Canberra’s biggest and best, the Capital Region Farmers Market showcases the region’s best freshly picked, grown and hand-crafted produce.

There’s no better way to get to know an area than by visiting a local farmers’ market.  You’ll meet real locals, both farmers and shoppers, and see the region’s bounty. Capital Region Farmers Market is a must on your Canberra itinerary.  It’s a real farmers’ market. No resellers allowed unless they are family or neighbours of the producers.

Getting around the Capital Region Farmers Market

The market is run by the Rotary Club of Hall, and they go out and inspect the producer’s farms to see the kale growing in the ground, hear the cluck of the chickens laying their eggs and pat the cattle.  Prices are competitive with local supermarkets, but in the best market fashion, the produce is so much fresher, and we are talking days, not weeks, between the farm and you. It started with just 15 stalls and 500 visitors, but now there are over 100 stall holders in a series of sheds that buzz with people busy buying their produce.  There are plenty of regulars and friends catching up, creating lots of happy banter.

What you can eat at Capital Region Farmers Market

I sampled black rice pudding and traditional sticky Dutch biscuits for breakfast, washed it all down with coffee and fresh orange juice and tried freshly cracked walnuts.  My shopping bag was restricted by a flight the next day, but I slipped in some fresh, locally grown garlic, a big bag of walnuts to crush and a smoked trout complete with an ice pack.  I plan to enjoy all this, along with a bottle of fine Canberra region wine, on my deck at home.

This market was established to help local producers sell their goods direct to the public well before it was fashionable.  And it’s worked.  From a founding group of 10 farmers, the shed is now filled with stalls and has been expanded several times to include new vendors.

Need to know about Capital Region Farmers Market

Read this before you go!

  • You need to arrive early, as the best produce always goes quickly.
  • I know you will quickly find your favourite stallholders but be adventurous and try to meet a new stallholder each visit.  Your taste buds will thank you!
  • Don’t forget to take your shopping bags or a trolley to help take home your purchases.
  • If you like a bargain, stick around until closing time, when you’ll often find stallholders are keen to sell their last remaining produce.
  • This is mainly a cash market, so bring some with you or cash up at the ATMs at the entrance.
  • Dogs are not allowed inside the market.

Find out more about the Capital Region Farmers Market

The Capital Region Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 7 am to 11.30 am. Find the market at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) in the large buildings at the northern end. EPIC is located on the corner of Flemington Road and Northbourne Avenue/Federal Highway, Watson ACT.  Entry to the market and parking is free.

Other great farmers markets to explore

Disclaimer: Ed+bK is travelling as a guest of Visit Canberra.