Gold Coast MarketsWeekend, Beachfront & Twilight Markets

Once upon a time, the Gold Coast was home to one marketplace; the Carrara Markets. Each weekend local market goers and tourists would flock to this treasure chest to purchase everything from plants to old books to current fashions. The Carrara Markets are still a favourite among now dozens of markets lining the coast.

Gold Coast's market scene is as diverse as it is vast. Some community markets follow the philosophy that what one person considers trash, another might view as treasure, and others nurture the local arts, crafts and fashion scene.

Get out into the sunshine (or moonlight, depending on which markets you choose to visit) and grab yourself a bargain at one of the markets listed below!

Art & Crafts Markets

Theare a colourful affair with over 150 friendly store owners selling wonderful gifts, souvenirs, local art, jewellery, crafts and lots more. Each week the Art and Craft Markets change from one beautiful beachside destination to another as they work their way down the coast from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads then Coolangatta. Shop in some of the most beautiful Gold Coast destinations and then hit the waves for a swim and a surf. The markets have been running for 20 years and are always a hit with visitors looking to snap up something a little bit different.

When: 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month, 8am - 2pm
Where: Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach
Website: www.artandcraft.com.au/broadbeach/

When: 2nd Sunday of the month*, 8am - 2pm *plus every 4th Sunday in months with five Sundays
Where: Marine Parade Park, Coolangatta
Website: www.artandcraft.com.au/coolangatta/

When: Last Sunday of the month, 8am - 2pm
Where: The Esplanade Park, Burleigh Heads
Website: www.artandcraft.com.au/burleigh-heads/

Dreamworld Night Market

Step into the heart of Dreamworld for the Northern Gold Coast's newest culinary spectacle! For only $2 (free for kids), indulge in tantalising food truck delights, live music, and themed nights. Each weekend offers diverse entertainment, from live performances by local and renowned artists to free movie screenings for the little ones at 6:15 pm.

Expect fire twirlers, stuntmen, and live art that will elevate your Night Market experience. With Friday Art & Craft Markets, Paint & Sip Sessions, and changing lineups, the fun is endless. Opening June 10, join us every Friday and Saturday, 5 pm to 9 pm, for an exceptional experience.

While Dreamworld's rides are on rest, revel in the joy of good food, laughter, and entertainment. Entry is $2 for adults, free for kids under 13, and complimentary for Dreamworld Annual Passholders and existing Dreamworld guests.

When: Every Friday & Saturday night 5pm until 9pm.
Where: 1 Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera QLD 4209 (yes, at the Dreamworld theme park).
Website: www.dreamworldnightmarket.com.au/night-market/

Chinatown Street Markets

Come and enjoy an authentic Asian food experience with your family and friends at the Chinatown Street Markets. This free event is held on the first Saturday of each month until November 2018. Chinatown transforms into a vibrant street food and entertainment scene as the first Asian-inspired food market takes over the streets of Southport.

Cooked in front of you while you wait, taste your way through Asia with a selection of cuisine from Malaysia, China, Japan, Korea, Thailand and more. The street markets come alive from 5pm to 10pm with local retailers and restaurants expected to extend their trading hours during market times. Best of all you can catch the G:Link, the light rail system, into Southport and get off in the heart of the precinct!

When: First Saturday of the month (starting 2 May 2015)
Time: 5pm - 10pm
Where: Young and Davenport Streets, Southport

The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets

The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are a great way to shop and enjoy the beautiful sea breezes coming off Surfers Paradise beach.

On Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays the Esplanade along the beach becomes a hive of activity with colourful stalls setting up for the twilight markets. The market ethos of make, bake or grow makes sure that the 100 market stalls sell quality local, handmade and homegrown products. Stroll by the beach and find unique gifts, fashion, interesting jewellery, artwork, photographs, handmade beauty products and one-of-a-kind homewares. It's a wonderful way to spend a summer's evening with the family.

When: Every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday night
Time: 4 - 9pm all year round
Where: The Esplanade, the northern end of Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise

Please visit the dedicated Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets Facebook Page for news and updates. Due to the many events in Surfers Paradise there are times when the markets relocate or are held on a different day.

The Village Markets

The Village Markets was only founded in 2008 but has become a favourite with the cool kids that live on the Gold Coast. It's an open air market space that sells unique art and fashion.

The team at Village Markets nurture emerging fashion designers, vintage collectors, jewellery designers, artists and the crafty by giving them a space to sell their beautiful goods. It offers marketgoers a brilliant day out with friends where you can talk to the artists and designers about their wares, catch some live music and enjoy yummy food and drinks too.

Head on down and pick up something new and pretty to wear or handmade crafts to put in the home.

When: Every 1st & 3rd Sunday, from 8.30am - 1pm
Where: Burleigh Heads State School Oval, Lower Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Website: www.thevillagemarkets.co

Food & Farmers' Markets

With a prime location to beautiful farmlands, it is no wonder that gourmet Farmers' Markets are springing up all over the Gold Coast. Pick up your weekly groceries for half the price indulge in some homemade jams and antipasto or pick out a bunch of flowers for the week. Due to the popularity of the Turf Club Markets the team opened up Palm Beach's own Food & Farmers' Markets so the locals on the other end of the Gold Coast could enjoy the bounty of organic produce. Each Saturday 80 stallholders sell a wonderful array of organic fruit and veggies, delicious artisan food, seafood, poultry, honey, pickles, jams, deli products and fresh flowers and the list continues. If you're planning a picnic or a dinner party it is a great place to go to pick up fresh produce that everyone will enjoy. There are also lots of stalls offering jam doughnuts, hot coffee, gelato, pita bread, pies, pastries and tasty treats for every sweet tooth out there.

Palm Beach Food & Farmers' Markets
When: Every Saturday, 6am - 11.30am
Where: Palm Beach Currumbin High School, Thrower Drive, Palm Beach
Website: www.themarketcogc.com.au

Mudgeeraba Farmers' Markets
When: Every Saturday, 6am - 11.30am
Where: Mudgeeraba Showgrounds - 115 Mudgeeraba Rd, Mudgeeraba.
Website: Facebook

Bundall Farmers' Markets
When: Every Sunday, 6am - 11.30am
Where: The Arts Centre, 135 Bundall Rd, Bundall.
Website: Instagram

Helensvale Farmer's Market
When: Saturday 6am-11am
Where: Helensvale State High School
Website: www.helensvalefarmersmarket.com.au

Marina Mirage Farmers Markets
When: Saturday 6:30 am – 12:00noon
Where:74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Website: www.marinamirage.com.au

Carrara Markets

If you're looking for the biggest market around, this is it. Carrara Markets are a Gold Coast institution and is enormously popular with locals and tourists looking for a bargain. Stroll through over 500 diverse stalls offering beauty products, tools, shoes, fishing gear, candles, plants, and toys and there's even a tattoo studio. There is something for everyone! This permanent market opens before 7 am with a delicious breakfast, later in the day after a busy day of bargain hunting you can pick up fresh fruit, doughnuts, soft drinks, a cold beer and even fresh food to take home for the night's dinner.

There is quality entertainment for the kids while you shop with face painting, pony rides, an animal farm and a merry-go-round. The markets offer a courtesy bus which only costs $1 for pick up and return so combined with free admission it is a cheap, fun day out for the whole family!

When: Every Saturday and Sunday
Where: Corner Gooding Drive and Manchester Road, Carrara

Miami Marketta

Enjoy street food from all corners of the globe and live music at Miami Marketta, a night market experience not to be missed in the heart of the industrial area of Miami. Each week this market comes to life with international and local cuisine in a laneway full of food trucks and stalls. From New York to Thailand and everywhere in between, undercover seating plus a bar with original cocktails, local beer and wine, and great music to give visitors a great night out. There's even a dessert hall filled with traditional gelato, crepes, cakes, slices and gluten-free doughnuts! Don't miss out on this amazing food and thrilling cultural experience, all in one place.

When: Every Wednesday (5pm - 9pm), Friday (5pm - 11pm) and Saturday (4pm - 11pm)
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

Other Markets on the Gold Coast

Cuisine on the Green

When: Every Saturday; 5pm to 9pm
Where: 1 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters
Website: www.marketsdownunder.com/cuisine-on-the-green

Currumbin Valley Harvest

When: Saturday & Sunday, 7am to 12.30pm
Where: 1380 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin
Website: Facebook page

Gold Coast Organic Farmers' Market (Miami)

When: Every Sunday, 6.30am to 11,30am
Where: Miami State High School, 2137 - 2205 Gold Coast Highway, Miami
Website: gcorganicmarket.com

Emerald Lakes Market

When: Thursdays, 3pm - 8pm
Where: The Boulevard, Emerald Lakes, Carrara QLD
Website: Facebook page

Nerang Fresh Produce & Craft Market

When: Every Sunday, 6.30am - 12pm
Where: Lavelle Street, Nerang
Website: www.lavellestreetmarkets.com.au

Paradise Point Art & Craft Market

When: Every 4th Sunday
Where: The Esplanade Parklands, Paradise Point
Website: www.artandcraft/paradise-point

The Sanctuary Markets

When: Fridays, 4pm - 9pm
Where: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Village Green, on the corner of Tomewin St & Teemangum St, Currumbin QLD
Website: www.marketsdownunder.com

Images courtesy Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Destination Gold Coast & Getty Images