On weekends the Byron Bay region comes alive with markets. Grassy fields and gravel carparks are transformed into places of creativity and culture. From locally grown fresh produce to handmade crafts, there’s something for everyone.
Strolling through the market stalls on a sunny weekend morning, your ears are likely to be met with music of the region. From buskers and local bands, to handmade coconut chimes, the rhythm of the marketplace is everywhere you turn. As you walk through the colourful array of local stalls, there are samples of freshly grown produce to tempt your tastebuds and handmade items that can’t be found elsewhere.
The markets are a place of entertainment for the whole family where an entire morning can easily be filled. Adults can indulge in a relaxing full body massage, or a cup of freshly ground organic coffee. Kids can have their faces painted in the design of their delight, or tryout handcrafted toys at the friendly stalls. For those who love shopping there are unique products such as felt slippers with curled toes, animals made from discarded cutlery and leather shoes that are cut to fit your foot and made before your eyes. While checking out the local goods, don’t be afraid to have a chat to the stallholders. It’s a unique opportunity to get a little bit of insight into the town and surrounding areas.
Under the comfort of a tree, enjoy the flavours of the region. There are plenty of shady places to sit and eat the local cuisine. From organic vegetarian burgers to chicken satays, the range of food will suit everyone. For those with a sweat tooth, there’s fruit ice cream made to order and locally produced sugarcane juice.
Brunswick Heads Markets
On the first Saturday of each month the Brunswick Heads markets are on. Just twenty minutes north of Byron Bay, these waterside markets overlook the stunning Brunswick River. They take place on the riverbank in Memorial park and are just a short walk to the local shops and cafes.
Byron Bay Markets
The first Sunday of every month is the Byron Bay markets. Held in the Butler Street Reserve, they’re an easy stroll from the town’s centre, just across the railway line. These markets are a great break from Byron’s beaches and reveal another side of the town’s personality.
The Channon Markets
The Channon Markets are held on the second Sunday of each month. Located just over an hour inland of Byron Bay, they showcase the rural beauty of the Lismore area. Held in The Channon’s Coronation Park, they’re a ‘make it, bake it, grow it’ market with a special emphasis on local products.
Alstonville Markets
The Alstonville markets are also held on the second Sunday of every month. They’re just forty minutes southwest of Byron Bay in the heart of the region’s farmland. They specialise in home grown and local produce and take place in the Alstonville Showgrounds.
Lennox Head Markets
On the second and fifth Sunday of each month, the Lennox Head markets are on. Held near Lake Ainsworth at the bottom of town, they’re just across from Lennox’s Seven Mile Beach. An easy twenty minutes south of Byron Bay, the coastal location gives these markets a seaside atmosphere.
Mullumbimby Markets
The Mullumbimby markets are held on the third Saturday of every month. Just twenty minutes north of Byron, they take place at the end of Stuart Street in the heart of the town. Overlooking the Richmond River, they’re next to the Heritage Museum, which is only open during market hours.
Uki Markets
The third Sunday of each month is the Uki markets. Just under an hour northwest of Byron through spectacular mountain scenery, they’re held in the Uki Village Buttery. Next to a river and under the shade of forest trees, these markets showcase the town’s culture, including indigenous dances and the locally famous Perch Creek Jug Band.
Nimbin Markets
The Nimbin markets are on the third and fifth Sunday of each month. A little over an hour west of Byron Bay, they’re held at the Nimbin Community Centre on Cullen Street. The marketplace is a leafy clearing surrounded by trees, showing off the natural beauty of the area.
Bangalow Markets
The fourth Sunday of each month is the Bangalow markets. Held in the Bangalow showgrounds, they’re locally renowned for their beauty. Large, old trees tower over the stalls creating a shady utopia beneath. Fifteen minutes inland from Byron, they are easy to get to, rich in local culture and one of the biggest around.