In this “Ten things about Geelong” it’s all about Markets. We would love to hear your thoughts on the markets you enjoy the best, drop us a line or contact us on Twitter or Facebook.
Geelong Waterfront Maker’s Growers Market
The lush lawns of Steampacket Gardens come alive with gourmet goods, fresh organic vegetables and a host of other delicious treats and some great craft items on the first Sunday of the month. The market kicks off at 10:00 AM and continues through until 3:00 PM. There is plenty of family friendly fun and always fantastic live music to help give this market a festive atmosphere.
The Geelong Showgrounds Market
Held every Sunday except for a few weeks around the Royal Geelong Show in October, the Showgrounds Market is one of the region’s biggest. It sprawls around the main arena and under cover inside the sheep pavilion. This market sells a wide range of interesting products from food, fruit and vegetables, plants, toys, house hold good and art. There is even a large outdoor second hand market where you will never imagine what you might find.
Piccadilly Market
The Piccadilly Market is a wonderful market experience and happens a few times a year at Deakin University’s Waterfront Campus. This market specialises in high quality items and includes crafts, handmade clothing, jewellery and a range of other beautiful items. There is gourmet foods and a ot of interesting things you just will not find anywhere else. A perfect place to pick up that unique gift for someone special. At the time of writing the 2014 Dates are April 27, August 3rd and November 29th & 30th starting at 9:30 AM and concluding at 3:00 PM.
Osbourne House Makers & Growers Market
Osborne House’s Maker’s & Growers Market is held at the beautiful grounds of one of Geelong’s most beautiful heritage buildings and former Corio Shire offices overlooking St Helens on Corio Bay’s western shoreline. This market specialises in fresh and local organic produce as well as locally hand crafted goods. There are a wide range of artisan producers selling herbs, jams, olives, free range products and many other delicious goods. The market takes place on the third Sunday of the Month.
The Queenscliff Market
The Queenscliff Community Market is not only one of the biggest markets around the region, it is also one of the longest running, dating back close to forty years. This market takes place on the last Sunday of the month between September and May at the lower Princess Park. The market specialises in high quality and homemade items including produce, artworks and other great goods, the perfect place to pick up a special gift. There is lots of great stalls where you can pick up lunch and the kids will have a ball with plenty of entertainment and fun for them.
Newtown Farmer’s Market
This market takes place on the sloping land to the east of Shannon Avenue and Fyans Street in Newtown on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the Month. The market specialises in fresh and organic produce with some great fruit and vegetables, herbs, cheese, breads, meats and even flowers. There is plenty of parking available and the market runs between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Geelong Computer Swap Meet
Located next to the Wool Exchange Entertainment Complex in Corio Street of the city, the computer swap meet is the place to purchase small electronic items, gadgets, phone accessories, DVDs and a wide range of computers and accessories. The market starts at 9:00 AM and continues into the mid-afternoon every Sunday. This market also has a testing bench where you can have your faulty computer, phone or tablet looked at by an expert and a recycling centre so bring along any unwanted computer.
Moriac Makers & Growers Market
Moriac located in the rolling Barrabool Hills to the south west of the city is home to a great market offering plenty of the freshest organic fruits and vegetables, handmade preserves and jams, beautiful craftwork and plenty of one of a kind items. The market takes place several times a year at the Moriac Community Centre in Hendy Main Road Moriac, about 20 minutes from the centre of Geelong towards Colac and the western district.
Nightjar
Nightjar is a new market come festival that began in Torquay during the summer of 2013. In 2014 the market completed another successful January season at the seaside resort town and came to Geelong’s Johnstone Park for the four Friday’s in February. The market featured dozens of stalls selling a wide range of art, clothing and wellness style products. There was plenty of gourmet food stalls with a huge international selection of tasty treats, plus a full evening of entertainment, from bands, roaming entertainers and artists.
The Drysdale Market
The Drysdale Community Market takes place on the Drysdale Recreation Reserve next to the Drysdale Football Club on the third Sunday of the month between and October and May. The market kicks off at 9:00 AM and runs through until about 1:00 PM. There are usually over 100 stalls and a perfect place to pick up some of the Bellarine Peninsula’s freshest and best produce. The market has a diverse mix of stalls selling all sorts of things including clothing, crafts, household items and food. There are always plenty of places to get a bite to eat and there is lots of fun for the kids.