A complete guide to the best Gold Coast markets

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets

You won’t know which way to look with both sides of the Esplanade lined with quirky stalls as far as the eye can see at the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets. Prepare yourself to be intrigued (if you’ve ever thought about designing your own candle scent, tonight’s the night) and surprised (fancy a selfie with a real crocodile?) by what’s on offer.

Kids will be drawn to the neon-coloured sludge stand and Konrad the magician who’s always up to new tricks, while pet lovers won’t be able to resist getting their four-legged friend’s face engraved on a pendant. Those looking for unique pieces of handcrafted jewellery are spoilt for choice.

Once you’ve done the rounds, finish off your evening with a walk along the beach or stick around for a taste of Surfers Paradise’s foodie and nightlife scene. Check out this guide to some of the Gold Coast’s must-try restaurants to help you decide.

Where: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

When: Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm - 9pm

Parking: Some car parks offer one to two hours’ free parking, while most on-street parking is free after 7pm.

Carrara

Carrara Markets

The best Gold Coast markets for finding everything you want (and never knew you wanted), Carrara Markets is the largest permanent weekend markets in Queensland. It has a mixed feel that’s part market warehouse and part regional show. There’s a baby animal farm, pony rides, face painting and bungy trampolines every weekend – and one of the most wonderfully odd selections of stalls you’ll ever come across.

Think of the most random thing you could find and chances are you’ll probably find it here. Grab a bargain among shelves stacked with llama pot plants, classic toy collections, vintage knick-knacks, old-school music memorabilia and more; thrown in with your classic market essentials like fruit and veg, pots and plants, and delicious food. There’s even a walk-in butterfly house.

With over 300+ stalls covering 24 acres, it’s best to clear your day to properly explore this GC treasure trove.

Where: Corner Gooding Drive & Manchester Road, Carrara

When: Every Saturday and Sunday from 8am-3pm

Parking: The free on-site parking fits over 4,000 cars.

Miami

Miami Marketta Street Food Markets

It’s easy to mistake The Miami Marketta Street Food night markets for a hip European laneway bar with its buzzing atmosphere, music by local and touring artists, and funky open-air decor. But, you are in fact smack-bang in the middle of the suburbs at the ultimate foodie’s heaven on the Gold Coast.

When you first arrive, kick it straight to the back of the market where you’ll find ever-changing stalls of street food from around the world. Whet your appetite with Greek souvlaki, South American ceviche, Mexican taquitos or Japanese yakisoba stir-fried noodles.

After something savoury? Head to the dessert hall for round two. Treat yourself to a giant lamington from Reid Street Kitchen with a side of vegan Caribbean Sorbet. If chocolate is your guilty pleasure, make a beeline for Brownie Bar.

By now it’s time for (liquid) round three. Grab yourself a fruity cocktail, nab yourself a prime spot near the main stage and let the night roll on.

Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

When: Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 5pm-late 

Parking: There’s free street parking in the area.

Mermaid Waters

Gold Coast Organic Farmers Markets

In rain, hail or shine you can always rely on the Gold Coast Organic Farmers Markets in Miami for your dose of certified organic fruit and veg straight from the farm (and a delicious brekkie and hot coffee to wake you up).

It’s not just the produce that’s organic at this market. From cosmetics and skincare to clothing and cleaning products, there are so many quality products that are actually good for you. They’re ready and waiting to be taken home week to week, including delicious raw snacks, fresh salad mixes and homemade jams, sauces and dips.

If you’re into healthy, organic goodness, check out this clean eating guide to the Gold Coast.

Where: Merrimac State High School, Mermaid Waters

When: Every Sunday from 6am-11:30am

Parking: You’ll find plenty of parking right at the markets.

For more great local farmers markets throughout Queensland, check out this list.

Burleigh Heads

The Village Markets

Grab your pooch, pick up a cacao bowl from the Smoothjuice caravan, and make the most of your day at one of the hippest markets on the Gold Coast.

In the same location as the Burleigh Farmers Markets, The Village Markets (more affectionately known as TVM) is a twice-monthly celebration of creatives, foodies and small businesses from the local community. With a soft spot for start-ups, this is where you’ll discover the next best thing before anyone else.

From funky threads for little and big market goers, to vintage treasures and tropical homewares, there’s something for everyone (not just the hipsters and trendsetters) at TVM. Food trucks and gourmet eats ensure you’re well-fed while you wander, or find a spot on the lawn to take in the tunes of local musicians.

The Village Markets aren’t just about supporting local. They care about sustainability, too. TVM supports locally-made items and its monthly ‘Rack Sale’* is the go-to Gold Coast market for pre-loved clothing. TVM is also plastic-free, so bring your own bags or purchase one of their cool keepsake Good Vibes market bags.

Where: Burleigh Heads State School, Burleigh Heads

When: Every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month from 8:30am-1pm. 

Parking: There’s ample free parking on the oval and surrounds.

Gold Coast Art And Craft Markets

When you think of arts and crafts, it’s pretty standard to picture knitted treasures from your grandma or papier-mâché balloons. But what you’ll find at the Gold Coast Art and Craft Markets held at Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta are the most unique and original gifts and souvenirs guaranteed to warm your heart.

Think handcrafted sandals made for the Gold Coast lifestyle to striking resin beach art, sea-inspired jewellery and boho fashion made locally. It’s hard not to be impressed by the creativity and imagination at work by the lovely folk showcasing their goodies here.

All three locations are right by the beach and dog-friendly.

Where: Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach; The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads; and in the park off Marine Parade, Coolangatta

When: Every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at Broadbeach from 8am-2pm; every last Sunday of the month at Burleigh Heads from 8am-2pm; and every 2nd and 4th Sunday* of the month at Coolangatta from 8am-2pm (*only available in months with five Sundays). 

Parking: At Broadbeach, there’s metered parking on Old Burleigh Road and the surrounding streets, plus a multi-level car park at Oasis Shopping Centre. At Burleigh Heads, you can park on the street or in the GCCC Library car park off Hayle Street. At Coolangatta, ample parking is available on the Esplanade, the surrounding streets and in The Strand Shopping Centre.

Burleigh Farmers Markets

Start your weekend right with a trip to the Burleigh Heads Farmers Markets on Saturday morning (they’re open rain, hail or shine!)

When you first walk in it’s easy to get distracted by the local talent showcasing their goods. But past the handmade jewellery, collectable vintage homewares and tribal baskets (strategically placed, if you forgot your own market bag that day) you’ll find your week’s worth of fresh fruit and veg, beautiful blooms, and an overwhelming selection of treats for your breakfast or brunch.

Alternatively, pick up some fresh bread, cheese and dips – throw in with a couple of sneaky sweets – and have yourself a beach picnic to enjoy across the road. Saturday = sorted.

Located inside the Burleigh Heads State School grounds, there’s a playground on-site to keep the little ones entertained while you wander the markets at a leisurely pace.

Where: Burleigh Heads State School, Burleigh Heads

When: Every Saturday from 7am-12pm

Parking: There’s ample free parking on the oval and surrounds.

Currumbin and surrounding area

Sanctuary Markets

Instead of feeding rainbow lorikeets and kangaroos at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, feed yourself at their Sanctuary Markets held every Friday night in the Village Green.

Don’t let its modest size fool you. These markets are packed with street food from all corners of the world. Take your time doing the solid square lap before (finally) deciding on a tasty multicultural dish or two – like authentic Greek spit-roasted pork gyros, cheese Kransky with a side of German sauerkraut, Brazilian charcoal barbecue picanha skewers, or a classic chicken pad Thai. You can even pick up some fresh fruit for breakfast tomorrow.

When it’s time for dessert, you’ll be torn between Mr Mooberry’s famous fresh strawberries with real fruit ice-cream, a golden dark hazelnut cream-filled cannoli from La Cannoleria, and the halloumi and guava ‘Currumbin’ sweet crepes from Crepe-Stick.

After all that food you’re going to want to sit and chill for a while, so grab a Burleigh Brewery beer from the bar and listen to the local talent that’s been handpicked to serenade you for the evening.

Good to know: Any funds the Sanctuary generates will go back towards its operation in Currumbin.

Where: The Village Green, 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin

When: Every Friday from 4pm-9pm

Parking: Free off-street car parking is available.

Hide & Seek Children’s Market

It doesn’t get more kid-friendly than the Hide & Seek Children’s Market. These boutique markets bring together local artisans in baby clothes, kids toys, family photography and more. The little ones will love getting their face painted or dressing up as a fairy for a mini photo shoot, and playing with the provided toys and dancing along to the live music. When it’s time to feed your family, take your pick from the selection of food trucks and make sure you leave room for ice-cream.

Where: The Well, Upper Coomera

When: 4th Sunday of every month, 9am-12pm

Parking: There’s free designated parking on Avocado Street and along the adjacent streets.