The Gold Coast has a fresh and relaxed approach to markets, offering a diverse selection of art and homewares, gifts, crafts, fashion, and organic produce. By shopping local, you’re bound to find something unique that you won’t find anywhere else, along with the freshest foods and best live entertainment.
There are several fantastic markets up and down the coast, each one with its own signature style and atmosphere, offering something a little bit different from the next. Here are our top picks.
The Village Markets
Burleigh Heads
Trading on the first and third Sunday of the month, The Village Markets are the original boutique fashion and lifestyle markets offering a string of local labels, quirky fashion, and creative homewares stalls. From handcrafted wooden skateboards to crystals and fresh fruit and vegetables, The Village Markets have produced a creative hub of artistic people, launching the success of many entrepreneurs and up and coming artists. Listen to live music and treat yourself to delicious street food, including German sausages from The Weiner Haus, as you wander through the stalls, soak in the relaxed atmosphere and marvel at some of the best creative enterprises and small businesses the Gold Coast has to offer.
Location: Burleigh Heads State School, 1750 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
When: First and third Sunday of the month, from 8:30am-1pm
Gold Coast Organic Farmers’ Market
Miami
At the Gold Coast’s first organic-only growers’ market you’ll be sure to find guaranteed certified organic produce. Treat yourself to the freshest fruit and vegetables, herbs, tea and coffee, preserves, organic meats, homemade bread, and dry goods. You’ll also find community stalls promoting environmental awareness and natural health practices and products. The Gold Coast Organic Farmers’ Market also sells organic clothing and bedding. While you’re browsing the stalls, grab yourself a freshly-made espresso or smoothie, learn about cooking and storing your organic goods, pick up a brochure on sustainable living, and enjoy the ample free parking on-site. If you’re after the freshest, most nutritious and straight from the farm produce; head to the Gold Coast Farmers’ Market.
Location: Miami High School, 2137-2205 Gold Coast Highway, Miami
When: Every Sunday from 6am-11:30am
Broadbeach Art & Craft Market
Broadbeach
The Broadbeach Markets feature over 150 stalls boasting everything from fashion and homewares, to plants and baked goods. The beautiful beachfront setting of Kurrawa Park is just a short distance away from popular attractions like Jupiter’s Casino and Pacific Fair. The market offers unique Australian-made products you won’t find anywhere else, making it perfect for gift shopping or for finding that special something for your home. Running for over 20 years, the Broadbeach Art & Craft Market has established itself as one of the best original art markets. Pick up fresh food, flowers, and an abundance of one-of-a-kind art pieces next time you’re down!
Location: Old Burleigh Road, Kurrawa Park
When: First and third Sunday of every month, from 8am-2pm
NightQuarter
Helensvale
NightQuarter brings a festival atmosphere to the local market scene, including exotic foods, some of the country’s best live music acts, and six bars to choose from. Wander down the fairy light-lined Tapas Street and you’ll be mistaken for being somewhere in the Mediterranean. Around the corner, you’ll come across The Backyard which is inspired by everything Australian. It’s here you can cook your own BBQ steak, watch live demonstrations, and indulge in some beer tastings. This eclectic night market is a fun night out full of enticing and colourful market stalls in a bustling atmosphere. If you love your food and live entertainment, this is the place to head to with your friends or family.
Location: 1 Town Centre Drive, Helensvale
When: Every Friday and Saturday from 4pm-10pm
The Social Markets
Mermaid Beach
Just as the name suggests, The Social Markets are great for those who love the social atmosphere of a local market and want more activities to partake in after browsing the market stalls. Located at the Mermaid Beach Bowls Club, The Social Markets are jammed-pack with entertainment and activities including free barefoot lawn bowls, live music, and a range of beers, wines, and cocktails. Some of the Gold Coast’s best food trucks also line up out the front offering a range of local and international cuisines. If you have a family with young ones, they’ll absolutely love the kid’s activities like jumping castles, face painting, and free entertainment all night long.
Location: Mermaid Beach Bowls Club, 9 Markeri Street, Mermaid Beach
When: Every second Saturday from 4pm-9pm
Coolangatta Market
Coolangatta
Right on the picturesque Coolangatta beachfront, the Coolangatta Markets provides shoppers with a fantastic selection of handmade arts and crafts, including hand-painted didgeridoos and original prints for the home, as well as fresh produce, clothing, soaps, candles, and more. Between the beach and the famous Surfers Strip, the markets are the perfect spot to stroll around and listen to live music as you take in the sights and enjoy locally-made gifts and delicacies. Fun activities include Henna body art and face-painting, as well as regular live demonstrations and performances.
Location: Queen Elizabeth Park, opposite The Strand Shopping Centre
When: Every second Sunday of the month and 4th Sunday in five Sunday months, from 8am-2pm
Refuel after a day of shopping at the Cooly Hotel
After spending a day at the Gold Coast markets you’ll be sure to need a big feed. Check out the Crave Restaurant at the Cooly Hotel for a huge range of meals the whole family will enjoy.
