5 farmers’ markets that you really should take the time to visit
Although Australia joined the global farmers’ market movement relatively late, with the first market opening in Sydney in 1995, we’ve thoroughly embraced the phenomenon, with markets sprouting up all over the place and new ones announced on a regular basis. And the popularity of farmers’ markets is not surprising — they’re not just about the fresh, seasonal food; they’re also a hugely fun day out, with kids’ activities, music and the chance to meet some locals.
While choosing 5 markets to feature was no easy matter, we’ve picked a mix of rural, regional and urban markets to give you just a taste of the variety on offer.
Euroa Village Farmers’ Market
Located in the Euroa Rotary Park and held on the third Saturday of every month, the Euroa Village Farmers’ Market has justifiably gained a reputation as one of Victoria’s best markets. With over 30 stalls selling local produce — including seasonal vegetables & fruits, pork, eggs, honey, preserves, organic sourdough bread, herbs and wine, plus locally made handcrafts, second hand wares, plants and much, much more — the Euroa Village Farmers’ Market has something for everyone.
Only an hour-and-a-half from Melbourne, straight up the Hume Highway, the historic town of Euroa is well worth a visit. Leave early and spend a couple of hours at the market, then take a stroll along the banks of the picturesque Seven Creeks River, visit the local op shop or have a great coffee in one of the cafés on the main street. And if you’ve got time, take a drive up through the nearby Strathbogies for glimpse of a truly stunning part of the Victorian countryside.
Kangaroo Island Farmers’ Market
Have you ever wanted to visit Kangaroo Island in South Australia? Well if you do, make sure you include the first Sunday of the month (plus extra Sundays during summer and on Easter Sunday) so you catch the Kangaroo Island Farmers’ Market at the harbour town of Penneshaw.
The market, like the Island, is renowned for the quality of the local fruit and veg and its range of artisan producers, including local lamb and smallgoods, olive oil, organic honey, free-range eggs, sheep cheeses and yoghurts, sticky figs and fig syrup, handmade cordials, curry pastes, chutneys and relishes, local wine, old-fashioned biscuits, and more. And for day-trippers, you can catch a ferry from Cape Jervis (two hours south of Adelaide), with Sealink offering special market day fares.
Spend the day on the Island, checking out the market, the local cafes and restaurants, or wander along the harbour front and take in a spot of fishing. There’s so much to do and see on Kangaroo Island, you might want to extend your stay, with a range of accommodation available to suit your budget.
Veg Out St Kilda Farmers Market
One of Melbourne’s oldest farmers’ market, Veg Out is held on the first Saturday of every month between 8.30am and 1pm, on the Peanut Farm Reserve in St Kilda, just next to Luna Park and behind the amazing Veg Out Community Gardens.
Accredited by the Victorian Farmers’ Market Association (VFMA), the market features a huge range of conventional and organic produce straight from the farmer to you. There’s seasonal fruit and vegetables, free range eggs and meats, olive oils, honey, wines, biscuits, jams, chutneys, mayonnaise, spice mixes, pates, confectionery, ginseng, breads, pasta, artisan cheeses, and seedlings & flowers, with the Moondarra organic blueberries being a summertime highlight.
Veg Out is really a Melbourne treasure and should feature on your list of things to do at least once. Take note, ‘though — the market is plastic bag free, so bring your own basket, bags or a trolley to stuff full of seasonal goodies.
Albury Wodonga Farmers’ Market
The Albury Wodonga Farmers Market has the great advantage of being held every Saturday from 8am – 12 noon, with the location alternating between Hovell Tree Park in Albury and Gateway Village in Wodonga, both sites close to the banks of the Murray River.
The fact it’s on every Saturday means locals and visitors alike will never miss out on a market, and the opportunity to snaffle some Murray river region delights, such as Verduci Produce, Wilksch Estate wines, Pasta Adele, Marobe Cakes & Truffles, to name just a few of the local producers and farmers who are regular stallholders.
Operating since 2002, the Albury Wodonga Farmers’ Market presents a perfect opportunity to buy regional produce straight from the source, which also means you’re supporting local farmers and the community.
Adelaide Hills Farmers’ Market
For those in the Adelaide area or visitors passing through the beautiful Hills region, make sure you take time out to visit the Adelaide Hills Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday (excluding Easter Saturday) on Mann Street in Mount Barker from 8.30am until 12.30pm.
Well-known for the quality and quantity of local produce, the Adelaide Hills Farmers’ Market showcases the region’s talented producers, such as Wakefield Grange beef and lamb, Ashbourne Valley Orchards, Gooseberry Hill Farm, Farmhouse Pantry, plus many more.
On the first Saturday of the month, the market includes an Artisans’ Market, featuring local artists, craftspeople and musicians, and adding an extra dimension to what is already a fantastic source of gourmet food, seasonal fruit & veg and quality meats, cheeses and wine (of course, there’s wine — it’s the Adelaide Hills after all!).
Date:
24 January 2017
Category:
Lumo Community
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Living Sustainably
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