The northern rivers area is rich in local farms and supportive communities, so it’s got many weekly and monthly farmers markets, flea markets, and road stalls. If you like to buy local and meet the people who grow your food, visit a NSW market or organic market while you’re staying in Ballina.
Some of the farmers’ markets here are incorporated into weekend markets, but usually, there are regular separate weekday stalls and stands at various locations throughout the region.
Please note that dogs are prohibited at all markets. When you’re out driving around the country, keep watch for roadside stalls, where fresh fruit and vegetables are sold direct at the farm gate.
Ballina Markets
Ballina hosts a weekly Farmers Market with a variety of local produce every Sunday from 6 am to 5 pm in Missingham Park. Visit their website for more information or phone: 02 6681 6473
If you’re staying at Grand View Apartments on the 3rd weekend of the month you can catch the Ballina Community Market on Canal Road, held every 3rd Sunday from 7 am to 1 pm. This market is organised by the Ballina Lions group, with proceeds returned to the community. It has a cafe under the trees and many stalls with arts, crafts, bric-a-brac, food, music, and local produce. Ph: 02 6687 4328
There’s also the Ballina Twilight Market in Fawcett Park every Thursday evening through summer (daylight savings), 4 pm – 8 pm. Ph: 0478 163 038.
Byron Markets
Byron hosts many markets, weekly, monthly, and on odd Saturdays. The Byron Bay Farmers Market happens on Thursdays from 7 am – 11 am—so much local produce there. This market is on Butler Street Reserve in Byron Bay. Ph: 02 6687 1137
The Byron Community Market is held on the first Sunday of every month from 8 am – 3 pm, also on Butler Street Reserve. This market has animal rides, arts, crafts, bric a brac, food, music, and more fresh produce. For more information, visit their website or phone: 02 6685 6807
On Saturdays from October to March, there’s the Byron Summer Artisan Market in Railway Park, 5 pm – 9 pm. Arts, crafts, food, and free local music. Find out more here or phone: 02 6685 6807
The Byron Flea Market (a Byron Youth Service Fundraiser) is held in Gilmore Crescent, Byron Bay, on the 2nd Saturday of the month, 8 am – 1 pm. Shop at this unique community event for vintage clothing, vinyl, new and used, bric-a-brac, collectibles, and food. And it’s hosts live music too. Read more here or phone: 0490 026 840
Bangalow Market
The Bangalow Market happens on the 4th Sunday of every month from 9 am to 3 pm and is one of the liveliest community markets in NSW. With 300+ stalls on fair weather Sundays, this market has something for everyone: local produce (especially fresh fruits), great prepared foods, strong coffee, leather goods, wine, flowers, honey, children’s clothes, jewellery, homewares, baked goods and cakes, artisan’s crafts, and much more.
Bangalow sits between Nimbin to the west and Byron Bay to the east, and it’s an easy day trip from Ballina. There’s parking available at the showgrounds for $2 or you can arrive early and park for free on a side street. The park grounds are on Main Street, under eleven huge camphor laurel trees that shade the market and keep it calm with their rustling leaves. Dogs are not allowed.
Part of the market’s profit each month is given to different Bangalow Community Groups, so shopping there supports the community on two levels. Visit their website here or phone 02 6687 1911
Kyogle Markets
The town of Kyogle hosts a few markets. The Kyogle Bazaar happens on the 1st and the 3rd Saturdays of the month, 8 am to 4 pm. A day trip to this bazaar offers a country shopping experience on the main street with great food and coffee, music and handcrafted goods. The Bazaar traders are set in with the town’s shops, so you can pop in and out of stores too. There’s lots of free parking. Ph: 0416 956 744
And the Kyogle Farmers Market on Stratheden Street is an every Saturday affair, so you can drop by on your way to the bazaar. The Kyogle Community & Farmers Markets runs from 7 am – 12 pm and sells local produce, arts, crafts, bric-a-brac, food, and live music. Check out their Facebook page here or phone: 0403 628 292
Lennox Head Market
For families with small children, there’s the North Coast Babies and Kid’s Market. This is a bi-annual indoor market held on a Saturday, 9am-1pm at the Lennox Head Cultural & Community Centre, at the corner of Mackney & Park Lanes in Lennox Head. $2 entry for adults, babies are free. Check with the organisers for current dates: Call Liz on: 0432 073 760 or visit their Facebook page.
Nimbin Markets
The Nimbin Farmers’ Market is held each Wednesday afternoon from 3-6 pm. Here you can buy fresh produce with very limited food miles, including bread, meat, vegetables, tofu, cheeses, and other seasonal fruit and veges. All the produce is locally grown by farmers—what’s better than that?
Nimbin Markets are held every fourth and fifth Sunday of the month and offer a range of arts and craft stalls. Shop here for local and handmade jewellery and clothing, up-cycled and vintage clothing, and homewares. There are also local food stalls and produce on hand, and most weekends host musical acts. Check out their latest calendar here or call 0457 506 000
For a more complete listing of North Coast Markets, visit their website.
Want to experience a luxury coastal holiday?
Ocean Blue holiday rental is only a 5-minute walk from the beach and has gorgeous river and coastal views. Located only a short drive from Ballina Airport and 30 minutes from Byron Bay, this is the perfect location for your next beach holiday. Visit our contact page to make an inquiry or booking.
