Market, my word
Markets are a staple of most Sydneysider's weekend. From empty schoolyards to church car parks, these makeshift-malls attract all sorts. Here are six of the cheapest, collest and freshest
Getting Fresh... a rainbow of fresh fruit and veg await
showcase for the cutting edge of fashion and design, Glebe is a great place to find reanimated fashion, and household items. Or just go along, soak up the atmosphere, relax on the lawn and listen to live bands and other performers every Saturday.
What: Vintage clothing, jewellery and accessories, CDs, DVDs, books, home wares, gourmet food.
Where & When: Glebe Markets Glebe Public School, cnr Derby Pl & Glebe Point Rd, Glebe 2037. Sat, 10am-4pm. For further info: (0419 291 449)
Rozelle Markets began in 1991 and has evolved into one of Sydney's favourite second hand markets featuring approximately 100 stalls each weekend day amid the leafy grounds of historical Rozelle School.
What: Furniture, records, books, vintage clothing and jewellery, antiques and collectables and assorted bric a brac. There are also international food stalls, massage for the weary, or tarot reading for the curious.
Where & When: Rozelle Markets Rozelle Public School, Darling St, 2039. Sat & Sun, 9am-4pm.
For further info: (02 9818 5373)
The Blue Palm Tree Markets bring the best of Pacific Island, Aboriginal and Maori produce and cultures together in one convenient undercover location. "Markets are part of the lifestyle in the islands, not just for buying stuff, but as a meeting place as well," explains organiser Alex Fineki, who is keen to maintain island culture. Indeed the Fijian, Tongan and Samoan national day festivals will all be celebrated at the markets later on this year.
What: Most of the stalls sell traditional Maori and Pacific Island merchandise, food, handicrafts, and clothes. But expect the bizarre: "We have an Aboriginal lady selling goanna kebabs, and another guy selling his new drink Kakadu Juice," says Fineki. Live entertainment includes buskers, singers, dancers and rappers performing every Saturday on the Hordern Lawns.
Where & When: Blue Palm Tree Markets Paddington & Downes Pavilions and the Hordern Lawns, Sydney Showground, Olympic Bvd, Sydney Olympic Park 2027. Sat (and some public holidays), 9am-4pm. For further info: (02 9824 5471)
4 North Rocks Bring & Buy Markets
Make sure you head over early to this fantastic weekly bric-a-brac cornucopia for one of Sydney's best flea markets. Grab yourself brekky - you won't be able to go past the enticing wafting smells of a snag in bread - and rummage the tables of over 110 stalls for great quality second-hand goods and junk deluxe.
What: English fine china cups, plates and bowls, old tools, home wares, funky Moreno glassware and other random goodies to make your house one of a kind. Also a good spot to pick up cheap plants, toys, clothes.
Where & When: North Rocks Bring & Buy Markets Royal Institute for Deaf & Blind Children car park, North Rocks Rd, North Rocks 2151.Sun, 7am-1pm. For further info: (0414 580 141)
Lovers of fine foods will relish the quality and variety of the EQ's Fresh Produce Market. Under the elegant shade sails, the lush colours of Mayfarm Flowers rest brightly next to the seasonal oranges and avocados of Meliora Farm; and the mouth-watering aroma of Formaggio Ocello's imported cheeses mingles with the Strudel Baron's freshly baked tarts. Still, not convinced? The providores are all there to share their trade secrets with you.
What: Fresh regional produce and gourmet foods, including fruit and vegetables, eggs, cheese, breads, olives, nuts, chocolates, cakes and pastries, flowers, sweet and savoury crepes, chorizo rolla, Turkish gozleme, Ethiopian pancakes, and Fair Trade coffee.
Where & When: The Entertainment Quarter Fresh Produce Markets The Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park 2021. Wed & Sat. 10am-3.30pm. For further info: 02 8117 6700. EQ also holds markets and the Bent Street Bazzar Sun 10am-5pm
Paddy's Markets date back as far as 1834, but moved to Flemington in 1975 when it was forced to vacate its city digs to make way for the new Sydney Entertainment Centre. Fortunately, the Flemington site was twice the size of the original space and this turned out to be the making of Paddy's, which has since expanded to include regular produce and growers' markets, flower markets, and a weekly Swap & Sell market.
What: Fruit, vegetables, clothing, CDs, flowers, home wares, sunglasses, jewellery, souvenirs and Australiana, pre-loved treasures, including electrical goods, clothing, tools, books and knick-knacks.
Where & When: Paddy's Markets Flemington, 250-318 Parramatta Rd, Homebush West 2140. (02 9325 6200)
General markets: Fri. 10am-4.30pm; Sat. (Fresh food) 6am-2pm; Sun. 9am-4.30pm.
Swap & Sell: Sat 6am-2pm. Flower Market: Mon-Sat. 5am-11am.
Growers' Market: Mon-Thu. 6am-10.30am & Fri. 6am-9.30am.
More Sydney markets
Balmain Market St. Andrews Church, cnr Curtis Rd & Darling St, Balmain 2041. Sat 8am-4pm.
Crafts, jewellery, books, clothing, footwear, antiques, organic fruit, vegetables, n-site plant nursery and yummy food.
Bondi Bazaar Bondi Mall, Oxford St, Bondi Junction 2022. (02 9999 2226) Sat & Sun 9am-6pm.
An eclectic mix of fashion, collectables, recycled, jewellery, plants and food.
Bondi Markets Bondi Beach Public School, Campbell Pde, Bondi 2026. Every Sun 10am-5pm.
Find original and interesting clothing from up-and-coming designers, as well as jewellery, homewares and accessories.
Campbelltown City Markets & Car Boot Sale Cnr Raby & Campbelltown Rd, Minto 2566. (02 9603 9777) Every Thu & Sat from 6am.
Trash and treasure galore.
Crows Nest Market Crows Nest Centre, Lvl 2, 2 Ernest Pl, Crows Nest 2065. (02 9439 5122)
3rd Saturday of the month
Heritage Craft Fair St Ives Showground, Mona Vale Rd, St Ives 2075. Sun 2 Dec 9am-3pm.
Original handcrafts for the home and garden, clothing, furniture, toys and children's gears, food stores including African, Greek and Japan, face painting, balloon artists, pony rides and trampoline bungee. Note: there's only one more fair date for 2007.
Hills Craft Market Castle Hill Showground, Doran Dr, off Carrington Rd, Castle Hill 2154. (02 9894 4700) 9am-3pm.
Held on the fourth Sunday of the month, the Hills Craft Market is the biggest arts and craft market in Sydney's north-west, with over 100 stallholders selling Australian, hand made arts and crafts.
Kirribilli Market Bradfield Park, crn Alfred & Burton Sts, Milsons Point. Fourth Sat each month Jan-Nov & first and third Sat in Dec. 7am-3pm.
Collectables, antiques, vintage fashion and accessories.
Kirribilli Art & Design Markets Kirribilli Bowling Green, cnr Alfred & Burton Sts, Kirribilli 2061 (02 9922 4428) Second Sun of the month.
For all things art and design.
Manly Arts And Crafts Market Sydney Rd & Market Ln, Manly 2095. (02 9315 7011 ) Sat & Sun 10am-5pm.
Unique handmade arts and crafts, jewellery, paintings, photography, homemade body care products and souvenirs.
Manly West Organic Market Manly West Primary School, Hill St, Balgowlah 2093. (0431 532 378) Every Sat 8am-1pm.
Selling foods produced using environmentally sustainable methods, free from artificial fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides.
North Rocks Computer Market Muirfield High School, cnr Barclay Rd & Tiernan Ave, North Rocks. Every Sun 10am-3pm.
If computer gear is what you're after, this is your market, with 20 retailers selling second and new goods.
North Sydney Market Miller St, (between Ridge & McLaren St), North Sydney 2060. (02 9922 2299) 9am-4pm. Second Sat of every month.
Arts, craft, plants, books, bric a brac and home-made foods.
Northside Produce Market Civic Park between Council Chambers & Stanton Library, Miller St, North Sydney 2060. (02 9922 2299) Third Sat of the month, 8am-12pm.
Fresh market and gourmet produce in a convivial market atmosphere.
Organic Food & Farmers Markets (02 9999 2226)
St Ives Showground, Mona Vale Rd, St Ives 2075. Wed 9am-1pm
Hornsby Mall, By the Fountain, Hornsby 2077. Thu 8am-4pm
Bondi Mall, Oxford St, Bondi Junction 2022. Thu, Fri & Sat 8.30am-6pm
Fitzroy Gardens, Macleay St, Kings Cross 2010. Every Sat 8am-2pm
Chatswood Public School, cnr Pacific Hwy & Centennial Ave, Chatswood 2067. Every Sat 8am-1pm
Orange Grove Public School, cnr Perry St & Balmain Rd, Leichhardt 2040. Every Sat 8am-1pm
The Parkway Hotel, Frenchs Forest Rd East, Frenchs Forest 2086. Every Sun 8am-1pm;
Cnr Forest Rd & Durham St, Hurstville 2220. Every Sun 8.30am-2pm;
The Addison Rd Community Centre, Addison Rd, Marrickville 2204. Every Sun 8.30am-2pm.
As it sounds, organic food direct from the farmers, everything from fruit and veggies, coffee, meat, eggs, cheese and bread.
Paddington Markets 395 Oxford St, Paddington 2021. Every Sat 10am-4pm.
Born in 1973, Paddo Markets was created during a time of social change, creativity and independence and is well known for its quirky atmosphere. Located in the grounds of the Paddington Uniting Church, it has been a major launching pad for some of Sydney's fashion industry with some high profile labels making their name, including Bracewell, Lisa Ho and Third Millennium, and more.
Paddy's Market Haymarket Hay St, Haymarket 2000. Thur-Sun & public holiday Mon 9am-5pm.
It's garish, gaudy and great for natty tatty Australiana. Amongst flashing toys that skwak and sing, you'll find sheepskins and other Aussie memorabilia to send to those unfortunate enough to live in any other country.
Parklea Markets cnr Sunnyholt & Old Windsor Rd, Parklea 2768. (02 9629 3311) Sat & Sun 8.30am-4.30pm.
Gardening tools, cosmetics, clothes, souvenirs... this is a real jim-jam of goods. Browse through it all whilst sampling some of the fresh produce. In addition to the usual fruit and veg, there's fresh seafood, a deli and even a baker. So that's lunch sorted then?
Riverside Market Riverside Girl High School, cnr Victor Rd & Huntleys Point Rd, Huntleys Point 2111. (0414 583 106) Second Sat of the month 9am-3pm.
Great for plants, home-made sauces, jams, craft, giftware, seasonal fruit, get a massage, food and great coffee.
The Rocks Markets Northern end of George St, The Rocks 2000. (02 9240 8717) Every Sat & Sun 10am-5pm.
Located in Sydney's historical precinct and under the shade of the sails, you'll find art and craft, jewellery, frames, photography, indigenous artwares and food.
Sydney Flower Market Austin Avenue, Flemington, 2129. (02 9325 6228) Mon-Sat 5am-11am.
Open to the public, the Sydney Flower Market will cater to all your botanical needs. Trading usually packs up by 9am, so only early birds allowed.
Sydney Opera House Markets Bennelong Point, Circular Quay 2000. (02 9250 7111 ) Every Sun 9am-5pm. Probably one of the best backdrops to a market, a good one for the tourists with souvenirs, art and craft, paintings and jewellery.
Surry Hills Market Cnr Crown & Collins St, Surry Hills 2010. (02 9310 2888) First Sat of the month. 8.30am-5pm.
Second-hand clothing, music, food jewellery and loads of trendy people, sorry, accessories.