With its creative communities, fertile farmlands and laid-back surf culture, the Byron Bay region has all the ingredients for a thriving market scene, catering to everyone from foodies to fashionistas, artists to antiques collectors.
Nov 2023 -
2
min readThe Byron Bay region on the North Coast of NSW boasts dozens of regular markets, some attracting thousands of visitors with the promise of eclectic stalls, entertainment and a lively atmosphere. Whichever outlet you visit, a few things are guaranteed: bountiful produce, a bucolic setting and great banter with locals. Most community markets are held monthly on a weekend, while farmers markets are generally a weekly affair.
Byron Bay Community Market
On the first Sunday of each month, the Main Beach foreshore is transformed with the Byron Bay Community Market, uniting 300 stalls selling everything from crafts to global foods – plus a featured busker and face painting unique to each edition.
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Byron Twilight Market
The Byron Twilight Market at Railway Park is a more intimate (but just as fun) incarnation of the monthly event, held every Saturday at 4pm from October through May with a particular focus in arts and crafts. Peruse stalls selling jewellery, leather goods, clothing and accessories, and listen to some local live music.
Byron Twilight Market, Byron Bay - Credit: Byron Twilight Market
Byron Farmers Market
Started in 2002 by a handful of local farmers who wanted to be able to sell their produce directly to the public, follow the lead of locals to the weekly Byron Farmers Market (every Thursday morning) – a shrine to regional fare, whether oysters and cheese, honey and bread. Your picnic hamper starts here.
Fresh produce at Byron Farmers Markets, Byron Bay
Byron Beachside Market
Held quarterly during the NSW school holidays, the Byron Beachside Market focuses on people who ‘make, bake, sew and grow’, so expect lots of original art, ceramics, textiles, fashion and craft from local artisans. There’s also live music and some of the region’s famed health and wellness practitioners on-site.
Byron Bay Beach Markets, Byron Bay - Credit: Byron Bay Beach Markets
Ballina Farmers Market
A favourite with the locals, the Ballina Farmers Market is the best way to do your weekly shop - buying fresh fruit, vegetables, and other produce directly from the grower - or simply a quaint place to enjoy breakfast while listening to live music under the shade of a tree by the Richmond River. On every Sunday, customers can talk to the farmers directly about their produce and methods.
Ballina Farmers Market, Byron Bay - Credit: Ballina Farmers Market
Bangalow Market
The Bangalow Market might just be the prettiest around. Its outdoor gatherings are held on the fourth Sunday of the month, and part of their success is the beautiful grounds the markets are held on, which are dominated by eleven huge camphor laurel trees which provide welcome shade and a magic forest atmosphere. What's more, a percentage of the market profit each month is distributed to Bangalow Community Groups on a rotating basis.
Bangalow Markets, Bangalow - Credit: Byron.com
Mullumbimby Farmers Market
The market circuit continues with the legendary Mullumbimby Farmers Market, which showcases Mullum at its colourful best every Friday from 7am to 11am. Sit under fig trees in the lush foothills of Mt Chincogan, listen to music, sip organic coffee and devour piping-hot crepes. Kids enjoy a dedicated play area, too, and the market hosts regular workshops and special events throughout the year.
Mullum Music Festival, Byron Bay Area - Credit: Mullum Music Festival
Channon Craft Market
For a day trip into the forested hinterland, drive 45 minutes west of Byron Bay to the Channon Craft Market, Australia's oldest art and craft market. Held on the second Sunday of the month, this extravaganza of more than 250 stalls enjoys a serene setting, surrounded by rainforest and mountains, with plenty of entertainment for young travellers.
Channon Craft Market, Lismore - Credit: Lismore Nimbin Tourism
Lennox Head Community Market
Held in Lennox Head since the early 1980s, the Lennox Head Community Market is a vibrant part of the community and a great day out for people of all ages. Held on the second and (if applicable) fifth Sunday of the month at Williams Reserve, behind the main street, expect food, shopping, live music and laid-back vibes.
Lennox Head Community Market, Lennox Head - Credit: Natalie Grono
