7 of the best local farmers markets in Queensland

No weekend in Noosa would be complete without a visit to the Noosa Farmers Market.

You’ll find everything from organic fruit and veg to bush foods, freshly-squeezed drinks and the kind of homemade marinades that will leave your dinner guests asking for more. Bring a cooler bag for take-home treats like freshly-caught sustainable seafood, local meats and cheeses. 

This is no hobby-market started by wannabe foodies. The owners also run the Noosa Food eTrail – a DIY food map of Noosa that uncovers where you can go fruit picking, take a farm tour or take a cooking class during your time on the coast.

Find it: 155 Weyba Rd, Noosaville, every Sunday 6am-12pm

Good to know: Come hungry - there's plenty of food vendors serving up morning snacks from acai bowls to brisket burgers, and fresh coffee too.

Gold Coast Organic Market, Miami

A trip to the Organic Gold Coast Farmers Market is akin to walking through the gates of organic heaven. Why? To even get a market stall on the Merrimac High School oval, all producers must be Certified Organically Grown, so you know they’re the real deal.

Spice up your morning smoothie bowl with ‘picked yesterday produce’ alongside more hard-to-find veggies like dandelion greens, daikon radish and chard. Once you’ve stocked up on produce, crusty bread and fresh juices, you can start organic-ifying your house with cleaning products, cosmetics, clothing and bedding all found here.

Make like a local and pick up kombucha to keep you hydrated while you wander.

Find it: Merrimac State High School, Mermaid Waters. Every Sunday 6am-11:30am. There's plenty of parking available.

Good to know: Sick of having the same old breakfast each morning? Pick up homemade jams, sauces and nut-butters.

Jan Powers Farmers Markets, Brisbane Powerhouse

The market matriarch of Brisbane, Jan Powers takes over the Powerhouse in New Farm for weekends filled with farm-fresh produce.

Within the stalls, you’ll find everything from fresh fruit and veggies, homemade bread, meat, and plants to fresh pastas.

Arrive with hands as empty as your stomach because this market is as much about produce to cook yourself as food trucks that have everything assembled. With a focus on international cuisine, you can chow down on the likes of croissants, dumplings, pizzas and yakitori.

This market is pet-friendly too, so you can add it to your next pawsome Brisbane adventure.

Find it: The Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington St, New Farm, every Saturday 6am-12pm

Good to know: New Farm Park is right around the corner, and perfect for a post-market picnic or if you need to run out some energy with the little ones on the swings afterwards.

Rusty’s Markets, Cairns

Since pushing up its roller doors in 1975, Rusty’s Markets has become a Cairns institution – worthy of being this high on your holiday agenda.

This is no run-of-the-mill market. Rusty’s is more of a three-day event that turns the base of Gilligan’s Backpacker Hotel & Resort into a hawker-style market that wouldn’t be out of place in the streets of south-east Asia.

Within its CBD footprint, Rusty’s packs 180 stalls of exotic fruit, vegetables, fresh breads and a host of international food stalls, which cover everything from hot and spicy samosas to Vietnamese coffee. If you’ve never seen tropical fruits up close, prepare for delights like eye-popping dragonfruit, rambutans and mangosteens.

And if you have change left over from your weekly grocery shop, you can also splurge on the bric-a-brac on offer too.

Find it: 57-89 Grafton St, Cairns City, Friday and Saturday 5am-6pm, Sunday 5am-3pm

Good to know: You’ll find parking above the market and you get two hours free.

Mackay Farmers Market

Looking to fill your fridge with produce from around the Whitsunday region? Head down to the mid-week Mackay Farmers Market and you can do just that. Whether you're passing through town or a local picking up goods before work, this market offers everything you need and more - like exotic monstera, micro-greens, fresh eggs and local dairy. 

There’s no need to race home from this market to quickly cook up your produce. Ever-changing food trucks will ensure you’re not doing your groceries on an empty stomach.

Find it: Bluewater Quay, River St, Mackay. Every Wednesday 6:30am-10:30am. 

Good to know: Parking is a cinch for this market, making short work of lugging your pumpkins back to the car.

Stanthorpe Seasonal Feast Markets

Southern Queensland Country's Stanthorpe might just be one of our favourite food bowls in the state. And if you're visiting for a long weekend, be sure to put the Seasonal Feast Markets on your agenda, held Friday each week. 

This is an authentic regional food experience: you'll find everything from freshly picked fruits and veggies to organic meat, local honey, wines and handmade goods.

Find it:  Farley Street Piazza, Farley Street, Stanthorpe. Every Friday 8am – 2pm

Good to know: Arrive early to get the best pick of the bunch, then make a day of it and hop between cellar doors across the Granite Belt.

Urangan Pier Market, Hervey Bay

The Urangan Pier Market in Hervey Bay may well be the most picturesque farmers market in Queensland, running adjacent to the iconic 868m pier.

Between all the handicrafts, live music, kids activities and more, you'll find a fresh produce scene that has locals beating a track to the waterfront markets each weekend. Plus, this volunteer run market is family and pet-friendly. 

Find it: Pier Park, Urangan. Every Wednesday and Saturday 7am to 1pm

Good to know: Tune into the Facebook page for the regular specials and comings and goings.