Living on the Bellarine, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to our markets.
Whether you’re in search of organic fresh produce, artisanal homemade goods or thrifting vintage finds, there is a stall for your endeavours at one of the region’s fabulous markets.
I love attending markets and am often on a mission to find cumquat marmalade – my childhood favourite.
Markets provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community.
When you’re buying from a stall at one of the region’s community markets, you’re usually connecting directly with the grower or maker and building connections, whether it’s over the purchase of a painting or a pumpkin.
This can’t be replicated when shopping in a major supermarket, and we’re fortunate that on the Bellarine we have some weekend markets that are ‘super’ in their own special way.
If you’re in Barwon Heads this Saturday January 25, it might be worth a visit to the Uniting Church for the Barwon Heads’ Makers Market.
The market takes place on the last Saturday of December and January, so it’s the last opportunity for market goers to enjoy the event until its next iteration on the King’s Birthday Weekend in June.
For a wonderful Sunday morning of crafts, clothes, produce, food stands and live music, the Ocean Grove Summer Market is a must.
Held on the first Sunday of each month, the Summer Market is organised by Ocean Grove Rotary Club and supports small businesses from around the area.
In the ward I represent, Murradoc residents have plenty of stalls to peruse at the Portarlington Makers Market.
This is a great event where you can find quality artisan packaged food, handmade home decor, kitchen goods and locally designed clothing – as well as my sought-after marmalade.
Held within and around the Seniors Community Hall, the market supports makers and food producers from the local and surrounding areas, so you can give back to local businesses while finding something truly unique.
Just over the border from the Murradoc ward that I represent, Drysdale Community Market has attracted market goers for almost 40 years.
The market is a major fundraising effort of Drysdale Primary School and attracts guests with food vans, handmade goods and works from local artists.
The event is held on the third Sunday of the month from October through to May and takes place beneath the picturesque, treed area of Drysdale Recreation Reserve. The stalls offer sales of nursery plants, homemade crafts, and a variety of artisanal pantry goods from hot causes to condiments.
If you’re looking to fill your entire weekend with trips to the market, the Surf Coast Highway Makers Market coincides with the Drysdale Community Market weekends, occurring on the third Saturday of the month.
Markets also provide the community with opportunities to make environmentally conscious choices.
The Revive Market for pre-loved clothing will take place in Barwon Heads on February 9 and encourages guests to purchase second-hand garments, slowing down the turnover of textile waste by giving clothes a second life.
We are so fortunate to live in a region that boasts so many vibrant community events. Markets like these bring our townships together while supporting local and showcasing the diverse talents of makers and crafters in the region.
