgian chocolate and handmade soy candles. All the best things. They’re on the first, third and fifth Saturday of the month from 7am until 12pm.
Where: Marina Mirage, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Bundall Farmers Markets
Visiting Bundall Farmers’ Markets is an experience plenty of locals and visitors love every single week. Not only can you stock up on locally grown goodies, you can also interact with growers and producers and learn about where their food comes from. You’ll find everyting you need from fruit and veggies to fresh flowers, bread, ready-to-eat treats, tasty coffee and plenty more. They are plastic bag free to remember to take your own along with you. Pop in every Sunday from 6am to 11.30am.
Where: Home of the Arts (HOTA), 135 Bundall Road, Bundall

Markets in the Meadow
All the most delightful of goods are on offer at Markets in the Meadow including fresh fruit and vegetables, cryovac meats, specialist bakeries, international take-away eats, local seafood, healthy juices and of course, coffee to kick start the day. You can also find fresh flowers, pet treats, plants and herbs, meals for a week, jams and honey. So all of the best things. Head down for some fun in the sun on Sundays from 6am until 11.30am.
Where: Gold Coast Turf Club, Racecourse Drive, Surfers Paradise

Lavelle Street Markets
Fresh food by local farmers is what you’ll find at Lavelle Street Markets in Nerang. From meat and seafood to rice and flour, all the fruit and vegetables you could possibly imagine plus goodies like hemp seed oil, fresh juice and even treats for your pet, you won’t leave empty handed. Of course there’s fresh coffee to be sipped and plenty of spots to sit and soak up the atmosphere. Open every Sunday form 6.30am to 12pm.
Where: Corner Lavelle & Nerang Street, Nerang

Mudgeeraba Country Markets
With a mission of supporting local growers, the Mugdeeraba Country Market has been a local favourite for many moons. Bring your pooch along to peruse stalls filled with fresh produce, bread, flowers, coffee, everything you love. It’s a beautiful morning out under the trees, filling your basket with tasty eats and breathing in that fresh country air. Get to Mudgeeraba on the second and fourth Sunday of every month from 8am until 1pm.
Where: Mudgeeraba Showground, 115 Mudgeeraba Road, Mudgeeraba

Organic Gold Coast Farmers Market
All organic, everything is the name of the game at Miami’s farmers market. You’ll find an extensive and complete range of the freshest, absolutely straight from the farm, guaranteed certified organically grown seasonal (and interstate) vegetables and fruit. Grab your goodies every Sunday from 6.30am until 11am.
Where: Miami State High School, Gold Coast Highway, Miami

Burleigh Heads Farmers Market
Burleigh’s beloved market offers farm fresh produce, organic fruit and vegetables, gourmet foods, global foods, plants, fresh flowers, meat, fish, deli, antiques and collectibles, arts and crafts, plants, specialty stalls plus hot food, hot coffee and live entertainment. You’re guaranteed to have a good morning at the market then top it off with a stroll across the road to the beach. On every Saturday morning from 7am until 12pm.
Where: Burleigh Heads State School, Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Palm Beach Farmers Market
By the same good folks who bring us Bundall Farmers Market, Palm Beach offers the same five star goodness. Find all your fresh food needs plus breads, specialty stalls, hot food, flowers, gifts and so much more and once you’ve filled your basket, take a seat in the sunshine with a fresh brew and soak it all in. They’re on every Saturday from 6am until 11.30am.
Where: Palm Beach Currumbin High School, Thrower Drive, Palm Beach

Currumbin Community Market
The one and only weekday farmers market on the Coast can be found in Currumbin bearing all kinds of amazing goodies including yes, locally grown fruit and veggies plus selections of nuts and seeds, olives, cheeses, bread, fresh flowers and all set within a relaxing atmosphere. There’s also coffee and ready made breakfast delights if you want to stay awhile. It’s on Thursday mornings from 7am until 11am. Lovely.
Where: Currumbin RSL, 164 Duringan Street, Currumbin

Words by Kirra Smith

Ah markets, how we love thee. Temporarily transforming all our very favourite sun-soaked haunts into stall-laden shopping meccas so that we can get amongst the good vibes, gather fresh provisions and snap up meticulously crafted unique creations from talented local makers.

And for our troubles? Top it all of by refuelling with a hot coffee, fresh smoothie, or the obligatory extra-large serve of Poffertjes.

There’s something (or many somethings…) for everyone and best of all, you’re supporting local – and isn’t that what it’s all about!

Here is a who’s who list of our fabulous local weekday, Saturday and Sunday markets here on our beloved Gold Coast.

The Village Markets
An award-winning platform for small creative businesses, The Village Markets host curated markets encouraging collaboration, creativity and good vibes. With clothing from the coolest designers, jewellery and accessories, homewares, rack sales and amazing food, these curated lifestyle markets are run like a well-oiled machine.

After 16 years TVM have announced the Gold Coast icon will no longer trade at Burleigh Heads State School but will be popping up with a series of events at Robina Town Centre as well as hosting Pop-up Rack Sales around the Gold Coast.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina
When: Check their instagram for the latest

HOTA Farmers & Artisan Markets
The stunning HOTA grounds offer an equally picturesque and conveniently central spot to convene and soak up some #sundayfunday good vibes and a whole lot of local goodies. Thanks to a little transformation into vibrant (literally and figuratively) cultural hub, the Bundall site is also home to a hotted up weekly market offering which has become one of the Gold Coast’s numero ono community events.

They’re passionate about local farmers, makers, bakers and growers, with in-season farm-fresh produce, delicious artisan foods, boutique fashion, handcrafted treasures and live music. Nestled against the backdrop of Evendale Lake and the surrounding parklands, the kids can take a dip while you sit back and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere (read: eat fresh pastries and sip hot coffee). Bliss!
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
When: Every Sunday 6am – 11.30am

Farmers Markets
There are options aplenty when it comes to farmers markets around the Coast to source your fruit, veggies, locally made goods, plants and of course, brekky and caffeine. Supporting local farmers with both organic and conventional produce, you’ll get the feel-good factor as well as the taste-good factor! A ritual for many locals on weekends, it sure beats hitting the mainstream grocery retailers. Plus, the best thing is, you’re spoilt for choice with a number of different locations to hit up.
Where & When: Helensvale State High School – every Saturday from 6am – 11am at 243 Discovery Drive, Helensvale; Marina Mirage Farmers Markets – every Saturday from 6.30am – 12pm at Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach; Palm Beach Currumbin High School – every Saturday morning from 6am – 11.30am at PBC, Thrower Drive, Palm Beach; Burleigh Farmers Markets – every Saturday morning from 7am – 12 noon at Burleigh Heads State School, Cnr West Burleigh Rd &, Lower Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads.

Carrara Markets
Still the biggest market in Oz, Carrara Markets house over 300 stalls. Discount shopping at its best, there is literally nothing you can’t find from fresh produce, fashion, homewares, pots, plants, bric a brac, cars, souvenirs, arts and crafts and everything in between. Perfect for the family, there’s buskers, pony rides, a baby animal farm, bungy trampolines, mini golf, face painters, and even a new walk-in Butterfly House.
Where: Gooding Drive, Carrara
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 7am – 3pm

Emerald Lakes Gourmet Food and Craft Markets
Feeling a bit fancy? Described as a complete alfresco gourmet shopping experience with an international ambiance, head to Emerald Lakes for some of our region’s best street food and fresh produce. It’s also one of the few markets available for a mid-week meander to replenish the larder with quality essentials – with Australian seafood, grain fed and hormone free meats, free range eggs and home-baked goodies all on offer. Plus stock up on gorgeous candles, melts and a myriad of unique crafts, all handmade with love and arguably, still *somewhat* essential.. bc vibes are important too.
Where: Emerald Lakes Complex, The Boulevard, Carrara
When: Every Thursday, 3pm – 7pm

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
No prizes for guessing where these markets are located. Mere footsteps from the sand, they’ve been an iconic Gold Coast shopping and cultural experience since the mid-90s. Featuring artisan and traditional Aussie goods, fresh produce, gourmet provisions, handmade wares and more, they showcase our best growers, makers, characters and creators. When you’re done, Surfers’ melting pot of restaurants and bars are a hop, skip and a jump over the road.
Where: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
When: Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights, 4pm – 9pm

Gold Coast Art & Craft Sunday Markets
Lining the beachfront at four beautiful GC locations (Broadbeach, Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads and now Paradise Point), these markets have been a local fave for over three decades. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, souvenirs, art, craft, the ingenious or the weird and the wonderful, it’s here. A-buzz with atmosphere, there are over 150 stalls showcasing original Australian-made products, fresh produce, yummy food and live entertainment.
Where & When: Kurrawa Park – The first and third Sunday of every month from 8am – 2pm at 155 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach; Queen Elizabeth Park – The second and fourth Sunday of every month from 8am – 2pm at 60 Marine Parade, Coolangatta; Justin Park – The last Sunday of every month from 8am – 2pm at Burleigh Heads; Esplanade North Park – The fourth Sunday of every month from 8am – 2pm at Paradise Point.

The Sanctuary Markets
On The Village Green at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you’ll find these popular markets. A nod to the GC’s multi-culturalism with local and international foods plus cool arts and crafts, you’ll also be wowed by our best homegrown entertainers. The venue is fully licensed (translation: let’s wine), featuring craft beers exclusively from Burleigh Brewing Co, and vinos courtesy of Sirromet Wines.
Where: On The Village Green, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin
When: Every Friday, 4pm – 9pm

The Organic Gold Coast Farmers Market 
Every Sunday morning you can get your fill of organic, spray-free fruit, veggies, ready-made eats (we’re all about easy eats), organic cosmetics, organic clothing…basically, if it’s organic and it exists, it’s here! It’s the perfect place to spend a sunny Sunday morning and load up your basket with treats that will not only make you feel good, but help the planet too!
Where: Merrimac State High School, 3 Dunlop Ct, Mermaid Waters
When: Every Sunday, 6am – 11.30am

Hide & Seek Children’s Market
Those familiar with the Hide & Seek Children’s Market from its former Elanora and Robina locations will be thrilled to learn the concept lives on thanks to a new home in Upper Coomera – with the same signature blend of unique and skilfully hand-crafted creations, all designed with parents and mini-me’s in mind.

The curation of clever local creatives and artisans brings us cute clothing, accessories, toys, décor, furnishings and more. Bop along to all-day live music, grab some bites from local food trucks and wear the kids out with a range of activities. If you love on-trend goodies, rare finds and spoiling your little loves, you won’t be disappointed.
Where: The Well, 58 Highland Way, Upper Coomera
When: Third Saturday of every month from 8am – 12pm.

Miami Marketta
There’s only one thing better than a market and that’s a vibin’ night market. The Coast’s OG laneway dining experience hosts food vendors of all nationalities in the one space, take your entrée from Spain, your main from Thailand, and sweets from France. How multicultural of you! With farshon (fashion – but we just like saying FARSHON) and accessories from local designers, these markets have cool factor for days.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
When: Every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday, 5pm – 10pm

Broadwater Pavilion Markets
A newer in-stall-ment to the GC’s market scene, Southport’s open air market by the sea is quickly establishing itself as a fave among Northern residents with stacks of fun for the whole family. There’s plenty of entertainment for the kiddos, with face painting, henna, hair braiding, character appearances all frequenting the lineup.

While those who have aged out of face-paint demographic (#tear) can hunt for some hand-crafted wares with all manner of scented, ceramic, and sewn goodies on rotation from local stallholders. Bonus for paw-rents: they’re pet friendly (on lead), so bring your pup along for a paw-some day out.
Where: Bathing Pavilion Lawn, Marine Parade, Southport
When: The third Saturday of every second month, 8am – 2pm

Jack Evans Boat Harbour Waterfront Markets
Another one of the newer kids on the proverbial market block, the picturesque Tweed promenade snaking by the Boat Harbour waterfront was just begging for local stallholders and their crafty creations to set up shop and complement our leisurely Saturday strolls.

A stunner of a spot for the Southern GC (four-legged friends invited also!) to congregate with live music, artisan food vendors, hand crafted treasures and boutique fashion stalls a plenty. After you’ve shopped up a storm, cool off with a spot of paddle boarding as the glistening water beckons.

And if that hasn’t worn out the kiddos, the fortuitously placed new foreshore playground should do the trick.
When: Jack Evans Boat Harbour Market: first Saturday of every month, 8am – 1pm. Night Market: second & fourth Friday of every month, 4pm – 8pm
Where: Wharf St, Tweed Heads

Words by Bianca Trathen and Kellie Leader

Okay friends, we need to talk.

There are very few sleeps until Christmas day and yes, our hearts started pounding too. Firstly because it’s legit our favourite time of the year and secondly coz crap, we need to get our rears into gear and sort presents stat.

If you’re like us and running way behind in this department (every.darn.year), here’s a roundup of inspo to help you get a wriggle on.

Being the proud Gold Coasters that we are, each of our suggestions is based in our ‘hood, coz #supportlocal will forever be our favourite hashtag (and we do love a good hashtag, in case you hadn’t noticed).

Here we go….

Spirits and Beer
Get in the spirit this Christmas – quite literally! Who doesn’t love a tipple so a pressie from one of these local booze-bosses, you’ll be the golden child/friend/niece/nephew/co-worker…you get the gist.

If you’re searching for a gin on the northern GC, look no further than Biggera Waters’ White Oat Distillery.  These gents sure know how to hand craft a cracking drop, like their London Dry Gin.

Turning to the central power players, Granddad Jack’s in Miami will sort you out with an extra special Christmas spirit in the form of Pavlova Gin and this is exactly how we like our dessert. Or hit up another newbie which has also been attracting attention for all the right reasons, Burleigh’s Familiar Spirits. We highly recommend their limited-edition Pudding Gin (you’re welcome).

For the beer enthusiasts, you just can’t beat Burleigh Brewing Co. (the Burleigh Twisted Palm Tropical Pale Ale is the shiz) or Lost Palms. Black Hops (and Black Hops II in Biggera Waters) never disappoint, nor does their Foreverland Grapefruit XPA. If an authentic Belgian brew or two is on someone’s wish list, it’s all about Ashmore’s Madlocke Beer Brewing Company.

Clothing
Like booze, we all love threads so when in doubt, look to these local legends!

PJ’s are a go-to for a well-received Chrissie gift and Homebodii specialises in thoughtfully created, elegant sleepwear which, bonus, can be personalised.

Shop the comfiest and coolest loungewear for women and kiddos at Momi Babie (where everything is $20 or less right now), or head for Rhythm in Burleigh for the coastal surfy vibing missus or mister.

The lads at Alfred’s Apartment are providing our local men with an ever-growing range of curated fashion and accessories. And, on a totally unrelated note, you NEED to drop in and check out their coffee slushies stat. #thankuslater.

Good Intentions Co. are making a positive impact, one tee at a time, pledging 10% of their sales to incredible charities like Beyond Blue, FoodBank, and RizeUp.

For the ultimate #supportlocal nod, you cannot go past The Undercurrent. Stocking men’s and women’s unique, high quality tees, singlets and caps designed exclusively by Gold Coast artists who share a passion for our city’s culture, it’s the perfect stocking filler.

Homewares
We all love homewares (verified fact) and Kira and Kira in Miami stock the highest quality, timeless homewares, décor, artwork, and furniture. For beautiful wall art, wallpaper and planners, Mint Art Co have endless gorgeous options. For one-of-a-kind fine art pieces, prints and super cute repositionable decals we recommend The Confetti Collective.

For linen lovers (AKA e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e), I Love Linen has a long list of goodies for the bedroom, the kitchen, and beyond.

For the greenery enthusiast, pop into Greenfolk Botany Shop in Burleigh for plants, cacti, succulents, pots, home and garden wares.

Now these guys aren’t strictly Gold Coaster’s (hailing from just over the border) but we reckon Clubbies Prints Gold Coast surf series are so spesh they need to be included #soznotsoz.

Other Gifts
Simple Sunday Designs is your go-to for linen beach bags and yes, this.is.a.thing! Every Gold Coaster appreciates a lush, premium quality beach or bath towel, just like those at Mayde Towels and no-one does environmentally-friendly natural skincare like Sabbia Co.

Uggs are the quintessential Aussie must-have and the genuine, original version are crafted right here on the GC at Ugg Australian Made. Our tip: personalise your Ugg for a truly unforgettable gift! Small-batch, ethically crafted gold and silver jewellery from Merchants of the Sun is a great stocking filler, as is luxury hand-made artisan chocolate from Little Cocoa.

If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, settle petal because The Village Markets pop-up events always deliver amazing, well, everything. Lifestlye boutique Halo & Grace, in Mermaid Beach, is chock full of a beautifully curated mix of goodies.

And, last but not least, if you’ve yet to discover The Kindred Trader in Burleigh, now is your perfect opportunity. Housing an abundance of Australian and international brands their goodies aim to bring light, colour and joy to your home and life. Be warned, you may *accidentally* leave with a few goodies for yourself as well as your loved one!

HAPPY SHOPPING!

Words by Bianca Trathen.