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

Sipping a cocktail in sophisticated surroundings on an elevated balcony with dazzling views of a world-class skyline might sound like you’d frequent in international cities. But hold that thought. Because as of now, it is a firm reality on the Gold Coast with the exciting new opening of HOTA Gallery’s Exhibitionist Bar!

There has been much excitement around the opening of HOTA’s new multi-million-dollar attraction for some time, fully cementing the Gold Coast’s legitimate claim as an arts hub here in Australia. Arts aside though, this beautifully fitted out bar nestled on the 5^th floor with unhindered views of the Surfers Paradise skyline and our beloved hinterland, is set to become your new favourite drinks and tapas hangout.

The space is the ideal scene — at any time of the day — to mull over and discuss the pieces of artwork you’ve just seen and enjoy a drink. Take note: should you have any out-of-towners coming to visit and you feel the burning need to impress them with what we have here, this must be on your list.

As there are no other buildings like it nearby, the terrace area of the bar takes in an entirely new perspective of Surfers Paradise from a raised north-westerly perspective. And even if you’ve lived here for years, it is guaranteed to still impress. While the view is spectacular at any time, we highly recommend visiting at sunset for a colourful light show like no other.

The drinks offering is an incredibly thought-out affair headed up by Bar Manager Tom Angel. Tom’s a Gold Coast veteran when it comes to conceiving and pouring only the finest alcoholic libations (you may be familiar with his previous work at Fig + Frankie’s, Old Tom or Kiyomi). In conjunction with the gallery and like Palette, his cocktail list mirrors and complements the art installations. Meaning once you have taken note of your favourite piece of art, you can then head upstairs and drink its cocktail equivalent.

Expect big and complex flavours from signature drinks like the tequila-based Cloud Drive and vodka-based Steal the Sunshine. The connection to art pieces is both complex and exciting, to say the least. In the menu, you will find a description revealing how the drink was envisaged and came to be — providing excellent replay value and painfully forcing your hand to come back and try them all!

Classic and new world wines join house-made sodas and local craft beers to round out an impressive selection to quench your thirst.

Taking in all this culture will no doubt put you on your way to feeling hungry. But be assured the sophisticated tapas-style snack menu is something to behold. Grazing your way through the afternoon has never been so easy with a glass of champagne in hand and a Soft-Shell Australian Bay Lobster Roll, or perhaps a crisp white wine and the Oven-Roasted Gold Coast Prawns with Finger Lime, served in Foraged Beach Leaves. There’s also the fanciest of sausage rolls and pies you just have to try. Ideal for those with a more classic taste!

Like the gallery installations, the food and drinks menu will change and evolve over time to work in harmony with the art and its associated themes. Nothing will remain stationary here, and much like our beloved city will be a continued evolution — for all the senses!

Where: Level 5/135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Hours: Seven days 10am – 10pm (Fri & Sat till midnight)

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

You may have heard the exciting news that Gallery at HOTA is set to open on Saturday 8th May. Along with it, a new rooftop bar, the Exhibitionist Bar will also be unveild, which will be the perfect chance to grab a cocktail or two from its elevated deck with unparalleled views of the hinterland — after taking in some art, of course. But it gets better. HOTA has now also enthusiastically disclosed an equally incredible space to tantalise your taste buds. Behold – Palette Restaurant!

Much like the gallery itself, Palette aims to impress and captivate its guests with a modern Australian menu, a fully curated wine list, degustation menus inspired by the major exhibitions all whilst having the capacity for up to 120 people with indoor and veranda seating options available. *chefs kiss*

It appears the art (and food) scene here on the Gold Coast is about to jump up into an entirely different gear.

Leading the kitchen is Chef Dayan Harthill-Law. Dayan is no stranger to fine food establishments; stints at The Star, Press Club, Dinner by Heston, Vanitas and Quay (often voted Australia’s best restaurant) should undoubtedly cement his culinary pedigree and assure us of the deliciousness we can look forward to.

“You can expect all the great aspects of fine dining, fresh local, high-quality produce with amazing provenance, knowledgeable staff but without any stuffy bow ties or waistcoats,” said Dayan.

“Nautical seafood bonito cooked in native ginger leaf, or dry-aged Burrawong Gaian duck with sauce of rosella and fermented riberry are just a sample of what you will see on our main menu along with delicious desserts featuring local distillery caramel, rich cream,” he said. Sounds very fancy to us!

The menu will make vegans and vegetarians feel entirely welcome also — “Palette will also boast an extensive vegetarian menu featuring enticing starters of Vegan Clouds, Beetroot tartlets, and Oxheart tomato tartare as well as an indulgent main menu consisting of House-made silken tofu with Watermelon radish, Blue Quandong, Native tamarind, Lemon myrtle and Grilled Oyster mushroom glazed in mushroom miso Purslane, sorrel, flowers,” he said. A veggie mouthful indeed.

The sophisticated new venue, influenced by Australian painter William Robinson’s stunning artwork, The Rainforest, will subtly align elements from this artwork and showcase inspiration incorporated into the dining space.

HOTA Head of Culinary Arts, David Ashford says “The Rainforest provided plenty of inspiration and will tie both The Exhibitionist Bar and Palette into the design of the building”.

“We’re excited because the dining scene is evolving on the Gold Coast, and we are looking forward to being a part of this space where quality food and flavours take the front of house,” he said.

We’re excited too David, we’re excited too.

Where: Gallery at HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Hours: TBA

Words by Alex Mitcheson.