Gold Coast MarketsWeekend, Beachfront & Twilight Markets

Once upon a time the Gold Coast was home to one market place and that was the Carrara Markets. Each weekend locals 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 but now there are dozens of markets that line the coast.

Some markets follow the rules that one man's trash is another man's treasure and others nurture the local arts, crafts and fashion scene.

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 or indulge in some homemade jams and antipasto or pick out a bunch of flowers for the week.

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

Chinatown Street Markets

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!

The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets

The Village Markets

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 market goers a brilliant day out with friends where you can talk to the artists and designers about their wares, catch some live music and enjoy gourmet food and drinks too.

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

Food & Farmers' Markets

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. Each Saturday there are 80 stallholders selling a wonderful array of fresh fruit and vegies, seafood, poultry, honey, pickles, jams, 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's also lots of stalls offering hot jam donuts, gelato, pita breads, pies and pastries and something for every sweet tooth out there. 

Carrara Markets

Carrara Markets are a Gold Coast institution and are enormously popular with locals and tourists looking for a bargain. Stroll throughout over 500 diverse stalls offering beauty products, tools, shoes, fishing gear, candles, plants, toys and there's even a tattoo studio. There really is something for everyone! The market opens before 7am with a delicious breakfast, later in the day after a busy day of bargain hunting you can pick up fresh donuts, 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, animal farm and merry-go-round. The markets offer a courtesy bus which only costs $1 for pick up and return so combined with free admission it really is a cheap, fun day out for the whole family!

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 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 donuts!

Other Markets on the Gold Coast

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