Streetwise Shopping: Top Street Markets in Adelaide
What’s a visit to Adelaide without swinging by the city’s top street markets?
From the sizzle of street food to the detail of handmade crafts, markets like the Adelaide Central Market and Plant 4 Bowden sell delights as rich as the local culture.
We dove headfirst into these spots, navigating the labyrinth of stalls, absorbing the chatter of vendors, and indulging in the sensory overload that only these vibrant street markets can offer!
Adelaide Central Market
Address: 44/60 Gouger St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8203 7494
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue – 7 am to 5:30 pm
- Wed to Thu – 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – 7 am to 9 pm
- Sat – 7 am to 3 pm
- Sun – Closed
Adelaide Central Market, one of the world’s oldest indoor trading centers, opened in 1869. Despite its age, this buzzing shopaholic’s playground remains one of the top street markets in the CBD.
With over 70 stalls, the market boasts a variety of products, from farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to artisanal cheeses and meats.
One of the standout stalls our team loves is Lucia’s Fine Foods, an ideal destination for cheese connoisseurs and those seeking premium smallgoods like cold cuts and antipasti.
Something Wild is also a must-visit spot. The meat products here range from traditional ones like pork bacon to exotic selections like camel brisket and alligator sausages.
Tips:
- For health-conscious individuals, House of Health is a top-notch stall that provides several organic and natural products, from gluten-free to allergen-friendly food alternatives.
- Pick Me Fresh and Aubergine’s are some of the market’s top stalls for fruits and vegetables.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for a taste test. Most stalls will offer one, especially if you’re an unfamiliar face.
- The market showcases the best of what’s in season, so be open to trying new ingredients and flavors based on the time of year.
- Take a coffee break at The Coffee Bean Shop to fuel up for more market exploration. Their artisanal coffee creations are a hit among locals and visitors.
- For seafood lovers, Cappo’s Fish Market is a must-visit. Fresh catches, from prawns to oysters, are the top products here.
- If you can, swing by the market on a weekday. The weekends can get quite busy, and a midweek has a more laid-back atmosphere.
Gilles at the Grounds
Address: South Blvd, Wayville, SA 5034
Contact Details: 0414 356 375
Gilles at the Grounds establishes itself as a premier street market through its delicious street food, an assortment of farm-fresh offerings, and an eclectic gathering of specialty stalls selling products like homemade ale and tacos.
It typically opens 1 to 3 times monthly, and the number of stalls depends on how many sellers will apply. The venue can handle about 120 stalls, so you’ll have multiple options, whether you’re a wine enjoyer or a hardcore fashionista.
The best part? Buyers often praise Gilles at the Grounds for its affordable prices and friendly vendors.
Relaxing and upbeat live music also plays during market days, adding energy to the shopping bustle.
Tips:
- Vendors can change per month, so ensure you check their website to see if your desired stall will be available on your target date. Furthermore, check their market dates.
- Gilles at the Ground is a perfect spot to start your business, especially if you want to sell artisanal products. You can apply for a stall here.
- Don’t hesitate to ask sellers for details about their products, especially if the goods are something new to you. Our team’s fashion buffs learned designing and outfit tips from Reloved Gilles, a returning stall offering classic and unique clothing.
Adelaide Showground Farmers Market
Address: Rose Terrace, Wayville, SA 5034
Contact Details: (08) 8231 8155
Operating Hours: Sun only – 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
The Adelaide Showground Farmers Market is one of the most sought-after street markets in Adelaide, primarily due to its Sunday-only opening.
Nearly 90 Adelaidean producers and farmers sell their products weekly in this open-air site. The common goods sold here are pastries, jam, meat, and dairy.
The products you’ll choose from depend on the season.
Some of the most sold products in spring and summer are avocados, strawberries, and pumpkins. During autumn and winter, the market offers cumquats, citrus, and zucchini.
Tips:
- You can bring your kids to the market’s Kid’s Club, where free educational and fun activities are. Most activities here focus on enhancing children’s creativity and planting skills.
- Adelaide Showground Farmers Market offers recipes for those who want to up their cooking game. We loved their version of sweet stuffed potatoes and quark cheesecake!
- The market is dog-friendly, so bring your pupper during your shopping spree.
You also shouldn’t miss their animal products!
- Don’t forget to bring water or an umbrella, especially if you’re visiting during the warmer months. This market isn’t as shady as the others on the list.
We recommend applying to be one of the market’s stallholders if you have top-notch products to sell.
Plant 4 Bowden
Address: 5 Third St, Bowden, SA 5008
Contact Details: 0415 064 950
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Thu – 9 am to 9 pm
- Sat to Sun – 9 am to 3 pm
Plant 4 Bowden is one of the greenest street markets in Adelaide, both in terms of goods and design. This industrial-chic trading spot offers some of the freshest South Australian products, from farm-grown greens to local gin!
Moreover, the market has top-tier restaurants whipping up beloved Australian and international chef d’oeuvres.
Our favorites are the Spanish dishes by Adelaide Paella, the organic gelato of Live a Little Gelato, and the authentic Afghan flavors of Shirni Parwana.
Beyond the stalls and products, Plant 4 Bowden has exciting recurring events like Trivia Thursdays, Musical Bingo Tuesdays, and Wednesday Night Market.
Tips:
- We highly suggest visiting during the night. Plant 4 Bowden’s vibe changes during this time, with mellow lights adding mind-soothing illumination.
- After a day of shopping, remember to relax in the market’s green spaces. If you want to socialize, there’s a popular grassland outside Plant 4 Bowden.
You may also have picnics there as long as you clean up.
- Cakeboy Donuts is a must-try spot for shoppers who enjoy sweets!
Ebenezer Night Markets
Address: 31 Ebenezer Pl, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: +61 439 184 020
One of the hottest ways to enjoy summer is popping by the buzzing Ebenezer Night Markets.
This street market comes to life for about ten days during summer months and boasts diverse stalls brimming with mouthwatering delights, from sizzling street food to gourmet bites.
Moreover, the market hosts a wide-ranging selection of vendors peddling one-of-a-kind crafts like handmade jewelry, quirky artworks, and knick-knacks.
The smooth music and soft lighting also help establish the relaxed mood Ebenezer Night Markets is known for.
Tips:
- The market’s stallholders aren’t always the same every year. Check their website to stay updated on who’ll be selling.
- The shows at the market are absolute must-sees. Performances vary each evening, encompassing everything from musical acts to stand-up comedy.
- The market is family-friendly, so bring the kids along to enjoy the festive atmosphere and child-friendly treats.
- Plan parking or transportation to avoid any last-minute hassles and ensure a stress-free visit. Keep in mind that the market’s side of the road will be closed.
Wilson Parking – East End, Upark Rundle, and Ayers House Visitors Carpark are the nearest parking spots.
Torrens Island Sunday Market
Address: 31 Moorhouse Rd, Port Adelaide, SA 5015
Contact Details: 0412 581 906
Operating Hours: Sun only – 6 am to 1 pm
Torrens Island Sunday Markey is a street market offering a picturesque coastal view, fresh air, and spacious shopping grounds. This spot has nearly 40 stalls famous for selling farm-fresh vegetables and fruits.
Marketgoers can also indulge in freshly caught fish, succulent prawns, and an assortment of shellfish, all procured from the nearby waters during dawn. Bread, honey, and dairy products are available too.
The affordable prices and the chill sea breeze add to the market’s overall appeal. In addition, the farmers and fishermen selling here are great to talk to, offering recipes and tips concerning their products!
Tips:
- For the freshest and highest quality products, plan to arrive early at the Torrens Island Sunday Market. Additionally, taking advantage of the cooler early mornings enhances your market visit.
- Check the weather forecast and dress comfortably. Carry essentials like sunscreen and water, especially if planning to shop around 10 am to 1 pm.
The market doesn’t have any shade aside from the stalls.
Stirling Market
Address: Druid Ave, Stirling, SA 5152
Operating Hours: Sun only – 10 am to 4 pm
Stirling Market offers garden wonders, embracing rare native and exotic plants alongside cottage varieties, shrubs, and bulbs. This street market also sells beautiful flowers like roses, tulips, and daisies, ideal for garden art.
Shoppers may also explore an extensive selection of original arts and crafts. These include locally crafted jewelry, needlework, cards, cosmetics, and candles.
Furthermore, Stirling Market has perfect gifts for kids, like handmade children’s clothing, cute dolls’ attire, and huggable teddy bears!
Tips:
- Dive into the enchanting allure of wrought iron and pottery, or let your imagination wander amidst a treasure trove of books, toys, antiques, and collectibles.
- Indulge in the pure delight of locally sourced seasonal produce, enhanced by the delectable offerings of homemade jams, chutneys, and preserves.
- Treat your taste buds to the region’s wines, oils, and satisfying hot and cold beverages and snacks.
Magill Sunrise Market
Address: Campbelltown Memorial Oval, Darley Road, Paradise, SA 5075
Contact Details: +61 415 453 101
Operating Hours: Sun only – 9 am to 2 pm
Magill Sunrise Market is Campbelltown’s sole year-round market, making it a hard-to-miss spot for consumers looking for high-quality crafts and food.
The snacks here always top our foodies’ list, with zucchini fritters and sizzling sausages as our all-time favorites! You can purchase them in the market’s outdoor stalls.
For the crafts, we recommend the market’s candleholders with colorful and detailed designs. The earrings here also look dazzling and elegant, as most designs resemble luxurious stones like opals and sapphires.
They’re sold in the market’s indoor section.
Flowers, fruits, and chopping boards with quirky and funny captions are available, as well. Stalls selling them are outside, near the market’s entrance.
Tips:
- Plan and reserve your spot if you’re interested in becoming a stallholder at the market, as bookings should be done in advance.
- Make the most of the comfortable shopping environment by visiting the market’s fully air-conditioned indoor stalls. Most products sold here are crafts and wrapped or preserved food.
- Be aware that the market’s stall placement or layout can change. Don’t be shy to seek help from the Rotary volunteers running Magill Sunrise Market for guidance or directions.
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