Our favourite markets now have a second venue! Image: Sunshine Coast Collective Markets FB
One of our most beloved markets on the Sunshine Coast is the
Sunshine Coast Collective Markets, who after a bit of 'location wandering' between Maroochydore and Buderim, found their happily-ever-after home in Coolum. These fabulous markets, loved by locals and tourists alike, have now added a second venue to their monthly calendar in stunning Alexandra Headland, overlooking the beach. The Coolum Beach Collective Markets are held every second and fourth Sundays of the month, with the
Alex Heads Collective Markets holding pop-up markets on special Saturdays during school holidays.
A tad smaller, but still offering the high quality exclusive product that we are accustomed to
The Sunshine Coast Collective Markets is not your average market as well we all know! These delightful markets are a collective of extremely talented local Sunshine Coast designers, musicians, artists, foodies, creators and lifestyle lovers. Market devotees will quickly notice the high-quality exclusive product that is created locally, with no mass production and definitely no cheap and nasty imported products!
Framing one of the best beachside locations!
There is so much creativity and talent on the Sunshine Coast and now having the good fortune of two outstanding venues for the Collective Markets, allows local creatives to showcase their flair and aptitude in more than one spot. The second Collective Market's home at Alexandra Headland is being run in partnership with the
Alexandra Headland Community Association Inc.
Families, including our four-pawed buddies on a leash, can make a whole morning of it, there is certainly something for everybody. Here are a few of our favourites -
The giant Sabre Tooth Tiger sure added a 'wow' factor for kids
To keep the little ones entertained, the giant Sabre Tooth Tiger inflatable dry slide was a sight to behold and certainly added a 'wow' factor to the Alex Heads' market venue. The kids love the idea of being able to climb all over a giant tiger and sliding down through its mouth without getting eaten.
Oh my gosh, is this surfboard not to die for!
Author/artist Ian Johno's dream is to share the love through passion and purpose, using the gifts he has been given. The 100% Australian made Dream Collection is truly unique, showcasing inspirational and wearable art designed dresses and accessories and … surfboards to match!
Inspirational and wearable art!
Connecting Culture to Coast is
Saltwater Eco Tours, offering water lovers a unique experience on board a historical timber sailing vessel in the spectacular coastal waterways of the Kabi Kabi people.
Enjoy a unique coastal waterway experience with Saltwater Eco Tours - Image: Saltwater Eco Tours FB
Immerse yourself in a
Saltwater Cultural Tour and learn all about the Dreamtime legends, ancient traditions, beliefs, stories and lifestyle of the Sunshine Coast's first eco-custodians, the Saltwater People with wildlife spotting and bush tucker inspired catering; or perhaps a
Sunset Tour with live music and relaxed vibes is more appealing. Sit back to enjoy local acoustic sounds whilst enjoying a selection of grazing platters as the sun sets; or
So many choices ...
With all the 'lockdowns' people the world over have had to endure since the beginning of 2020, puzzles have once again become quite trendy as a relaxing pastime. So, when discovering
Twigg Puzzles at the Alex Heads Collective Markets, I was over the moon that this local company are creating and designing their very own one-of-a-kind wooden puzzles with each puzzle piece so unique, the final masterpiece becomes a framable piece of art.
One-of-a-kind wooden puzzles...
, based in Buderim, is definitely a local creative small business to follow, keeping in mind that these fabulous puzzles will make awesome birthday and Christmas gifts. I have already purchased my first two 'gifts' and just know that they will give the recipient as much pleasure as they did me, when I discovered that these stunningly different works of art can be purchased at our local markets.
Each puzzle piece is totally unique ...
With a focus on creating unique and very special items, Eve Simmons from
Liquorice Moon Studios strives to create handmade ceramic objects that are both functional and pleasing to the eye. With a fabulous selection of homeware pieces including mugs, cups, incense holders, platters, bowls and spoons, Liquorice Moon's gorgeous ceramics are available for
purchase online here and at various select markets on the Sunshine Coast.
Locally handmade ceramics by Liquorice Moon
And, of course, my favourite!
Not Sponsored Sustainable Surf Wear, where the ultimate silicone-fused waist boardies, made from recycled plastic bottles far outlives the wearer, they are that durable! True story, check out my pic below! Hubby has bought a pair - watch this space!
Boardies that far outlive the wearer! Proof is in the pic ...
Not Sponsored Pro-level surf gear is designed for all surfers. The best Australian eco-friendly, sustainable surf and sportswear everybody can afford to own. From board shorts, walk shorts, gym and golf shorts, all made using ultra-comfortable upcycled/recycled materials, which equate to around eight recycled plastic bottles per pair!
Reducing our ecological footprint, eight plastic bottles at a time
Not Sponsored Sustainable Surf Wear are also the very innovative creators of sustainable surf, gym, beachwear and sportswear, made from eco-friendly 95% bamboo that is so super soft, you may want to sleep in them and the best part? The bamboo gear is naturally anti-bacterial, limiting the 'stank' and because the fabric is super-fast to dry, makes it perfect for everyday wear. Wear them in and out of the water and for outings where deodorant is an optional extra - your mates will thank you! … or so I'm told!
Check out the
online shopping at Not Sponsored Sustainable Surf Wear here; gift vouchers available too, for that discerning person who has everything.
Satisfy those sea-air munchies ...
Satisfy those sea-air munchies with a variety of delicious food and beverage stalls, boasting spectacular ocean views, and take up a spot of green turf and relax with some laid back tunes by local artists. Spoil the pooches in the family with some delectable doggy ice cream - dine in or takeaway.
Dine in or takeaway? Delectable doggie icecream for our pooches ...
Where exactly are the Alex Heads Markets held? Next to the Alex Skate Park, QLD 4572
When? 2nd Saturday of every month - on occasion this date may be changed to fit in with regional events
Parking? There are generally heaps of car parks in the area but to make sure you don't miss out, the
Alexandra Headland Surf Lifesaving Club have also kindly opened up their carpark, just off Mari Street. Look out for their logo on the gate entrance.
Keen to join the ever-growing Collective Markets family? Visit the 'info stall'
Are you keen to join the ever-growing
Sunshine Coast Collective Markets' family? Check out the individual links here for
Artisan,
Growers,
Foodie or
Musician Application Forms and fill in all the necessary nitty gritty 'stuff'.
Keep a look out for the quarterly Alex Heads Sunshine Coast Collective pop-up markets' dates during the school holidays and head down to the beach for a fabulous morning of shopping!
All images courtesy of author, unless otherwise indicated
