If you've never been to the
Ettalong Markets, you're missing a real treat and a fabulous day out. Ettalong is a quiet village near Umina and Woy Woy, and is home to the largest undercover market on the Central Coast.
If you live on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, the quickest and easiest way to get to Ettalong and add to a delightful day, is to drive to Palm beach, park your car and take the half hour ferry ride over to Ettalong. Ferries leave frequently, and if you happen to get there early, you can enjoy a stroll or a cup of coffee around Palm Beach wharf.
Ferries run frequently
Every Saturday and Sunday - plus public holiday Mondays, the sleepy little village of Ettalong comes to life with a bustling market.
Entrance to Ettalong markets
Market stalls
But it's not just market stalls at Ettalong Markets. The venue is set amongst restaurants, cafes, a 6 screen cinema called the Cinema Paradiso, and an
outdoor cinema as well.
Over the last few years, the complex has been gradually upgraded. The setting is a meandering maze of activity and the warm, inviting atmosphere resembles an Italian piazza. Vines hang from the balconies, framing hand painted murals on the walls, and the catacomb of courtyards are decorated with beautiful hand made stained glass windows.
Just like an Italian Piazza
Gorgeous stained glass windows
There is also a motel on the premises, making it a completely self contained destination should you wish to stay over.
A motel with rooms for the whole family
Established in 1979, the market stalls have everything you'd expect, including clothing, jewellery, leather goods, antiques and electrical items and a farmer's market with great fresh produce. However, you'll also find some quirky characters and unusual items...
Quirky characters and unusual items
I had a great chat with the quirky character - and yes I bought the umbrella.
You can have your fortune told, listen to a live band, and keep the kids entertained. Choose to dine in style, or snack on the run while you shop till you drop - all under the one roof.
Live music every weekend
Great cafes and restaurants
The Belgian Bakery sells amazing bread, freshly baked on the premises. Queues are always a good indication of something special, and you may find it hard to resist the aroma wafting from the little shop.
Belgian Bakery
The markets are open from 9.00am till 4.00pm. I chose to leave Palm Beach on the midday ferry. That gave me two and a half hours of shopping, lunch and a 5 minute stroll into the main shopping street of Ettalong for a cleansing ale at the Ettalong Hotel, before catching the 2.30pm ferry back to Palm Beach.
The pub - 5 minutes walk from the markets
If you don't live in the north, you can always
drive to Ettalong. Take the F3 and you'll be there in a about one hour 25 minutes. There is plenty of parking on the premises.
Whether you choose to drive or catch the ferry, it's a fine day out and well worth a return visit.
