03 October 2024
8 mins Read
The Central Coast has some excellent places to eat and some incredible boutique stores, but buying from a local market is feel-good and fun. Whether it be browsing bric-a-brac, picking up handmade pieces for the home, scouring for vintage items or stocking up on fresh local produce from the farmers themselves, you’re sure to find it at one of these Central Coast markets.
Markets just have something special about them—the food, the friendly stallholders, the whole vibe just contributes to a unique experience.
When: Tuesdays, fortnightly, 3pm – 6pm
Address: 204 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty
With a focus on regenerative farming practices and sustainability, the produce at the new Long Jetty Farmers Market is not only good for your health but also the planet. There’s also a strong community vibe and kids’ activities to keep the little ones happy while you shop. Pick up meat, eggs, dairy, veggies, honey and more straight from the farmers and artisans.
The Long Jetty Farmers Markets champions regenerative farming practices and sustainability. (Image: @longjettyfarmersmarket)
When: Every Sunday, 7am – 1pm
Address: Showground Road, Gosford
The long-running Gosford City Market at Gosford Showground has a large selection of produce and products to stock up the pantry. Meet the farmers and makers, such as the people behind Hunter Valley Pasta Co. who handmake pasta, Bills Organic Bakery who bake sourdough, and Mill Creek Vineyard who make boutique wine. There are also meats and charcuterie, fruit and veggies, cheeses, baked goods – the list goes on.
Buy freshly picked tomatoes at the Gosford City Market.
When: Every Saturday, from 7:30am
Where: Broken Bay Scout Hall, Ettalong
This little market is the place to come with the whole family (including your four-legged friend) to stock up on fresh food and locally made goods. You’ll find eggs from Mountain Pride Farm, mushrooms by Margin Mushrooms, meat from Grace Springs Farm, sourdough by Tinapay Sourdough, pastries by Rise Bakery Ettalong – you name it. Ettalong Fresh Food Market promises a wide variety and good vibes. Grab a coffee and a bite to eat after your shopping list is done.
When: First Sunday of every month, 9am – 2pm
Where: Mangrove Mountain Hall, 2 Waratah Road, Mangrove Mountain
Go for a drive in Central Coast’s hinterland and stop by this charming market held at the historic Mangrove Mountain Hall. More than 40 stalls showcase local farmers and artisans, touting freshly picked fruit and veggies, gourmet goodies and handmade arts and crafts. There is always live music and food vendors to enjoy while relaxing under the gum trees.
Mangrove Mountain Growers and Artisans Market is hidden in the hinterland.
When: First Saturday of every month, 9am – 3pm
Address: The Esplanade, Terrigal
The Terrigal Beach Markets comes with oceanfront views, set up along Terrigal esplanade. Here you’ll find fashion from local boutiques Sukisu and Iland and Co; homewares such as incredible sculptural mugs and vases by Menom; and botanical arrangements and art by Janzan Living Art. You can also grab a bite to eat and enjoy on the steps of Terrigal Beach.
Shop for a range of hand-crafted goods at the Terrigal Beach Markets.
When: Last Saturday of every month, 9am – 2pm
Address: Tuggerah Parade Foreshore, Long Jetty
Located at the Long Jetty Foreshore, The Long Jetty Markets brings together more than 100 stallholders, selling everything from beautifully made quilts from India at Spice Road and cool and quirky Lvly Earrings to locally made honey. There are also local artists and face painting for the kids, with playgrounds nearby and a walking/cycling track along Tuggerah Lake that leads to The Entrance.
With over 100 stallholders, you’ll find anything and everything in the Long Jetty Markets.
When: Third Saturday of every month, 8am – 1pm
Where: Memorial Park, The Entrance
From fresh produce to handcrafted treasures – such as locally made and inspired scented candles or preserved floral arrangements for the home – The Entrance Markets offers a variety of stalls set to the background of The Entrance Waterfront. Browse the goods, grab a bite to eat, listen to live music and go for a wander along the waterfront pathway – a Saturday well spent.
The Entrance Markets are held the third Saturday of every month.
When: Last Saturday of every month, 10am – 2pm
Address: 407 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty
Grab a drink from the bar and go thrift shopping at Long Jetty Hotel. Located in the Central Coast’s vintage hotspot, you could find anything from vinyl records to 1970s tableware to classic Doc Martins at Betty’s Flea Market. There are also new handmade items, such as macrame hangings, exotic homewares and original art.
Go thrift shopping at Betty’s Flea Market. (Image: Getty)
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Address: Corner of Ocean View Drive and Schnapper Road, Ettalong
Formerly known as Ettalong Markets, the Galleria Ettalong Beach has been operating since 1979 and is a large undercover marketplace with boutique stores selling all kinds of wares and services. Browse fine silver jewellery, purchase some oceanic art for your home, let the kids paint some plasters, and then catch a film at Cinema Paradiso.
Stop by the food market every weekend at Galleria Ettalong Beach.
Avoca Beachside Markets
When: Last Sunday of every month, 9am – 2pm
Address: Heazlett Park Foreshore, Avoca
The happening Avoca Beachside Markets comprises 90-plus stalls on the shores of Avoca Lake, where you can pick up quality goods such as beautifully crafted leather products by Bella Rosa Mexico, sustainably created by Mayan communities, and handmade children’s clothing and toys by Mop and Dolly, as well produce and fresh food. There’s always live music, food trucks and in summer they hold a special nightly market.
The 90-plus stalls stand on the open and airy shores of Avoca Lake.
When: Third Sunday of every month, 9am – 2pm
Address: Sydney Ave, Umina
Umina Beach Markets are held at the Peninsula Recreation Precinct.
Held to showcase the creativity in the local community, the Umina Beach Markets features handmade products such as glassware and décor by David Hislop Glass, cute and quirky earrings by Bubble and Mouse and delicious jams and relishes by Jenns Jam. It’s held at Peninsula Recreation Precinct, just a stone’s throw from Umina Beach, and there’s a free shuttle from Woy Woy Wharf, Ettalong Wharf, Ettalong Diggers and Bunnings in Umina.
Shop for beautiful summer dresses at Umina Beach Market.
When: Second Saturday of every month, 9am – 2pm
Address: Brick Wharf Road, Woy Woy
Next to Woy Woy Memorial Park under large shady trees, the Woy Woy Waterfront Markets focuses on local makers such as hand-crafted wooden products from Ronnie Lynch Crafts, beautiful ceramics from the Bare Stone Studio and soaps and beauty products by Carmen’s Handmade, as well as locally made honey, liquors and baked goods.
These creative lip calm boxes are perfect gifts for your loved ones.
When: First Friday of every month, 5pm – 10pm
Address: 4 Racecourse Road, Gosford
It’s about flavoursome street food at the Gosford Night Markets, held at Gosford Showground. There’s even a dedicated dessert section! Appetites aside, there are also stalls with local and regional businesses, live music and kids’ rides, jumping castles and games.
It’s all about flavoursome street food at the Gosford Night Markets. (Image: Getty)
When: Four times per year; check the website for dates
Address: 8 Russell Drysdale Street, East Gosford
Come to the Terrigal Antique & Vintage Fair to find one-of-a-kind pieces such as fine china, antique jewellery, vintage clothing and more. It’s held over two days at the Lions Community Hall in East Gosford.
Check out some retro collectibles at Terrigal Antique & Vintage Fair.
When: Twice a year
Address: Check the website as the location can change.
Francophiles unite at the French Country Market for their fill of crepes, eclairs, bread as well as décor, vintage wares and all other manners of things from France including themed live music and entertainment.
Get your fill of French bread and pastries at the French Country Market. (Image: Getty)
When: Check the website for dates
Address: Kangoo Road, Kariong
For 15 years, the Central Coast Christmas Fair has been held at Mt Penang Parklands. It hosts 160-plus stalls, has live music, kids’ entertainment, food trucks and stalls, and is the perfect enjoyable way to browse for gifts for your nearest and dearest. There will be Christmas decorations, Christmas treats and Santa, his Elf, and even the Grinch turned up last year to say hi.
The Central Coast Christmas Fair is the perfect enjoyable way to browse for gifts for your nearest and dearest. (Image: Central Coast Australia)
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