10 Reasons to Visit Markets

by Roy Chambers (subscribe)

There are all sorts of markets in Brisbane, in all sorts of places and at all times of the day. There are many different types of markets from those for arts & crafts, others for fruit & vegetables, some sell cheap imported products and others that are perfect for the gourmet shopper. There are your local markets, markets that are a lot of fun and then there are markets that are worth the trip.



Note: At the time of writing this, the Boundary Street Markets have just closed and are looking for a new home. Some other markets have moved, changed times and so on. It is always worth visiting the market's page to see if there is any change of venue, time or other details.

1. A reason to get out of bed early

With some markets starting as early as 5:30 in morning and most finishing around midday (though some finish as early as 10:30 am), to visit markets you need to be out of bed early on the weekend. Now I am normally tempted to make it to the market, do some shopping and have breakfast. In reality I make it in time for a late brunch or early lunch. But at least I try. Markets are a great start to any day.



2. Fruit & Vegetable Shopping

I really can't go to a market without picking up some fruit & veg. Markets are not necessarily cheaper, but they are often fresher. If you are looking for deals, then focus on markets with an emphasis on price such as the Global Food Village at Woodridge, or turn up at your favourite market near the end when they start selling off bags of fruit and vegetables at discount prices.



3. Specialist Foods

There are quite a lot of food you can only easily buy at the markets. This is where you go for fresh organics products, whether it is fruit & vegetables, honey, meat or something else. Most markets have an organics stall or two, but the Northey Street Organic Markets specialise in this. Certain fruits & vegetables are also only available in the markets rather than your local supermarket. Let's not forget the range of breads, jams, relishes and spice mixes that you would have trouble finding anywhere else.



4. Have a meal

I love eating at markets. My favourite markets close around 12:30 or 1 pm , which gives us enough time for lunch. I really can't visit a market without having a meal. Breakfast is popular, but brunch is often the better option. Let's not forget the few markets that open at night, like the Eat Street Markets, where you can go to enjoy a meal om the evening.



5. Shopping

I have always enjoyed shopping at markets. Even if you are not planning to buy anything it is still fun to browse. There are markets for different types of shoppers. A market such as the Carseldine Markets have a general scattering of local products, while the markets at Eagle Street Pier and South Bank have a lot that is of interest to tourists as well as locals. The Rocklea Sunday Discovery Markets have a lot imported products. Some irregular markets sell mostly second hand products.



6. Entertainment

Every market now has bands and entertainers. If you are looking for a fun day out, then markets are always the place to go. Whether you are shopping, eating or just relaxing, you know that you will be entertained. Some markets, such as the Eagle Farm markets, have lots of kids entertainment as well as musicians for the grown ups. Then markets like the Eat Street Markets and The Tivoli have drive-in movies.



7. Support local businesses

I know at the Davies Street Market, the same people who run Vecchio's Cafe and Fruit Shop in the Glass House Mountains also turn up to sell their freshly grown produce at the markets(best pineapples I have ever tasted.) There is also a Killarney egg farmer who sells his ethically grown eggs at the the Davies Street Market. Then there are numerous locals selling everything from paintings to handcrafts. Going to a market means you are supporting truly local businesses. The Manly Creative Markets is one of my favourite markets for this.



8. Get out of town

Markets are not just in the city with markets spread out across the countryside in South East Queensland. It can be worthwhile making the trip just for the market. While most country markets do only pop up once a month and require some planning, there are regular markets in towns such as Maleny and Eumundi. There are also regular coastal markets at Surfers Paradise, Noosa, Redcliffe and many other places.



9. Go somewhere beautiful

Shopping malls and shopping streets tend to be fairly dull places. Markets can be set in parks like the Manly Creative Markets, in historic locations like the Eagle Farm Markets, by farms like the Northey Street City Farm or by the sea, like the Redcliffe Markets. Visiting a market is often a pleasant day outdoors.



10. The start of something more

There are many markets that are worth the trip. Often a market is part of a bigger day. The markets in Redcliffe or Manly will get us there, but the coastal walk will mean that we stay. Meanwhile the twilight and evening markets at Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and Surfers Paradise can be the end of a great day on the coast or the start of a fun night out.

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