If you want fresh quality seasonal produce then you can’t beat a farmers market. Because ‘organic’ comes with a premium price most of Sydney’s farmers market are a mix of organically and conventionally grown produce. But that’s okay because the ‘conventional’ farmers selling at the markets understand that shoppers are looking for fresh produce grown using a minimum of chemicals.
Another fantastic thing about farmers’ markets is that you get to support the actual farmer. Your money is going into their pocket not the big supermarket chains. This way they can make a decent living and continue to produce food for you and your family.
Sydney has some great markets sprinkled over the metropolitan area so you should be able to find one from the list below that’s close to you.
1. Warwick Farm Trackside Markets
This is our local market and we have been buying our fresh produce from here for many years now. It’s a great market and you can get most of your fresh food needs from seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh nuts, free-range eggs, grass-fed meat, fresh flowers, locally produced milk, cheese and yogurt and organic sourdough bread.
The thing I like about this market is that most of the producers are local and grow the produce themselves. They aren’t reselling produce they’ve bought from a wholesaler. And being a western Sydney market the prices are very reasonable. So you get great quality produce without having to pay a premium.
When & Where:
Every Saturday from 8am to 12pm – 5 Central Ave, Chipping Norton NSW 2170
2. Ramsgate Foodies & Farmers Market
Funky and lively, Ramsgate Market is the place where you’ll find great fresh produce but also the latest healthy/clean/paleo/vegan food on offer. Enjoy a fresh Kombucha or turmeric latte while you browse and shop.
At this busy market, you can find both organic and conventionally grown fruit and vegetables. Free range, grass-fed beef, lamb, poultry and eggs. Gourmet small goods. Hand-crafted cheeses. And cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs.
When & Where:
Every Saturday 8am to 2pm – Ramsgate Public School, corner Chuter Ave, Hawthorne St, Ramsgate
3. Leichhardt Organic Food Markets
One of Sydney’s original farmers markets. I have fond memories from more than 10 years ago of trekking across to this market on a Saturday morning just to get Oaks Organics beef and chicken. And Oaks Organics still sell at these markets. Their chicken and beef are just divine.
This market is still going strong and allows you to pick up organic farm fresh produce in the middle of the city. The only issue with this market like anywhere close to the city is parking.
When & Where:
Every Saturday 8am to 1pm – Orange Grove Public School, Perry Street Lilyfield
4. Castle Hill Farmers & Fine Food Market
A farmers market for those in the northwest of Sydney. As part of Hawkesbury Harvest, you’ll find a great range of fresh produce grown locally. Farmers from the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains regions bring their produce to this market so when you shop here you’re supporting the local community.
You’ll find seasonal fruits and vegetables. Meat and poultry. And many other delicious farm fresh foods.
When & Where:
2nd & 4th Saturday of each month, 8am to 12pm – Castle Hill Showground, Showground Rd, Castle Hill
5. Pyrmont Growers Market
Like Leichhardt, the Pyrmont Growers Market pioneered the concept of the city farmers market. Formerly the Pyrmont Good Food Markets it brought together top producers from around the state to showcase their produce to city dwellers. I used to go here back in the day to pick up nitrate-free bacon and speck before Paleo became the next big thing.
After disappearing from the farmers market scene Pyrmont Growers Market has been relaunched and is now run by the local Pyrmont Chamber of Commerce. They have brought back all the much-loved original stallholders and some exciting newcomers too.
When & Where:
Every 4th Saturday of the month 7:30am to 12pm – Pyrmont Bay Park, across the road from Star Casino
6. Marrickville Organic Food Markets
More hippy than hipster Marrickville markets has a real earthy feel to it which is a great feeling to get when you’re in the middle of the city.
This market has the full range of organic fresh produce… fruit, veg, meat, poultry, eggs and bread. There are many gluten-free and vegan options too.
When & Where:
If you haven’t had breakfast or you need a mid-morning top you’ll find loads of interesting and exotic foods to satisfy your appetite.
7. Carriageworks Farmers Market
One of the biggest farmers markets in Sydney and located in one of the most interesting locations, the old carriageworks train sheds in Eveleigh. These markets bring together bio-dynamic and organic food from farmers and artisan food producers from around the state.
You’ll be able to pick up all your fresh food needs plus you can peruse the plethora of stalls selling all manner of artisan condiments, small goods and snacks.
The produce on offer at this market is of the highest quality so it’s a bit more expensive than the suburban farmers markets.
When & Where:
Every Saturday 8am to 1pm – 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh
8. Shire Farmers Market
One of the newer Sydney farmers markets but it’s grown into a bustling farmers market very quickly. This market has everything you need if you follow a healthy clean wholefood diet. There is fabulous free-range, grass-fed beef and lamb. Fantastic free-range pork and poultry. Fresh fish and seafood. Artisan breads. Seasonal fruit and vegetables. And chemical-free small goods.
If you’re hungry while you’re shopping you’ll find freshly cooked nitrate-free bacon, free-range eggs and piping hot coffee.
When & Where:
Every Saturday 8am to 1pm – Flora St Carpark, 131 Flora St, Sutherland (behind the entertainment centre)
9. Bondi Farmers Market
Just across the road from famous Bondi beach this market brings the farm to the beach. On a sunny Saturday, you couldn’t get a more perfect way to spend your morning. Here you’ll find farm fresh fruit and vegetables, organically grown meat and poultry, hand-crafted cheeses, artisan breads and exotic herbs and spices.
Priority is given to stallholders who either grow or make the products they sell so that when you buy something you’re directly supporting the producer.
If you think of going to this market be aware there’s not much parking available. So if possible take public transport.
When & Where:
Every Saturday 9am to 1pm – Bondi Beach Public School on Campbell Parade, right across the road from Bondi Beach
10. French Forest Organic Food Markets
Specialising in certified organic produce this market turns over the largest amount of organic fruit and vegetables of any farmers market in the country. This means you’ll find a huge selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables.
But you’ll also find organic and free-range meat, poultry and eggs. Fresh seafood. Gourmet small goods. Dried fruits and nuts. And lots of healthy tasty food to eat if you need breakfast or a snack.
When & Where:
Every Sunday 9am to 1pm – Parkway Hotel, 5 Frenchs Forest Road East, Frenchs Forest
