Sydney’s Weekend Markets.
This is a guest post by Maxine Sheppard. Maxine Sheppard loves a good rummage around Sydney’s busy, colourful markets – here are a few of her favourites:
The Rocks Markets
Photo by Gillian in Brussels via Flickr.
Time a visit to the cobblestoned alleyways and historical pubs of The Rocks to coincide with the weekend market, all just a ten minute stroll from Sydney’s CBD. A lively, high-end market with more than 200 stalls offering original designs from established and emerging artists, it’s the ideal place to pick up a distinctive souvenir, from eclectic fashions to locally-produced textiles, bags, lanterns, candles and glassware. Some of the more unusual items on sale include designer dogwear and pet collars, some freakily-odd wild animal face masks, and unique gifts made from bread dough. There’s a proper Foodie’s Market every Friday too, but weekenders will still be able to pick up some edible treats, including native spiced dukkahs, gourmet fudge, and custom-made rock candy.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Where: George Street, The Rocks, Sydney
Manly Arts & Crafts Market
Photo by Kyle Taylor, Dream It. Do It. World Tour via Flickr.
Jump on a ferry at Circular Quay and make a beeline for the weekly Arts & Crafts market at Manly, Sydney’s most popular seaside resort. Expect to find plenty of local artisans and craftspeople manning the stalls, which are stacked with a truly impressive array of handmade jewellery, ceramics, sculptures, paintings , homewares, beauty products, photography and fashion items. On Saturdays, a farmer’s market operates alongside, with high quality cheeses, olive oils and other gourmet delicacies, offering food-loving browsers plenty of opportunities to indulge.
When: Saturday and Sunday 10am – 5pm (weekly)
Where: Sydney Road & Market Place, Manly, Sydney
Bondi Market
Photo by vinwong via Flickr.
Bondi Market makes for an ideal distraction between a reviving Sunday brunch and a lazy late afternoon flop on this stunning, world-famous sweep of sand. The market takes place at the northern end of Campbell Parade in the grounds of Bondi Beach Public school, and sells a cornucopia of interesting products and knick knacks, though the emphasis is firmly on fashion. Whatever your tastes, there should be something to suit, with second-hand, vintage and retro garments rubbing shoulders with striking foreign imports and the latest new apparel from up-and-coming young Australian designers.
When: Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Where: Bondi Beach Public School, Campbell Parade, Bondi, Sydney
Paddington Markets
Photo by Nelson Minar via Flickr.
One of Sydney’s loveliest and longest running markets (39 years and counting), Paddington Markets has always had a strong focus on Australian-made goods. The stallholders here are a really diverse collection of artists and makers and you’ll find stalls selling everything from original screen printed cushions, tea towels and aprons to custom-made timber furniture, hand poured scented candles, pewter jewellery, essential oil soaps and individually hand-bound sketchbooks. Green-fingered visitors will also love the displays of Australian wildflowers at the front of the markets close to the gate, not to mention the gorgeous Australia-grown Japanese Maple, Fig Tree and Azalea bonsai trees.
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Where: 395 Oxford Street, Paddington, Sydney
Eveleigh Market
Photo by Charles Haynes via Flickr.
Taking place undercover at the all-weather, listed Blacksmith’s Workshop in the Inner West suburb of Darlington, Eveleigh is really two markets in one. The Farmer’s market sells an abundance of fresh and locally-sourced produce every Saturday morning, and in the same venue the Artisan’s Market showcases the work of contemporary local designers on the first Sunday of every month. Despite being a relative newcomer to Sydney’s market scene, Eveleigh’s popularity has skyrocketed since it opened back in early 2009. This is due in part to its ongoing commitment to the local community, which it demonstrates through various workshops and charity events, but is also down to a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and the quality of its merchandise, which is consistently high.
When: Eveleigh Farmers Market: Saturdays, 8am – 1pm
Eveleigh Artisan’s Market: First Saturday of the month, 10am – 3pm
Where: 243 Wilson Street, Darlington, Sydney
Glebe Markets
Photo by David Locke via Flickr.
Still in the heart of the Inner West, Glebe Markets has more of an indie, flea market vibe and is the place to head to if your desire for piles of second-hand books and records is stronger than a penchant for free-range goats cheese. Glebe has a younger, grungier, more alternative atmosphere, with plenty of items that appeal to the more bohemian customer, like kitschy jewellery, pre-loved leather goods and vintage clothes and shoes. There’s often live music to entertain the crowds too, many of whom come here just to hang out on the grass with friends and a fresh juice.
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Where: Glebe Public School, corner of Derby Place and Glebe Pt Rd, Glebe, Sydney
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