Our Favourite Brisbane Markets

It’s easy to forget what an amazing gift life really is. Our lives are nothing but a cosmic blink. Yet for one brief moment, we get to experience the wonders of existence, of consciousness.

The round-up: Brisbane’s best markets we enjoy going to:

For tasty treats, unique designs and bona fide bargains, Brisbane’s market scene has you more than covered. For us, the perfect weekend always starts with a visit to our local farmers market. Sometimes we go for the fresh produce, other times we simply go to catch up with friends and snack on some tasty market grub. We wouldn’t get out of bed early on the weekend for something that wasn’t worth it, which is why you should believe us when we say a visit to your local farmers market is a wholesome way to get the most out of the weekend. Brisbane simply buzzes with markets, each reflecting the flavour and style of the many communities and passions of this sunny city. We’ve gone ahead and created a list of some of Brisbane’s best, with each packed with fresh food, sublime coffee, and some great community atmosphere and the ones we always look forward to checking out.

Boundary Street Markets

West End comes alive on Friday nights when the Boundary Street Markets kick off proceedings on Russell Street. Boasting an array of delights from across the world, as well as a kids area and live music, you can get the party started or arrive for a well-priced feed. The night starts at 4:00 pm and runs until 10:00 pm. The Boundary Street Markets bounce back for another night on Russell Street Saturday night, playing host to food stalls such as MooFree Burgers, Ma Petite Cuisine, Organic Frog and Taste of Transylvania. The Boundary Street Markets also host semi-frequent vegan markets and other one-off events. Like Friday, the Saturday night markets commence at 4:00 pm.

Good eats, great atmosphere. Highly recommended for the weekend trip to Brissie or for OS tourists. I'm sure the local set love it, too.

Eat Street Northshore

When it comes to food markets, it doesn’t get bigger than Eat Street. After moving to new digs in 2017, the expansive dining destination grew even bigger, offering river views, 180 dining and entertainment options and a one-of-a-kind experience that runs all weekend. Eat Street turns on the charm for weekend revellers, with several different areas to explore. Get a taste of nearly every conceivable Asian cuisine on AsiaStreet, sample other international fare at the Diner precinct and on East Wharf, feast on fresh hauls of seafood on the TrawlerDeck, sample Instagram-worthy desserts at Kombi Lane and browse a range of goods at either MarketSquare or TradersSquare. Eat Street Northshore opens on Friday nights at 4:00 pm and closes at 10:00 pm, Saturday nights at 4:00 pm and closes at 10:00 pm.

Fantastic night out with plenty of different cuisines to choose from. Live entertainment was great and added to the atmosphere.

Jan Powers Farmers Markets Powerhouse

The picturesque surrounds of Brisbane Powerhouse play host to  Jan Powers Farmers Market every Saturday morning. Start your spree with a coffee, then commence the search for the perfect morsel – the market has sausages, dumplings, omelettes and crepes, plus a range of juice stalls, small-goods vendors and more. Bring the pup! Pooches are more than welcome. These markets commence at 6:00 am and wrap up at midday.

Jan Powers at New Farm has always been (and still is) our favourite way to start the weekend! Great selection of food, music, people and life! Love it!

Jan Powers Farmers Markets Manly

What better way to start a Saturday than with a coffee in hand and the sea breeze on your face? The Jan Powers Farmers Market at Manly is located on the waterfront at Little Bayside Park near Manly Harbour Village. This mini village offers a huge range of market fare, as well as delicious coffee and French delicacies. You can catch these markets every first and third Saturday from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Great location near Wynnum Boat Harbour. Good facilities, dog friendly, where locals go for fresh food

Davies Park Market

The Davies Park Market in West End are one of the most popular Saturday morning spots for good reason – it has everything. The fresh produce is top notch, the coffee selection is impressive and there’s plenty of live entertainment. If you’re keen to break your fast, you can find the likes of NYC Bagel Deli, Roesti Revolution, and many more. Davies Park Market kicks off nice and early at 6:00 am and wraps up at 2:00 pm.

It was a really great day. Happy, friendly energy, so much great fresh produce, food stalls, crafts from all around the world. I was very impressed.

The Milton Markets

After relocating from its original Red Hill home, the rebranded Milton Markets immediately made an impact on the scene, luring in hordes of inner-west locals with a nice blend of lifestyle and food. More than 120 stalls, live music performances, kids activities and more are on hand for those keen to start their Sunday the right way. The Milton Markets kick off from 6:00 am and run until midday.

A big selection of food stalls, with a few fresh groceries and plants. A smaller range of arts/crafts, clothing or "things" stalls. Live music and good shade. Had a few coffee stalls also. Feel free to bring your dog as they had pet photos and a dog wash. A fun Sunday morning for all.A big selection of food stalls, with a few fresh groceries and plants. A smaller range of arts/crafts, clothing or "things" stalls. Live music and good shade. Had a few coffee stalls also. Feel free to bring your dog as they had pet photos and a dog wash. A fun Sunday morning for all.

Redcliffe Jetty Markets

How does a bit of live music, some fresh sea air and incredible food and drink sound for a great start to your Sunday? You can get all of that and more at the Redcliffe Jetty Markets, which are situated on the foreshore of Anzac Place Parklands. Hit the waterfront every Sunday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.

                                                                           

Always a great morning out! I love how dogs are allowed throughout the markets. Always puts a smile on my face. The stores sell quality products too! Bought some great dog toys and coats today! The location doesn't get any better I feel.

Jan Powers Farmers Markets Mitchelton

Mitchelton locals mark the first Sunday of the month on their calendars regularly, as that’s the day that the Jan Powers Farmers Markets set up on Blackwood Street. From 6:00 am to noon, you will be able to find deli-style goods, fruit and vegetables, cakes, spices, oils and organic bread, as well as fresh coffee to help you start the day right.

Only once a month but an interesting experience. Produce not necessarily cheaper than the supermarkets but there are a few gourmet sellers that are worth checking out.

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

Our Favourite Six Camping Sites In Queensland

It is tough living in Brisbane where we are blessed with an almost embarrassing number of beach camping options. Double Island Point, Fraser Island, Moreton Island and Straddie. Here is our six hidden camping gems.

Kinkuna

Kinkuna is bush camping at the beach with only the sea breeze to keep you company that gets the juices flowing, then work your way down through the gears, drop the tyre pressures when the gravel starts smacking the insides of the guards and rock on in to a world of no-numbered campsites, no toilets, no showers, no rubbish bins, no water and no rice burners with thumping subs.

How to get there: Access to Kinkuna, the northern section of the Burrum Coast National Park, is by 4WD vehicle only. Travel 14km south from Bundaberg on the Bundaberg-Goodwood-Childers Rd.

Why it's great: Kinkuna is a quiet and peaceful location ideal for families.Camping is permitted behind coastal dunes, just a short walk to the water and beach. There are 40 sandy sites to choose from. One of the best things about this site is the minimal beach traffic which means kids can play on the beach without parents worrying about them. For the less-dedicated fishermen who only fish all night and half the day, a walk along the shoreline with the better half is a must. Seemingly endless white sand stretching as far as you can see in either direction with the biggest decision being which way to go… up or down the beach.

Tips: There are no facilities but open fires are allowed - except when fire bans apply. Sections of very soft sand on tracks; and the beach can be loose as a goose as well. Carry a snatch strap and shackles and someone will always help if you get into strife. Don’t forget a tyre gauge for deflating tyres, or a set of Stauns.

Borumba Deer Park

How to get there: From the Bruce Highway head towards Imbil via the Mary Valley Tourist Drive.

Travel through the country town of Imbil towards Borumba Dam, cross Yabba Creek five times (9km) and the entrance is on the left after crossing number five.

Why it's great: Fifteen acres of landscaped rural bush where you can pitch your tent along the banks of Yabba Creek. You can fish, swim, bush walk or enjoy the open areas of the Park's Sherwood Forest. Farm tours can be arranged where you can feed the animals, and of course, check out the beautiful deer.

Tips: The vast and incredible Borumba Dam is on your doorstep

Water Park Creek in Byfield State Forest

Water Park, Byfield State Forest, is a beautiful campground set amongst rain forest on water park creek. Though the creek is accessible for fishing and canoeing

How to get there: Byfield State Forest is 34 km north of Yeppoon via Yeppoon-Byfield Road. Access to Byfield State Forest is suitable for conventional vehicles; however, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is needed if you wish to travel into the adjoining Byfield National Park and access Byfield Conservation Park.

Why it's great: You can catch glimpses of Water Park Creek through small openings in tall turpentine forest and enjoy the cool rainforest that features the ancient fern-like cycad, Bowenia serrulata (Byfield fern). All three camping areas have adjoining day-use areas with picnic tables and toilets. Upper Stony and Water Park Creek have automatic barbecues, while Red Rock has wood barbecues  - you must bring your own clean, milled timber for firewood.

Tips: Wear protective clothing. Venomous bites and heat exhaustion are a danger on land and in the water. Wear sun protective clothing and sunscreen during the day. Good sturdy footwear is recommended to protect against stings and bites on land and in the water. Use a portable gas or fuel stove. This reduces fire danger and eliminates the need for firewood. Remember, different fire restrictions apply throughout Byfield's camping areas. Watch out for: Rough tracks - unsealed road experience is required. Swimming is not advised as the creek is considered crocodile habitat. 

Sandy Creek Camping Ground

Sandy Creek Campin’ is a family run campground, hidden in the quiet hills, just a short drive through the countryside behind Kilcoy, in South East Queensland.

How to get there:  Five-hundred acres of untouched natural landscape reached from the Bruce Highway's D'Aguilar Hwy exit, past Woodford and right onto Mary Smokes Creek Rd. Drive 16km to Cedarvale Rd, then left for 2.5km to the Sandy Creek entrance.

Why it's great: Kids will love the wide open grassed areas, while nature can be found at its best if you camp by the banks of Sandy Creek's stream. The icy waters will cool you on a hot day, while the simple pleasure of just sitting back on a rock in the shade of a tree and listening to the many bird calls is hard to beat.

Tips: Bring your walking boots and binoculars. There are almost 20km of rough walking tracks, and bird life is abundant. Wallabies wander close to the camp grounds. Camp fires are permitted and flushing toilets and hot showers are treats. Watch out for: Busy holiday periods as there aren't a huge number of camping plots and they quickly sell out. Also visit the website for a map - the owners say GPS and Google Maps aren't reliable for finding their remote spot.

Curtis Island

This is rugged exploration at its best - Four Wheel Drive tracks to remote and secret fishing spots, back to basics bush camping, beaches, sparkling ocean, wilderness and wetlands. Curtis Island is accessible by private boat or by a regular ferry service; although once on the island and camping you will need a Four Wheel Drive to get around.

How to get there: Boat transfers are required from Gladstone mainland, with regular ferries and barges departing daily. Vehicles are permitted, four wheel drives are recommended. Head north from the vehicle ferry point at South-end to Turtle Street or Joey Lees camping areas. If you are looking for a more remote spot, continue north to Yellow Patch, a highly secluded area known to host the endangered Yellow Chat.

Why it's great: With an extraordinary diversity in landscapes, from salt flats to coastal sand dunes and dry rainforests, Curtis Island provides a new adventure every day. Plenty of daily activities available for campers, bushwalks can easily consume an entire day; of particular interest is the trek to the Cape Capricorn Conservation Park to view the historic lighthouse. Great four-wheel-driving opportunities are abundant on Curtis Island.

Tips: Book a camping permit up to six months in advance. Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted, so equip your party with a fuel stove. Remember to bring ample drinking water. Composting toilets are on site at Turtle Street and Joey Lees.

St Helens Beach

Small, secluded and alluringly tranquil St Helens Beach in north Queensland is one of the state’s little hidden gems situated centrally in a bay fed by a multitude of mangrove creeks.

To say that the St Helens area is heaven for small boat enthusiasts would be pretty much right on the money. There are close to a dozen creeks to explore and fish, ranging from tiny mangrove and rock lined inlets to long meandering systems that wind inland past the Bruce Highway and offer excellent freshwater sport. Add to this more rock and mangrove flats than you can poke a rod at, a string of inshore islands, some deep holes, sandy beaches and prime land based hotspots and you have the perfect destination for the travelling angler looking to explore somewhere different. 

How to get there: Drive north to Calen about 50km from Mackay, turn right and follow the St Helens Beach Road which is signposted. At the beach turn right and follow the road to the 'old' beach where the caravan park is located.

Why it's great: This area is a hot-spot for fishing, with access to a vast and productive creek system which includes Murray and St Helens creeks, and further north to the Seaforth area, so bring your tinny. It's a peaceful spot right on the beach.

Tips: Showers and toilets are available and there is a fee for camping. Watch out for: The tides are big in this area so make sure you bring your tide chart, because the water drops a long way.

“There’s no place like camp. I wish I could stay forever.”