Macedon Ranges farmers and artist markets
There are a variety of markets to visit in the Macedon Ranges, whether you are after fresh local produce or unique art and crafts. Each village market offers its own unique atmosphere and character, with plenty to see and do afterward when it comes to shopping, peaceful walks, picnics and cellar door exploring.
Farmers markets
Did you know there are six farmers markets held across the Macedon Ranges region, with a different one on each weekend? That’s right, we’re a food bowl of awesomeness.
Only 45 minutes drive from Melbourne CBD, the Macedon Ranges is dotted with amazing micro-farms producing the most fabulous fare.
These are truly authentic country markets, where you can:
- Buy chooks for your backyard coop from the back of a ute
- Get hand-tied bunches of fresh flowers picked from a local garden
- Stock up on wine from a vineyard just up the road, sold by the person who grows and bottles it
- Have a chin wag with a farmer
Oh yes, and the parking is free and plentiful.
A visit to our charismatic farmers markets becomes so much more than just shopping. It’s about the friendly country vibe. Learning more about where your food comes from. And discovering naturally beautiful places right on Melbourne’s doorstep.
Of course a farmers market is not a farmers market without the smell of sausage sizzles, crepes, Asian dumplings and spinach bureks. And you’ll get that in spades at our markets.
Kyneton Farmers Market
Hundreds of years of history gaze down upon this popular accredited farmers’ market. St Paul’s Church is one of Victoria’s oldest substantial churches. Built of bluestone in the mid-1800s, it provides a striking backdrop to this country market.
It’s also located in the heart of Kyneton’s historic Piper Street, a retail shopping and cafe paradise that is home to Chef Hat-awarded French bistro Midnight Starling.
The market starts packing up around 1pm, so once you’ve stocked up on goodies, take a wander up and down the shops of Piper Street.
Then when you’re ready to refuel, kick back on the outdoor terrace at The Oaks Grill overlooking St Paul’s Park. Wash their delicious cuisine down with a sassy gin cocktail and you have the perfect end to the day.
When: Every 2nd Saturday of the month from 8.30-1pm
Where: 35 Piper Street, St Paul’s Park, Kyneton
Parking: There is free street parking along Piper Street as well as streets running off Piper such as Yaldwyn and Powlett.
Dog Friendly: Yes, on leads.
Lancefield & District Farmers Market
The heart of Lancefield is High Street, one of those super-wide kinds that you don’t get in the city. And located under shady trees along a grassy plantation strip is the wonderful Lancefield Farmers Market.
This plastic bag-free market is worth a visit simply for the beauty of the journey to get there. If you love going on country drives, Lancefield is a wonderful excuse for a road trip.
The pastoral landscapes of Rochford on the way to Woodend are stunning, as is the iconic Australian bushland on the Burke and Wills Track to Benloch.
Or enhance your farmers market trip with a mini wine tasting adventure, cruising the picturesque country laneways of Lancefield to the likes of Cleveland Winery, Parkside Estate and Curly Flat.
When: Every 4th Saturday of the month from 9-1pm (3rd Saturday in December)
Where: High Street, Lancefield
Parking: There is free street parking along High Street and side streets.
Dog Friendly: Yes, on leads.
Woodend Community Farmers Market
Hosted by the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group, this accredited farmers market is an easy walk from Woodend V-Line Train Station. In addition to fabulous fresh produce, its High Street location lends for easy shopping along Woodend’s main shopping strip. There’s also a popular children’s playground a couple of minutes’ walk from the market if the kids start to get antsy.
When you’ve stocked up on wholesome goodies at the market, make sure to stop by the famous Holgate Brewhouse for a beer garden chillax. This family-owned brewery has been at the forefront of Australia’s craft brewing movement for 20 years. Get yourself a beer tasting paddle and chow down on a classic pub fare that highlights the tastes of the region.
The farmers markets are also a hop, skip and jump to Hanging Rock if you feel like a hike afterward.
When: Every 1st Saturday of the month from 9-1pm
Where: High Street, Woodend
Parking: There is free street parking along High Street and side streets. Or catch the V-Line regional train to Woodend from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station.
Dog Friendly: Yes, on leads.
Malmsbury Village Farmers Market
This wonderful farmers market falls on a Sunday. It has a brilliant range of produce and is a short stroll to the sublimely beautiful Malmsbury Botanic Gardens. Plan your day around a picnic with your market haul under the willows or overlooking the spectacular bluestone viaduct bridge.
In fact, being on a Sunday it’s the perfect excuse to book a night in a B&B in Malmsbury and make an entire weekend of it. Visit local cellar doors, go walking in the fresh country air and even get a line wet in the nearby Lauriston Reservoir that is well stocked with Trout, Red Fin, Yellow Belly and Macquarie Perch.
When: Every 3rd Sunday of the month from 9-1pm
Where: Malmsbury Cricket Ground, Ellesmere Place
Parking: There is free street parking along Mollison Street and side streets. Or catch the V-Line regional train to Malmsbury from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station.
Dog Friendly: Yes, on leads.
Riddells Creek Farmers Market
This accredited farmers market is small and intimate with a real grassroots country feel to it. Treat yourself to local honey and eggs, table olives and chutneys, beer and wine, plants and cider, organic produce and cakes. Live music adds to the atmosphere and there’s plenty of room for kids to run around (there’s even free face painting after 10am).
Afterward, you might want to go for a bushwalk at the nearby Conglomerate Gully Flora Reserve. Home to kangaroos, echidnas and currawongs, this is an easy 2.9km (1 hour) return walk. You’ll come across unique conglomerate rock formations, a small seasonal waterfall and native orchids flowering between October to December.
If hiking is not your cup of tea, visit the historic, family-friendly Dromkeen Homestead for all day breakfast (Saturdays only), lunch or a Devonshire Tea and stroll through their pretty gardens. Built in 1889, Dromkeen also offers an art gallery and holds regular events and workshops you can time your visit around.
When: Every 3rd Saturday of the month from 9-1pm
Where: Riddells Creek Primary School, 69-77 Main Road, Riddells Creek
Parking: There is free street parking along Main Road and side streets. Or catch the V-Line regional train to Riddells Creek from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station.
Dog Friendly: Yes, on leads.
Macedon Village Farmers Market
Presented by Macedon Primary School, the Macedon Village Farmers Market is the perfect excuse to pick up delicious local produce and enjoy a day on Mt Macedon. Go for a hike afterward in Macedon Regional Park or visit beautiful Forest Glade Gardens.
When: Four times a year on the 5th Saturday of the month from 9-1pm
Where: Macedon Primary School, 67 Smith St, Macedon
Parking: Plenty of free parking in streets surrounding the market.
Art and craft markets
The most well-known art and craft markets to visit are Gisborne Olde Time Market and Hanging Rock Craft Market.
The Malmsbury Artists Market and Kyneton Artists Market are also held alongside the Malmsbury and Kyneton farmers markets, so you get to enjoy wonderful produce and locally made artisan crafts at the same time.
Keep an eye on our What’s On page for upcoming event dates!
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