The Hunter’s best markets for local finds

A market-hopping guide to the Hunter region

If your ideal weekend involves filling a tote bag with fresh produce, something handmade and a few treats for the drive home, the Hunter region has plenty of options. From Newcastle’s large Sunday farmers market to smaller meet-the-maker events in the vineyards, the market calendar covers Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley. Dates can shift with weather, venue bookings and seasonal breaks, so it is worth checking the organiser before setting out.

The easiest starting point from Newcastle is Newcastle City Farmers Market, held most Sundays from 7am to 1pm at Newcastle Showground, Broadmeadow. The next listed dates are 20 and 27 September, followed by Sundays in October, November and December, although there is no market on 1 November because of Cheers Con. Expect a strong focus on local and regional produce: seasonal fruit and vegetables, meat, seafood, eggs, cheeses, bread, pasta, preserves, wine, olive oil, coffee and ready-to-eat food. There are also stalls selling jewellery, clothing, soaps, toys, paintings and other handmade goods. Onsite parking is listed at A$3, and the showground is about 200 metres from Broadmeadow Station. Dogs are not permitted, while the market operates in wet weather as well as sunshine.

For a Hunter Valley day trip, Hunter Wine Country Markets takes place every Saturday at De Bortoli Wines in Lovedale. The listed hours are 9am to 2pm, weather permitting, while another listing gives a 3pm finish, so check before travelling. The market brings together local produce, wine, fashion, jewellery, candles, pottery, woodwork and handmade soaps. The estate’s cellar door is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with tastings including Hunter Valley Chardonnay, Shiraz, Rosé and Noble One Botrytis Semillon. Roberto’s Gourmet Dispensa is also open seven days, selling cheeses, olives, charcuterie, pasta, sauces and other Mediterranean pantry goods. Saturday visitors can also find fresh baguettes, while oysters and prawn platters are available on Saturdays and Sundays.

Nearby, Handmade in the Hunter Markets runs most Saturdays and some Sundays at Sobels Wines in Pokolbin, generally from 9am to 2pm. This is the more direct meet-the-maker option, with local growers, artists and creators selling gifts, produce, food, wine and picnic supplies. The market is scheduled around concerts and other vineyard events, and several 2026 dates continue through December, including Christmas markets. Other Hunter Valley choices include Pokolbin Market on Sundays, Broke Mini Market on the last Sunday of the month, and variable-date events at Bimbadgen and The Valley Brewhouse.

Back towards Maitland, Earth Markets Maitland runs on the first and third Thursdays from February to December, from 8.30am to 1.30pm at The Levee Shared Zone. The September-to-December 2026 dates include 17 September, 15 October, 5 November, 19 November and 3 December. Maitland Community Markets take over Maitland Showground on the first Sunday of the month from March to December, while Homegrown Markets Maitland is held on the second Sunday at Harold Gregson Park. These events add more handmade goods, vintage finds, street food and community entertainment to the regional mix.

Closer to Newcastle, Homegrown Markets has regular events at Speers Point Park, The Station in Newcastle and other rotating venues. Made & Found Markets are generally held on the third Sunday at Lambton Park, and Warners Bay Markets run on the second Saturday at the foreshore. For a coastal market outing, Port Stephens offers Nelson Bay Legacy Markets most Sundays, Tomaree Markets on the second and fourth Sundays, and the variable-date Marina Market at Nelson Bay Foreshore. With so many schedules overlapping, the best approach is to choose the area first, then confirm the date and hours directly with the organiser.