Carrara Markets

Carrara Markets is a large weekend marketplace in Southport on the Gold Coast, with more than 300 stalls spread across 24 acres. Open every Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 3pm, it offers free entry and parking, making it easy to drop in for a browse or spend several hours exploring. The market has been a Gold Coast attraction for more than 30 years and describes itself as Australia’s biggest permanent weekend marketplace.

The range is broad rather than narrowly curated, covering fresh produce, fashion, homewares, pots and plants, bric-a-brac, souvenirs, arts and crafts and other goods. That variety gives the venue its rummage-and-discover character: one visit might be about practical shopping, while another is simply a search through the more unusual stalls. A Sunday morning car boot sale adds another layer for visitors who enjoy second-hand finds and informal browsing.

Food is part of the experience, with more than 15 dine-in cafés serving breakfast and lunch on weekends. The website lists hearty Australian-style breakfasts, a Kiwi boil-up, South American churros, Japanese crepes and pies from the market bakery. These options make the markets suitable for a casual meal as well as a shopping stop, whether you are visiting alone, meeting friends or organising a relaxed group outing.

Families have several activities beyond the stalls. Carrara Mini Golf has two themed 18-hole courses, including an outdoor course styled around ancient Asian ruins and an indoor course featuring dinosaurs, pirates and medieval dragons. Rollerama provides an indoor roller-skating arena with general sessions operating across the weekend. The site also lists pony rides, a baby animal farm, bungy trampolines and face painters. With shopping, food and activities in one sizeable venue, Carrara Markets is best suited to families and groups wanting a full day out, while solo visitors and couples can keep it simpler with a market wander, café stop or round of mini golf.