Palm Beach Farmers Market

Palm Beach Farmers Market is a Saturday morning food market on the Gold Coast, running from 6am to 11.30am. It brings together farmers, food producers, artisans and the local community, with between 75 and 80 stallholders attending each week. That makes it a useful stop for a weekly shop, a relaxed breakfast or a browse through seasonal produce and locally made foods.

The range covers fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, seafood, dairy products, fresh pasta and sauces, baked goods, artisan breads, smallgoods and health foods. There are also options to take away or eat at the market, including multicultural cuisine. The selection changes with the seasons, and the market’s news coverage highlights produce such as winter citrus and mushrooms. Some stallholders are certified organic, biodynamic or spray-free producers, while vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free foods are available across the market.

The market is run by The Market Co. GC, a team that has operated farmers’ markets since 2000. Its focus is on connecting South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales growers, gourmet producers and artisan food makers with Gold Coast shoppers. The organisation also promotes recycled and environmentally sustainable materials and says single-use plastic, EPI, degradable, biodegradable and compostable bags are not used at its markets. Its support for the Slow Food Movement is centred on food being good, clean and fair.

Expect a lively, colourful setting rather than a quiet retail experience, with local musicians booked to perform at the markets each week and space provided for buskers. It suits shoppers stocking up on fresh food, groups looking for a casual weekend outing and solo visitors who enjoy browsing stall by stall. Dogs are not permitted in the market shopping area, so visitors need to leave them at home or arrange for someone to stay with them while they shop. The market also accepts applications from stallholders looking to join its rotating community of food and craft producers.