The Illawarra region has seen an emerging foodie culture led by local chefs and producers, trendy café, restaurant and business owners who share a passion for quality, local produce; using it to create innovative and delicious fare enjoyed by locals and visitors to the Illawarra Coast. This has also seen the demand for local farmers markets expand, incorporating more quality local fresh and organic produce, delicious food stalls, aromatic coffee, a variety of unique artesian goods and trinkets, alongside the good old trash and treasure stalls to explore at your leisure.
Exploring the Wollongong Markets are a great addition to your itinerary while you are enjoying your stay at The Sage Hotel Wollongong. We recommend timing your trip around the region on a day the markets are on, that way you can pick up some fresh local produce to create a tasty picnic lunch with all the hard work done for you… and have we mentioned the delicious brewed coffee! Twilight food markets in Wollongong offer a great alternative for dining out and are also a great option in all types of weather. So, if it’s looking a little dark outside, don’t’ think you must spend your day indoors, take out the brolly (or don one of those attractive plastic raincoats) and get set to explore!
We have made it easy for you to explore and forage for a bargain to your hearts content with The Top 12 Markets in and around Wollongong.
If you are passionate about great tasting food made with the freshest of mostly organic seasonal produce by talented local chefs, then the Wollongong Eat Street Markets needs to be in your diary on a Thursday night in Wollongong. The stall holders use fair trade products, free range eggs, pasturised meat and there are plenty of tasty vegan dishes on offer. There are plenty of chill out spaces to enjoy your meal as you enjoy listening to live local music and soak up the local community atmosphere. Keep up to date with all that is happening via the eat street Wollongong Facebook page.
When: Every Thursday, 5pm – 9pm
Where: Crown Street Mall, Wollongong NSW 2500
Distance: 6-minute drive (and a 15-minute walk) from The Sage Wollongong Hotel
Lower crown street is bustling space on a Friday and the Friday Forage Wollongong is a great space to stock up on fresh locally grown produce, and to enjoy a large range of delicious food. The Foragers Market is the largest weekly event in Wollongong supporting the local market with an awesome selection of Vegan Food, Organic produce and Cruelty free products. Pick up homemade jewelry, clothing, soaps, organic products and so much more!
When: Every Friday, 9am – 2pm
Where: Crown Street Mall, Wollongong NSW 2500
Distance: 6-minute drive (and a 15-minute walk) from The Sage Wollongong Hotel
The Bulli Foragers market is held every Sunday – rain or shine – at the Bulli Showgrounds. It has a welcoming market atmosphere enticing visitor to linger a little longer with comfortable chill out spaces where you can drink your coffee and read the paper on a lazy Sunday morning in the sun listening to live music and the kids are kept occupied with plenty of space to play.
Stock up on fresh organic produce from the NSW and ACT region, vegan food and locally made cruelty free products. On the second Sunday of every month the market expands to include stalls laden with artisan products, designer clothing, jewelry, organic products, homewares, art, craft and so much more. We have created
When: Every Sunday, 9am – 2pm
Where: Bulli Showgrounds, Princes Highway, Thirroul NSW 2515
Distance: 20-minute drive from The Sage Wollongong Hotel
Enjoy a day out browsing through the stalls at the Village Market Place located at Pioneer Park. Keep the kids entertained at the skate park right next door as you explore the fresh produce, handmade arts and crafts, jewelry and clothing as listen to local live entertainment and enjoy a freshly brewed coffee and something tasty to eat.
When: Last Sunday of the month, 10am – 4pm
Where: Pioneer Park, Wattle Road, Shellharbour NSW 2529
Distance: 29-minute drive from The Sage Wollongong Hotel
The Coledale Markets 2018 are a lively community event, held every 4th Sunday of the month in the local school grounds, in between the ocean and the escarpment. The markets have been running for 13 years are a great opportunity to mingle with the whole community while rifling through the stalls of pre-loved clothes, books and bric a brac and browse through goods like beautiful handmade knits and soaps, paintings, jewelry and crockery made by local Artisans. The Coledale market hours are 9am – 3pm so come and enjoy the live music, delicious hot food, baked goods and aromatic coffee.
When: Every 4th Sunday of the Month, 9am – 3pm
Where: Coledale Public School, 699 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Coledale NSW 2515
Distance: 30-minute drive from The Sage Wollongong Hotel
The Farm’s market, located in the incredibly beautiful and scenic location of ‘The Farm’ in the Killalea National park, is a fantastic family friendly day out. The monthly event is home to over 90 stalls offering a large range of seasonal fresh local produce, fashionable clothing, artisan goods, florists, yummy food, great coffee and treats for you to enjoy. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy your day browsing the stalls, sitting back to relax as you enjoy your goodies while listening to live music and taking in the breathtaking views of the South Coast.
When: First Sunday of the month, 10am – 3pm
Where: ‘The Farm’, Killalea State Park, Killalea Drive, Shell Cove 2529
Distance: 34-minute drive from The Sage Wollongong Hotel
Located in the picturesque hinterland of the Kiama region, is the Jamberoo Village Markets held the last Sunday of every month. Enjoy the country atmosphere as you browse through a wide variety of stalls holding fresh produce, clothing, woodcraft, books, bric a brac, eating delicious food and listening to local musical groups.
When: Last Sunday of the month, 10am – 4pm
Where: 12 Allowrie Street, Jamberoo NSW 2533
Distance: 36-minute drive from The Sage Wollongong Hotel
The Kiama Farmer’s market operates every Wednesday afternoon between 3pm to 6pm during daylight savings and from 2pm to 5pm when you set the clock back to rights. The market has the most picturesque backdrop along the Kiama Surf Beach and here you can buy fresh local produce, seafood, local Wagyu beef, eggs and milk straight from the dairy to keep you and the family set for picnics and barbeques during your holiday. Here you can meet the Kiama makers and growers and there are also delicious food stalls to tempt you, readymade meals if you don’t’ feel like cooking and cakes, preserves, gelato made from fresh local milk, wine and so much more. Keep up to date with all that is happening via the Kiama markets Facebook.
The markets offer a perfect afternoon out for the entire family. The kids can play at the beach, explore the rock pools and you can enjoy an early dinner from all the goodies you have gathered as you watch the sun set.
When: Every Wednesday 2-5pm (winter) and 3-6pm (during daylight savings)
Where: On the grassed area adjacent to the Kiama Surf Beach
Distance: 40-minute drive from The Sage Wollongong Hotel
If you are looking to visit a smaller boutique community market with a laid-back atmosphere, the Gerringong Village Markets need to be on the to do list. The markets are run by the Rotary Club of Gerringong and here you can wander through the park and the town hall and browse through a varied display of goods including jewelry, clothing and art along with local produce and delicious hot food stalls. There is a park located nearby for the kids to run out their excess energy and a great space to enjoy some of the tasty treats you have purchased.
When: Third Saturday of the month, 8am – 2pm
Where: Gerringong Town Hall, 106 Fern Street, Gerringong NSW 2534
Distance: 44-minute drive from The Sage Wollongong Hotel
If you are heading to Wollongong and planning on checking out the region while you are here then Port Kembla, located 8 kilometers south of Wollongong offers a great day trip. Every second Saturday of the month Art on the Grass is held where Red Point Artists showcase their handmade crafts in their studios and courtyard. Here you can meet the artists, browse the studios and stalls. You will find unique artisan products like ceramics, paintings, drawings, sculptures, woodwork, photography, candles, cards, knitting, sewing and more. Pick up a coffee and enjoy the live music as you browse through the studios and stalls. While you are here, check out the Port Kembla beach which is ideal for running and swimmers will enjoy the Olympic size pool located on the Northern Rocks right by the beach.
When: Second Saturday of the month, 5pm – 9pm
Where: RRPAA Arts Precinct, 100 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla NSW 2505
Distance: 1 hour and 45 minutes from The Sage Wollongong Hotel
A newly created market in the Illawarra region, the Puckeys Night Market held at the UOW’s Innovation Campus during Wintery Wednesday nights is a winter warming event where you can enjoy local live music and over 40 eclectic stalls with mostly local traders including artisans, tasty food stalls and second-hand and vintage goods. So, put on your beanie and head out to mingle with the locals to enjoy the atmosphere and some quality food.
When: Last Wednesday of the Month (June – August), 4pm – 9pm
Where: Puckeys Avenue, UOW Innovation Campus (Off Squires Way) Coledale NSW 2515
Distance: 11-minute drive from The Sage Wollongong Hotel
The Twilight Food Markets & Sculptures are held once a year in late September as part of the 2018 Sculptures at Killalea Festival. Set on the hill at ‘The Farm’, here you can mingle with the locals and enjoy an afternoon of Live Music and Entertainment, Unique Artwork and Sculptures on display. Bring a picnic blanket and kick back enjoying the delicious food, wine, craft beer and lively atmosphere.
When: September 2019 (date TBC), 2pm – 7pm
Where: Stockland Shell Harbour, 211 Lake Entrance Road, Shell Harbour NSW 2529
Distance: 28-minute drive from The Sage Wollongong Hotel
Image Credit: @ColedaleMarkets
