Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets, one of Canberra’s most recommended markets. Photo: Ben Calvert.
Canberra’s local markets showcase the best the region has to offer, including arts, crafts, clothing, jewellery, second-hand treasures, and loads of other items sourced or handmade with love.
A great market has heaps of variety and you’re sure to uncover a unique item for yourself or as a gift.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a fascinating market, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great market?
A great market is one with a vibrant personality and lots of buzz. It has a variety of interesting stallholders and, in addition to unique shopping, often offer food and live entertainment, including for kids. They’re also conveniently located with plenty of parking.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a market.
- Great vibe. Markets should be fun and have a great vibe. They’re lively places to enjoy exploring and even meet new friends.
- Super stallholders. You’ll want a market with interesting stallholders who love selling their wares. This includes stallholders willing to chat about what they have on offer.
- Amazing variety. The best markets have amazing variety, with something for everyone.
- Conveniently located. You’ll want a market that is close or easy to get to, whether you’re walking, driving or taking public transport. If travelling by car, you’ll likely favour markets with plenty of (free) parking.
- Lots of extras. Great markets offer much more than stallholders. They often have food trucks, coffee carts, wine and beer, live entertainment and more. These extras add to the lively atmosphere of a market.
The best markets in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Hartley Hall Markets
The Hartley Hall Markets, organised by Hartley Lifecare, are one of Australia’s largest home-made and home-grown goods markets. Entry is by a gold coin donation with all proceeds supporting Hartley Lifecare’s important disability programs and services.
The markets have a rural theme and are held at the picturesque Hall Village Showground, just 10 kilometres north of Canberra. With a friendly atmosphere and great bargains to be found, Hartley Hall Markets’ stallholders sell quality fresh produce, baked goods, plants, furniture, clothing, pottery, jewellery, children’s toys, crafts, unique gifts, and more. Barbeques, canteens, live music and other entertainment make visiting fun for families and friends.
Held the first Sunday of every month, the Hartley Hall Markets run from 10 am to 3 pm. Plus, at the end of the year they host a special Christmas Market.
On Google, Jess Perkins wrote, “Great variety of stalls, with art, craft, food and coffee. Loved some of the handmade gifts and clothing available, as well as some craft and arts.”
Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets
At Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets, a Canberra institution, stallholders sell fresh produce, including fruit and vegetables, meats, seafood, delicatessen items and bakery products. Specialty stores include an Asian grocery and boutique bottle shop. The markets have a lively atmosphere and delicious places to grab a bite to eat. Parking is free.
Natalie Lineham wrote on Google, “Great local market to purchase FRESH fruit and vegetables as well as a range of deli products, specialist food products, seafood and, of course, wine.”
Canberra Kids Market
This is the place to find new, handmade and pre-loved clothing, toys, books, games, accessories and equipment for babies, toddlers and young ones. The Canberra Kids Market has plenty of stalls to explore and great bargains to be had. Quality treasures for 0 to 12-year-old girls and boys, including designer labels and popular brands. A huge number of stallholders pop up at every market and market goers save big on their buys.
The Markets Wanniassa
The Markets Wanniassa offer an extensive range of products. This family run collective of handmade, homemade and Australian innovative products is showcased under one roof. The markets support local artists who create artwork, jewellery, soaps, candles, baby products and much more.
Kara Tedman wrote on Google, “I’m a huge fan of supporting small and local businesses so this is a perfect outlet … you never know what kinds of cool things you can find here.”
Old Bus Depot Markets
Set within an old industrial building, the Old Bus Depot Markets has been going strong since 1992. With a large number of stallholders, these markets have something for everyone. Stallholders sell clothes, jewellery, hand-crafted wares, artwork, photography, plants, and delicious food. Many items are handmade or handcrafted.
Victoria Taylor wrote on Google, “I’ve been going to these markets religiously for the past five years and every Sunday I find something new … I never get tired of seeing the same stalls. The atmosphere is amazing …”
The Handmade Markets
The Handmade Market offers some of the country’s best Australian made, handmade products and produce. With a wide range of unique designs, souvenirs, fashion, jewellery, and artisan wares, this is one of the best creative markets in the region. Visitors spend hours exploring hundreds of stalls. The Handmade Market also holds an extra-special Christmas market.
As Lenny Pelling wrote on Google, “Love this market to bits! I'm a maker but also a shopper and Handmade has proved excellent for both. So many fabulous stallholders and so beautifully organised.”
Haig Park Village Markets
Haig Park Village Markets are open every Sunday 9am to 2pm, rain, hail or shine (and including public holiday long weekends). These vibrant markets feature an evolving collaboration of farmers, bakers, artisans and talented people, seeking to share their crafted specialties. The markets are lively. They’re community drive. They’re a destination.
On Google, Jaimee Wilson wrote, “The markets are extremely well run and had a great variety of stalls. A great way to spend your Sunday morning supporting local.”
Trash & Treasure Market
A fascinating market and a great place to shop (and sell). Held Sunday mornings from 7am to 12.30pm in the Jamison Centre carpark, Bowman Street. Find fresh fruit and vegetables, plants, baked goods and more. Marketgoers discover that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.
Maria Ollman wrote on Google, “These Markets have been running for more than 30 years … you can find pre-loved treasures as well as fresh food, homegrown fruit, vegetables, plants and honey.”
If you’re looking for more information on other types of markets or fun things to do in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best food markets, the best tours, the best escape rooms and the best playgrounds Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with markets in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the markets listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a great market?
Great markets have oodles of stallholders selling a wide range of items that suit what you’re looking for. A special vibe is a must, as are add-ons like food, coffee and even entertainment. Other factors like location can also be important.
Do you have to pay to get into markets?
Some markets are free. Some charge a small amount to enter. Others take coin donations and give the money they raise to a charity of their choice.
Do all markets have food and drink?
Most markets these days have food and drink. Some even have large, special areas devoted to this. Others have coffee and food vans.
What type of items can I expect at a market?
Each market is unique. Some sell new items of high quality. Some specialise in handmade and others specialise in pre-loved items, such as fashion. A few markets specialise. This might include kids markets or Christmas markets. It’s best to check market websites or social media to see what’s on offer.
Are markets still running with COVID-19?
Some markets have temporarily closed due to COVID restrictions. Others, like the Handmade Markets, have gone virtual until it’s OK to open again. It’s best to check market websites or social media to see what arrangements are in place.
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