The Sunshine Coast has a reputation for its vibrant market scene, but finding the best ones can be tricky if you don’t know the area. Some are bursting with life, filled with local growers, artists, and food stalls that tempt you at every turn. Others can leave you wondering why you bothered to get out of bed.
We’ve mapped out the Sunshine Coast places to go that guarantee a rewarding market day, so you can spend less time guessing and more time enjoying.
Sunshine Coast Places to Go for Markets
Markets are part of the Sunshine Coast’s charm, bringing together food, crafts, and entertainment in one lively setting. If you are planning your weekend around the best Sunshine Coast places to go, these vibrant markets deserve a place on your itinerary.
Each has its own personality, with local culture, fresh produce, and creative finds making them worth the visit.
Woombye Markets
Just a few minutes from the heart of town, Woombye Markets have a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Stalls feature seasonal produce, handmade crafts, and welcoming stallholders who know their regulars. It is an easy stop for authentic community spirit and high-quality goods without the bustle of larger markets.
Eumundi Markets
As one of the most renowned places to go in the Sunshine Coast for market lovers, Eumundi draws visitors with artisan products, live music, and street performances.
Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, it offers plenty to see, taste, and take home, from gourmet food to unique handmade keepsakes.
Fisherman’s Road Sunday Markets
Bargain hunters and plant enthusiasts will enjoy this Maroochydore favourite. Fisherman’s Road Sunday Markets fill the area with rows of stalls selling fresh produce, plants, clothing, and second-hand treasures.
The community energy makes it one of the most varied places to visit at the Sunshine Coast weekends.
Nambour Farmers Market
For excellent produce at competitive prices, Nambour Farmers Market is a local favourite. Early arrivals get the best choice of fruit, vegetables, and baked goods. A sturdy reusable bag is essential for carrying your finds home.
Cotton Tree Markets
Located along a picturesque riverside, Cotton Tree Markets feature boutique crafts, clothing, and homewares. The relaxed coastal setting makes it an ideal Sunday morning activity before heading on to other places to visit on the Sunshine Coast or the popular night markets that Sunshine Coast visitors enjoy.
Sunshine Coast Experiences for Foodies
Food lovers will find plenty of reasons to slow down on market days. Between freshly caught seafood, gourmet street eats, and locally roasted coffee, the experiences awaiting your taste buds are as rewarding as the region’s coastal views.
Mooloolaba Fish Market
Few places showcase the region’s coastal flavour quite like the Mooloolaba Fish Market. This fish market, Sunshine Coast favourite, is the first stop for the freshest catch of the day.
Choose to take your seafood back to your accommodation or have it cooked on-site, then enjoy it by the marina. A prawn pack by the water is a simple pleasure worth seeking out.
Eumundi Markets Food Stalls
Eumundi is famous for its artisan stalls, yet the food section deserves just as much attention. Wander past sizzling pans and the scent of fresh pastries, sampling dishes that range from international street favourites to handmade sweets.
For those who enjoy eating their way through a destination, this is among the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast.
Local Café Stops
A market day pairs well with a good coffee. In Yandina, Utopia Café serves hearty breakfasts and rich coffee in a welcoming space. In Nambour, retro-inspired cafés add a touch of nostalgia to your morning, creating another highlight on the list of things to do on the Sunshine Coast.
Nature and Scenic Sunshine Coast Spots
Markets are only half the story, and nearby natural spots make the perfect addition to a day out. For those searching for things to do on the Sunshine Coast today, a short drive from the stalls can lead to bushland trails, cool rainforests, and panoramic lookouts.
Wappa Falls & Park
Located just outside Yandina, Wappa Falls & Park is a peaceful spot for picnics. Lay a rug under the trees, listen to the rush of the falls, and take in views framed by native bushland. It offers a calm retreat that contrasts with the lively pace of the markets.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
In Maleny, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve invites visitors to wander a rainforest boardwalk with sweeping views of the Glasshouse Mountains. The fresh forest air and the sound of native birdlife make this an unforgettable walk.
Afterwards, enjoy a coffee at the on-site café, where the deck provides uninterrupted views across the ranges.
Towns to Add to Your Market Trip
The towns surrounding the markets have their own charm and make excellent side trips. Including them in your day adds more variety and gives you a chance to enjoy local attractions at a relaxed pace.
Yandina
Famous for the Yandina Markets, this small town also draws visitors to the Ginger Factory. Antique stores, art spaces, and welcoming cafés line the streets, creating an easygoing atmosphere.
Walking through the town reveals a mix of Queensland heritage buildings and contemporary touches, giving Yandina a distinctive character.
Nambour
Nambour has a retro spirit, brought to life through its mural trails, vintage stores, and creative spaces. It’s a favourite for those seeking quirky finds, ranging from second-hand gems to handmade crafts.
For anyone looking for things to do in Nambour, wandering the laneways to see colourful street art is a highlight, followed by a coffee in one of its character-filled cafés.
Your Sunshine Coast Market Map
This guide places you at the centre of the Sunshine Coast’s lively weekend scene. It brings together top markets, tasty food stops, scenic natural spots, and charming towns so you can enjoy your time without hesitation.
With this selection of the best places to go on Sunshine Coast weekends, you can expect:
- Fresh produce and handmade goods at bustling markets
- Delicious seafood and coffee at local stalls and cafés
- Peaceful walks to waterfalls and rainforest lookouts
- Visits to towns with unique character and attractions
Whether it’s the energy of Eumundi on a Saturday morning or the calm of Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, each destination is well worth the visit.
For travellers aiming to experience the best places to visit on the Sunshine Coast, this guide ensures every stop counts.
Stay at Sunshine Coast Motor Lodge
Sunshine Coast Motor Lodge provides the perfect base for those eager to visit local markets and enjoy nearby attractions. Situated in Woombye, it puts popular destinations within easy reach, so you spend less time driving and more time experiencing the Sunshine Coast.
This boutique motor lodge combines spacious self-contained rooms with peaceful tropical gardens. After a day of market browsing, you can relax by the outdoor saltwater pool or use the free Wi-Fi to plan your next outing.
Pet owners will appreciate the dedicated pet-friendly rooms, which include dog beds, bowls, and designated areas so the whole family can unwind together.
Whether you’re staying for a weekend or longer, Sunshine Coast Motor Lodge offers a tranquil retreat with convenient access to the best places to go in the Sunshine Coast.
For more information, visit our Woombye accommodation and attractions Sunshine Coast pages.
Plan your Sunshine Coast getaway with us and book now.
Image Credit: Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
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