Ah markets, how we love thee. Temporarily transforming all our very favourite sun-soaked haunts into stall-laden shopping meccas so that we can get amongst the good vibes, gather fresh provisions and snap up meticulously crafted unique creations from talented local makers.

And for our troubles? Top it all of by refuelling with a hot coffee, fresh smoothie or the obligatory extra-large serve of Poffertjes.

There’s something (or many somethings…) for everyone and best of all, you’re supporting local – and isn’t that what it’s all about!

Here is a who’s who list of our fabulous local Friday, Saturday and Sunday markets here on our beloved Gold Coast.

HOTA Farmers & Artisan Markets
The stunning HOTA grounds offer an equally picturesque and conveniently central spot to convene and soak up some #sundayfunday good vibes and a whole lot of local goodies. Thanks to a little transformation into vibrant (literally and figuratively) cultural hub, the Bundall site is also home to a hotted up weekly market offering which has become one of the Gold Coast’s numero ono community events.

They’re passionate about local farmers, makers, bakers and growers, with in-season farm-fresh produce, delicious artisan foods, boutique fashion, handcrafted treasures and live music. Nestled against the backdrop of Evendale Lake and the surrounding parklands, the kids can take a dip while you sit back and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere (read: eat fresh pastries and sip hot coffee). Bliss!
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
When: Every Sunday 6am – 11.30am

Dreamworld Night Market
The only night market in a theme park? Now that’s a flex! The Dreamworld Night Market is the Northern Gold Coast’s go-to for epic food truck eats, live music, themed events, and even after-dark theme park rides. Yep, you can soar through the sky on The Dreamworld Flyer or bump your way through the Deep Sea Dodgems while feasting on street food. With special events like live pro wrestling, comedy nights, and LEGO® workshops, there’s always something fun on the lineup. Entry is just $2 (or FREE for kids and passholders), so why not make your Friday night a little more thrilling?
Where: Dreamworld, Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera
When: Every Friday & Saturday, 5pm – 9pm

Carrara Markets
Still the biggest market in Oz, Carrara Markets house over 300 stalls. Discount shopping at its best, there is literally nothing you can’t find from fresh produce, fashion, homewares, pots, plants, bric a brac, cars, souvenirs, arts and crafts and everything in between. Perfect for the family, there’s buskers, pony rides, a baby animal farm, bungy trampolines, mini golf, face painters, and even a new walk-in Butterfly House.
Where: Gooding Drive, Carrara
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 7am – 3pm

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
No prizes for guessing where these markets are located. Mere footsteps from the sand, they’ve been an iconic Gold Coast shopping and cultural experience since the mid-90s. Featuring artisan and traditional Aussie goods, fresh produce, gourmet provisions, handmade wares and more, they showcase our best growers, makers, characters and creators. When you’re done, Surfers’ melting pot of restaurants and bars are a hop, skip and a jump over the road.
Where: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
When: Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night, 4pm – 9pm

Gold Coast Art & Craft Sunday Markets
Lining the beachfront at Broadbeach and Coolangatta these markets have been a local fave for over three decades. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, souvenirs, art, craft, the ingenious or the weird and the wonderful, it’s here. A-buzz with atmosphere, there are over 150 stalls showcasing original Australian-made products, fresh produce, yummy food and live entertainment.
Where & When: Kurrawa Park – The first and third Sunday of every month from 8am – 2pm at 155 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Queen Elizabeth Park – The second and fourth Sunday of every month from 8am – 2pm at 60 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

The Sanctuary Markets
On The Village Green at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you’ll find these popular markets. A nod to the GC’s multi-culturalism with local and international foods plus cool arts and crafts, you’ll also be wowed by our best homegrown entertainers. The venue is fully licensed (translation: let’s wine), featuring craft beers exclusively from Burleigh Brewing Co, and vinos courtesy of Sirromet Wines.
Where: On The Village Green, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin
When: Every Friday, 4pm – 9pm

Farmers Markets
There are options aplenty when it comes to farmers markets around the Coast to source your fruit, veggies, locally made goods, plants and of course, brekky and caffeine. Supporting local farmers with both organic and conventional produce, you’ll get the feel-good factor as well as the taste-good factor! A ritual for many locals on weekends, it sure beats hitting the mainstream grocery retailers. Plus, the best thing is, you’re spoilt for choice with a number of different locations to hit up.
Get the full list here: Gold Coast farmers markets

Canungra Village Markets
If you love a market with heart (and homemade treats), you’ll want to pencil in the second Sunday of each month for the Canungra Village Markets. Since 2013, these markets have been a go-to for locally made goodies, fresh produce, and handcrafted wares, all set in the scenic Moriarty Park. Expect a relaxed, family-friendly vibe where you can chat with growers, makers, and bakers while supporting the local community. Oh, and did we mention it’s pet-friendly too? Bring your four-legged shopping buddy and make a morning of it!
Where: Moriarty Park, Monarch Drive, Canungra
When: Second Sunday of each month, 8am – 1pm

Miami Marketta
There’s only one thing better than a market and that’s a vibin’ night market. The Coast’s OG laneway dining experience hosts food vendors of all nationalities in the one space, take your entrée from Spain, your main from Thailand, and sweets from France. How multicultural of you! With farshon (fashion – but we just like saying FARSHON) and accessories from local designers, these markets have cool factor for days.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
When: Every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday, 5pm – 10pm

Broadwater Pavilion Markets
A newer in-stall-ment to the GC’s market scene, Southport’s open air market by the sea is quickly establishing itself as a fave among Northern residents with stacks of fun for the whole family. There’s plenty of entertainment for the kiddos, with face painting, henna, hair braiding, character appearances all frequenting the lineup. While those who have aged out of face-paint demographic (#tear) can hunt for some hand-crafted wares with all manner of scented, ceramic, and sewn goodies on rotation from local stallholders. Bonus for paw-rents: they’re pet friendly (on lead), so bring your pup along for a paw-some day out.
Where: Bathing Pavilion Lawn, Marine Parade, Southport
When: The third Saturday of every second month, 8am – 2pm

Jack Evans Boat Harbour Waterfront Markets
Another one of the newer kids on the proverbial market block, the picturesque Tweed promenade snaking by the Boat Harbour waterfront was just begging for local stallholders and their crafty creations to set up shop and complement our leisurely Saturday strolls.

A stunner of a spot for the Southern GC (four-legged friends invited also!) to congregate with live music, artisan food vendors, hand crafted treasures and boutique fashion stalls a plenty. After you’ve shopped up a storm, cool off with a spot of paddle boarding as the glistening water beckons.When: Jack Evans Boat Harbour Market: first Saturday of every month, 8am – 1pm. Night Market: second & fourth Friday of every month, 4pm – 8pm
Where: Wharf St, Tweed Heads

Words by Bianca Trathen

You may have heard the happy news that Harbour Town was set to open a brand new dining precinct, aptly named Harbour Town Eats, and that is a thing that has happened as of a short while ago.

The bright, open air space is filled with sweet new venues, one of which is Crafty’s Sports Bar and the exact venue we’re here to discuss. You’ll find the newbie on a corner block at the entrance to the precinct and it’s not a place you should (or will want to) stroll by.

A green neon sign makes Crafty’s known at the front and rounding the corner you’ll alight upon a venue that will delight both your eyeballs and your tastebuds. It’s a flowing indoor slash outdoor dining scenario all modern white tables and light leather seating dashed with a hint of royal blue and bright green and quite sports bar-esque but also unlike any sports bar you’ve ever seen before.

Which, in large part, is due to the pastel pink bubble waffle truck situated at the entrance and within the outdoor dining area (more on that later). Inside, you can choose to be seated in the casual, high table filled, bar side area or in a slightly more formal dining area. The two are separated by a see through shelf type situation filled with said royal blue and bright green sports shaped goodies in perfectly neat rows and we kind of love it.

Game rules are splashed across the back wall and, in the far corner, a ping pong table can be found for a bit of “competitive socialising” as the Crafty’s crew like to call it. New fave saying.

It’s the perfect fitout for a venue that’s been deemed by owner Dave Galvin, as a modern sports bar that’s a little bit playful and perfect for everyone from sports lovers to casual cocktail enthusiasts and, of course, families.

The menu is made up of all the very best things and is a blend of both comfort and clean eating style foods so you can choose your own adventure.

We suggest starting with a Soft Pretzel and golden ale cheese dip because it is soft and fluffy and that cheese dip, no words. Give the Crafty’s Hot Dog a go too; it comes with condiments on the side so you can add crunchy onions (those have a real name, it escapes us), mustard and a few other things to your hearts content. A very good hot dog.

For mains, don’t go past a burger (or hot sandwich as Crafty’s like to call it) and in particular, the Fried Chicken Breast with slaw, cheese, hot sauce, mayo and pickles. YUM. A crowd fave has been the Chilli Caramel Pork Hock and it’s a share-worthy dish boasting the most mouth-watering scent we’ve ever come across. Sides-wise, the sweet corn with chipotle and Parmesan is an absolute stunner. There are plenty of pizzas on the menu too so grab the whole gang and make a night of it.

Look, the whole menu is next-level so no matter what you choose, you’ll roll out a happy camper. And yes, there are some vegetarian options on offer too (also delicious).

For dessert, you’ll obviously order a bubble waffle and you can choose exactly how it’s made by adding toppings and sweet sauces and many a tasty treat that are popped inside soft, sugary bubble waffles and so very heavenly.

At the bar, of course there are many craft beer options and a range of signature cocktails including one we must mention known as The GOAT. It’s a delightful little mix of a Pina Colada and tequila and oh Mother of cocktail goodness, get involved in that guy for sure.

As of this weekend, you can enjoy brunch on Saturday’s and Sunday’s and there’ll be a DJ busting out tunes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. What a time.

Everything about the place is absolutely top notch and since it’s the season of over indulgence and treating yo’self, you better get there quick smart and do exactly that.

LOCATION: Harbour Town Eats, Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters
HOURS: 11am until 12am Monday to Friday and 9am until 12am Saturday and Sunday

Words and photos by Kirra Smith