11 Of Sydney’s Coolest Weekend Markets
Sydney weekends are best spent, latte in hand, wandering its many markets. It’s the perfect antidote to a big night out and a great place to score a bargain, pick up a unique handmade design, down some gourmet food or find that retro buy.
With some of the coolest markets around – and no two markets the same – here’s the low-down on where to get your market fix in Sydney.
#1 Rozelle Markets
When: Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 4pm
Where: Rozelle School, 663 Darling Street, Rozelle
Crates of bric-a-brac jostle with antiques and serious collectibles at this traditional flea market set in the grounds of Rozelle School in Sydney’s inner west. Down the road from Balmain’s historic pubs and cafes, it’s a bargain hunter’s paradise and one of the few Sydney markets where you feel like, given enough time, you could unearth a dusty relic worth a bundle.
Expect a garage sale buzz and lots of old books, records and furniture alongside pre-loved designer and vintage clothes.
#2 Sydney’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Alternative Market
When: Bi-monthly 10:30am-5:30pm, dates via the Facebook page.
Where: Manning Bar, University of Sydney, Manning Road, Camperdown
Rolling in street cred with a retro rockabilly vibe, this bi-monthly market is one for lovers of vinyl, vintage and classic cars. Browse crates of music, learn how to swing dance ($11) and get dolled up at the glamour retro styling station.
With over three floors of records, rock ‘n’ roll clothing, cult DVDs and posters, this market cum music festival also features DJs and live music (top floor) with an ever-changing line-up of punk, rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly and swing. Entry is $6.
#3 Bondi Markets
When: Sunday, 10am-4pm
With the scene-stealing blue of Bondi Beach as its backdrop, Bondi Markets has some serious good feels: a laidback beachy vibe, hand-made jewellery and original designs from some of Sydney’s up-and-coming designers – cult denim label Ksubi started here, as did coveted fashion brand Sass & Bide.
Alongside racks of vintage jackets and jeans, you’ll also find great retro furniture from the ’50s and ’60s, homewares, arts and crafts. Mix it with the locals and celebrity locals, and cool off on a hot day with a dip in the ocean.
[related_articles]61249,59954[/related_articles]#4 Surry Hills Market
When: First Saturday of every month, 7am-4pm
Where: Shannon Reserve, corner Crown and Collins Streets, Surry Hills
There’s plenty to love about the Surry Hills Market. Rain, hail or shine, it never fails to give up an eclectic mix of hand-made, second-hand and recycled goods.
From vintage fashion and antiques to books, handmade beauty products and pre-loved designer labels, you never know what you’ll find. An ever-changing parade of casual stallholders keeps it interesting and ensures bargains aplenty. In wet weather, a downsized market operates on paved areas.
#5 Finders Keepers Market
When: Biannually, May 4 to 6, 2018
Where: The Cutaway, Barangaroo Reserve, Hickson Road, Barangaroo
Picture the entire Etsy community under one roof and you’ll get the indie-cool of Finders Keepers Market. Going strong since 2008, Australia’s biggest art and design market comes together for three days twice a year at a new location, The Cutaway at Barangaroo Reserve.
From funky jewellery to hand-made creams, soft furnishings and clothes, there’s more than 200 emerging and established artists and designers here including plenty of new talent, live music, food trucks and great coffee. Entry is $2.
[related_articles]59439,32768[/related_articles]#6 Paddington Markets
When: Saturday, 10am-4pm
Where: 395 Oxford Street, Paddington
The flea market feel has long gone, and with it the bargains, yet Paddington Market has lost none of its cool. Supporting budding designers since 1973 – both Dinosaur Designs and Sambag started here – this Sydney institution is the place to score a one-off design or unique gift.
With over 150 stalls showcasing new designers, artists, crafts and artisans, expect original designs and accessories, hand-made soaps, sweet-smelling candles and art as well as plants, handmade chocolates, fresh flowers and bread.
#7 Brewery Yards Market
When: First and third Sunday of every month, 10am-4pm
Where: 28 Broadway, Chippendale
Quirky crafts, street art, jewellery and local designer threads dominate at this chill city market in downtown Chippendale. Pretty rows of white-roofed stalls house designs by Thick as Thieves, Stellino and LUKA Candles and lesser known labels, Metal Head jewellery and Core streetwear. Ping pong tables, deck chairs and a live music stage almost make you forget about the work week looming.
For the hungry-hearted, there’s baked goods from Kraving K and Cakey Bakey Heart, Brooklyn Boy Bagels and cold-pressed juices from Prodjuice.
#8 Glebe Markets
When: Saturday, 10am to 4pm
Where: Glebe Public School, Glebe Point Road, Glebe
This funky inner-city market just 3km from the CBD has lots going for it, not least the large, grassy expanse, food stalls and live music at the Derwent Lane end. Vintage fashion, handmade crafts, jewellery, fresh produce and lush home wares are a mainstay alongside casual stallholders selling recycled fashions.
Held in the grounds of Glebe Public School, this is one of Sydney’s more popular markets.
[related_articles]57618,57226[/related_articles]#9 Kirribilli Markets
When: Art, Design & Fashion market, second Sunday each month. General Market, fourth Saturday each month, 8:30am-3pm
Where: Bradfield Park, Alfred Street South, Milsons Point
There’s nothing dated about this market with an Instagram-worthy vista. Hugging the train line at Bradfield Park, Sydney’s oldest market gives up great pics with views to the north end pylon of the Harbour Bridge and two killer markets each month.
The first, a vibrant art, design and fashion market, is the place to snare a unique gift, designer one-off or something special for the home. Later in the month, the general market delivers a fantastic cross-section of fresh produce, vintage, recycled and artisan goods.
#10 Marrickville Organic Food and Farmers Markets
When: Every Sunday, 7:30am-3pm
Where: 142 Addison Road, Marrickville
Hessian bags reign supreme at this charming artisan organic farmers market in Sydney’s inner west. Alongside stalls bursting with seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheese, crusty bread, and grass-fed poultry and meats you’ll find a handful of vintage and new clothing, home wares, jewellery and books.
Get in early to beat the crowds and make a beeline for Jimmy Lik’s game-changing pork belly and duck egg roll, one of the many delicious food stalls here. While there, be sure to make a pit-stop at Reverse Garbage, Australia’s largest recycled craft centre.
[related_articles]57997,60932[/related_articles]#11 Eveleigh Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, 8am-1pm
Where: 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
A brisk ten-minute walk from Redfern Station, this flourishing undercover farmers market adjoining the revamped Carriageworks art space, is bustling with people and gourmet and seasonal foods. Pastries, small batch olive oils, cheeses and honey glisten alongside buckets of fresh flowers, organic fruit and veg, pastured meats and sausages. There’s plenty of celebrity restaurant-manned food stalls too. Grab a coffee from Colombian Connection Coffee and stave off the hunger with one of Kylie Kwong’s famous pork buns with chilli sauce while you decide what other delicious morsels to try.
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(Lead image: Finders Keepers / Facebook)
