A guide to Sydney’s best farmers markets

A slice of prime real estate by Sydney’s favourite beach isn’t the only thing this seaside market has going for it.

Held every Sunday in the local school grounds, the Bondi Farmers Market is a wonderland for award-winning produce, farmstead cheeses, artisanal breads, herbs and spices, and chocolatey sweet treats.

You’ll also find organically grown meat and poultry and seafood, a drawcard for ethical foodies all over Sydney.

After you’ve picked up your grocery haul for the week, head straight for Miss Lilly’s Kitchen. A long time favourite with the market crowds, here you can grab a family-sized cherry pie to enjoy for dessert after Sunday night’s dinner. Every ingredient is as fresh as can be and you’ll taste the difference.

If you’re scouting for gourmand-friendly gifts, you can’t go wrong with olive oil or homemade jam. For an even more thoughtful bundle, pair it with an eye-catching bouquet from Mayfarm Flowers.

Hungry yet? There’s a courtyard of gourmet eats, perfect for grabbing something to eat on the beach after your shop. Try the Iberico Sydney stall for a tantalising selection of Spanish-style toasties.

The crunchy piadina flatbread with melted manchego, serrano ham, and sliced tomato is a jamon lover’s dream.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Piadina ($15)

Can’t make it to a market on the weekend? Double Bay’s Organic Market is open every Thursday morning from 9am until 2pm.

Specialising in certified organic, eco-friendly and fair-trade products, this market’s a choice place to shop for home cooks, families and those concerned about the environment.

Start the day with a strong coffee, then discover a colourful array of locally grown fresh fruit and veg, free range meat and wild caught and sustainable seafood to inspire your kitchen creations.

There’s also a diverse number of artisanal food stalls for stocking up on pantry goods. Be sure to taste some of the homemade cheeses, pastries, and oils from the sampling plates.

Create your own peanut butter or grab some frozen fruit ice blocks for the kids before taking them for a bounce on the jumping castle.

Lunch is a breeze, with pho, gozleme and crepes just a short stroll through the markets away.

For a healthy treat afterwards, try Peppermint Creek Farm’s “Green Bar”, a surprisingly satisfying blend of honey, nut, oats, carob, yerba mate, vanilla and rice crispies.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Green bar ($4)

If you don’t mind the drive, a visit to Camden Fresh Produce Market is a gorgeously picturesque way to spend Saturday morning.

Held on an actual farm in the Macarthur region, the market describes itself as a “Genuine Farmers Market” – meaning all products sold must be grown, produced or made by the person selling them.

This ethos creates a wonderful sense of connection between buyer and grower, and encourages deeper conversations about produce, community and co-operation in food.

The smell of sizzling bacon and eggs drifts across the street as locals and tourists alike flock in for their breakfast and morning shop.

Browse the stalls to find locally grown fruit, veg and flowers, plus free range meats, eggs, and more.

Pantry collectors can score artisanal jams, local Camden cheeses and chutneys. There’s also a stall that sells homemade pasta and sauces for fans of Italian cuisine.

To pick up an affordable lunch for the ride back home, make a stop at Suzie’s Turkish Gozleme.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Chicken, spinach and cheese gozleme ($14)

The leading produce market in Australia, this is not the place to visit for those who prefer to avoid the crowds. But if it’s variety you’re after, there’s no better farmers market in Sydney.

Open every Saturday in the iconically vintage Carriageworks building, it’s not only a place to stock your kitchen with some of the freshest seasonal produce from around New South Wales, it’s a social meeting place where you can kick back, grab brunch and enjoy the weekend buzz with family or friends.

Spot stalls serving quality coffee, blinis, hot dogs, pies, loaded flatbreads, quiches, congee and more. The ready-to-eat stalls may rotate, but you can look on the market’s socials the day before to see what’s available in advance.

Most recently, we heard the vegetarian butcher Suzy Spoon was dishing up incredible vegan hot dogs with her new frankfurter sausages, sauerkraut from Condimental, sriracha mayo, dill pickle and a squiggle of vegan cheese. Yum!

Once your belly’s sorted, a shop is in order. From oysters to olives and breads to boutique wines, plenty of artisanal goods will catch your eye so be sure to bring your largest reusable shopping bags.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Vegan hot dog ($15)

On any other day of the week, Tramsheds is less farmers market and more industrial-chic food court and mini shopping complex – with nearly 20 retailers, restaurants and cafes to choose from.

But come Sunday, the historical ex-depot turns into a bustling growers market, where local vendors offer fresh, seasonal and sustainable products, workshops, food pop-ups and even masterclass demos for home cooks.

Enjoy tunes from local musicians as you shop a wide selection of goods; from pure Australian honey and gin, to fresh pastries, olives and mushroom kits.

Opportunities for lunch at Tramsheds are plentiful and varied. Slurp down some Japanese ramen, enjoy a poke bowl or share a plate of fresh fish and chips with family.

If you’re feeling continental, there are Italian meatballs from Palle and fine French dishes from Garcon. Spicy food lovers should make a beeline for Belle’s Hot Chicken.

Bodega 1904 is your go-to for crispy tostadas, enchiladas, fresh guac and tacos. The plate of fresh fremantle octopus, juajillo-garlic oil fries and rocket goes down a treat.

Pair it with a frozen margarita for a deliciously naughty way to cool down.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Pulpo a las brasas ($38)