Top-notch Flea, Arts and Farmer's Markets Across Rural Victoria
From farmers markets bursting with fresh produce and unique local goods, to arts and crafts markets showcasing the creativity of local artists and makers, and flea markets filled with vintage treasures, regional Victoria offers a diverse range of markets for every taste. Here's a guide to some of the best markets across the region.
Farmers Markets
The Bendigo Community Farmers Market is a must-visit, held every second Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Sidney Myer Place, and the fourth Thursday of the month from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the Hargreaves Mall. Coburg Farmers' Market, every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Coburg Primary School, focuses on organic produce and local crafts, while the Macedon Village Farmers Market, operating four times a year on the 5th Saturday of the month from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, offers a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, meats, local artisan skincare, and crafts. Torquay Farmers Market and Warragul Farmers Market are also listed among the best, but their specific hours should be checked locally.
Arts and Crafts Markets
While dedicated arts and crafts markets in regional Victoria are not explicitly detailed, many farmers markets like Bendigo and Macedon include artisanal crafts among their offerings.
Flea Markets
Large community farmers markets often have flea market-style stalls with vintage and secondhand goods, as noted in some regional markets' descriptions. However, specific flea markets in regional Victoria are not listed directly in the search results. For the most updated information, particularly for flea markets or specialized craft markets, it’s recommended to check local community websites or regional tourism pages.
Other Notable Markets
The Bright Market offers everything from hand-carved wooden toys to locally grown herbs and upcycled fashion, held on the third Saturday of each month from 8.30am-12.30pm at Howitt Park, Bright. The Daylesford Sunday Market is held every Sunday from 8am-3pm at Daylesford Railway Station, 18 Raglan Street, Daylesford, featuring up to 130 stalls offering fresh food, handwoven scarves, timber toys, original paintings, artisan soaps, eco-friendly fashion, and other unique gifts. The Daylesford Trash & Treasure Market runs alongside the Daylesford Sunday Market and offers vintage furniture, records, second-hand books, and collectibles.
The Ballarat Vintage & Collectables Market is open daily from 10am-6pm (closed Christmas Day) at 9367B National Highway, Warrenheip, featuring over 80 stalls full of vintage clothing, antique furniture, retro signs, war memorabilia, rare books, and more. The Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar is open daily from 10am-5pm at 1 Walker Street, Castlemaine, offering handcrafted goods such as hand-dyed textiles, beach-themed artwork, woven baskets, beeswax wraps, and glassware.
The Port Fairy Community Market is held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, as well as Easter Saturday and March/June long weekends, at 5 Railway Place, Port Fairy, and the Bendigo Showgrounds Market is held every Sunday from 8.30am-2pm (excluding major events on at the showgrounds) at Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Holmes Road, Bendigo.
Lastly, the Gisborne Old Time Market is held on the first Sunday of each month from 9am-2pm (Feb-Dec) at Aitken & Hamilton Streets, Gisborne, featuring around 150 stalls filled with local makers and artists offering clothing, accessories, jewellery, artisanal jams, produce, handmade crafts, and more.
Most markets operate primarily on weekends, especially Saturdays, with times commonly between 8:00 or 9:00 AM until early afternoon (1:00 to 4:00 PM). Macedon Village Farmers Market provides parking access and easy train access, enhancing convenience.
In addition to the diverse range of farmers markets, regional Victoria also boasts arts and crafts markets like the Daylesford Sunday Market and the Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar, offering unique handmade goods and second-hand treasures. For travelers seeking shopping experiences, the Ballarat Vintage & Collectables Market and the Port Fairy Community Market provide a variety of vintage clothing, antiques, and local artisan products. However, for specific details on flea markets in the region, it's advisable to check local community websites or regional tourism pages.