Sydney’s Hawkesbury region is known for it’s fresh produce, meats and preserves. So there’s no doubt that a farmers market from the region would be one of the best spots for fresh market goodness.
Well here’s the really good news. On the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, Castle Hill hosts the Hawkesbury Harvest Farmers Market with a collection of NSW’s finest producers from the Hawkesbury region and beyond. With over 60 regular stallholders just 30 minutes north of the Harbour, it is well worth the trip.
What’s on offer?
Naturally, you’ll find seasonal produce (like strawberries!), sourdough bread, meat, fresh herbs, nuts and plenty of sweet treats. Some less common delights include traditional Scottish fare, Jersey milk from real Jersey cows, authentic French cheeses and handmade desserts from Sydney’s The Choc Pot.
Plus you can grab a coffee made with beans grown locally by Australian Coffee Estate.
That community feeling
The market in Castle Hill began as a partnership between Black Castle Events and Hawkesbury Harvest.
Hawkesbury Harvest is a community-based collective of local growers. The group works to maintain the high quality of local produce and improve the financial security for those working in the region.
Starting with 25 stalls in 2002, the farmers market gave the Hawkesbury growers a chance to showcase their produce to Sydney’s weekend market goers. As it has grown, stallholders have joined from all over NSW, making it a diverse market with reliably high quality produce.
Are there any handmade art and crafts?
Yep, you’re in luck. On the 4th Saturday the Hills Artist Market sets up alongside the fresh produce – offering artist-made jewellery, fashion, kids’ clothes, toys and timberware. Oh, and if you’re a fan of handmade candles you’ll be in heaven.
On these alternate Saturdays there’s also a bolstered showing from the farmers and growers. You’ll find more eateries, fresh cut flowers, plants, organic tea and gourmet preserves.
If that wasn’t enough, you’ll have the chance to buy some post-organic lamb from High Steaks Farming, who claim it’s the closest thing you’ll get to eating wild meat without hunting.
While you’re in the neighbourhood
If you’re looking to make a weekend of it and want more market action, there’s plenty to keep your tastebuds busy.
Black Castle Events organise two more markets so you can experience the best of the region all weekend.
The Blackheath Growers Market is on the 2nd Sunday of each month if you fancy a drive through the mountains from Castle Hill. The Springwood Growers Market is on every 4th Sunday, where the baked goods and desserts are next level.
Hawkesbury Harvest also run the Farm Gate Trail, which you can follow to meet the local producers and restaurateurs as you sample their delicious food, wine and hospitality.
Castle Hill Farmers Market
2nd & 4th Saturday each Month
Castle Hill Showground
8am to Midday
http://www.harvesttrailsandmarkets.com.au/markets/castle-hill-farmers-fine-food-market/
[Sources/references]
http://www.blackcastleevents.com.au/
http://www.harvesttrailsandmarkets.com.au/markets/castle-hill-farmers-fine-food-market/
A bumper crop of fresh fruit and vegetables has taken over our Sydney markets early this season, so it’s time to dust off those Summer recipes and get inspired!
From avocado toast to the classic Aussie pavlova, we’re a nation of fruit and vegetable lovers. Thanks to hot temperatures up north, we’ve got delicious fruit and vegetables at our Sydney markets just waiting to bring your creative recipes to life.
Because of the dry weather up north, we’re reaping the benefits of early season fruit and vege crops at our Sydney growers markets. While supply peaks, prices are plummeting as our farmers markets are saturated with the overflow of fresh produce.
What fruit and vegetables can I get early at Sydney markets? 
Mangos, tomatoes and practically everything in between are on offer from our fruit market sellers.
Sweet Queensland pineapples have doubled in supply compared to the usual harvest, with farmers expecting their numbers to increase.
Strawberries are also bursting from our stalls, with very low prices and highly quality produce bring the sweet taste of Summer closer with every punnet.
We’re even expecting the early arrival of the highly-coveted mangos which generate a unique hype around the Christmas season. Compared to the low yield last season, this year’s harvests are expected to fill thousands of extra palettes.
Zucchini, lettuce, Lebanese cucumbers and tomatoes, the staples of delicious Summer salad recipes, are also coming in abundance.
Cauliflower and broccoli have burst from the ground to greet the warmer weather, providing the perfect accompaniment to the traditional Sunday roast.
Avocados, fast becoming a firm favourite Aussie staple, are making an early arrival as well, with the good harvest expected to continue into next year thanks to the mild Winter temperatures.
All this over-supply means lower prices and lots of choice, providing the perfect inspiration to get creative in the kitchen.
While this early start may have left our farmers in a bit of a sticky situation, increasing the need for fruit pickers (feel like lending a hand on a sweet staycation?), it’s our duty to make the most of this home-grown goodness.
How to make the most of your fresh produce
*Jump on the avocado toast train
The avocado toast trend isn’t going anywhere soon. Follow suit of many of Sydney’s top restaurants and start experimenting with your avo toast – here are some fresh idea to kick-start your tastebuds.
*Celebrate those sweet Summer fruits
The Wiggles got it right when they said, “Fruit salad, yummy yummy!” Fruit salads are a Summer favourite, but that doesn’t mean you can’t jazz them up! If you haven’t perfected how to cut a mango yet, learn how to cut a mango here.
*Bring back the pav!
The classic Pavlova, traditionally crowning tables during the Aussie Christmas season, has seen many innovations over the years. Why not tap into your inner artist and decorate your pavlova with some creative flair?
*Say hello to cocktail season
Warm Summer nights & cocktails go hand-in-hand, so start testing out some new recipes with the sweet fruit from our sellers. Whether you blend up the on-trend frosé or the timeless piña colada, you’re guaranteed to be the toast of the town with our fresh fruit and berries.
*Reach MasterChef level with these salad recipes
Salads don’t have to be boring. Add a twist to the traditional green salad and take salad inspiration from the king of wholefood cooking, Jamie Oliver. Our market sellers will also be full of ideas for how you can make the most of their prized produce.
Why you should go local for your fruit and vegetables
Our market stalls source a wide range of the freshest, and not to mention organic, fruit and vegetables, ensuring that what ends up on your table is also tasty and good for your tummy.
Plus, with the over-supply of produce comes low prices, meaning supporting our local Aussie growers and sellers is good for your stomach and your wallet!
Also, anyone who’s visited our farmers markets before knows that the stallholders at our Sydney farmers markets are a wealth of knowledge and meal inspiration. The only thing more satisfying than tasting the delicious produce is hearing the stories behind how it got from farm to feast-ready, which is something unique to our local Sydney markets.
Find your local Sydney market
From Bondi to Blacktown and Castle Hill, our stallholders are ready to deliver the freshest fruit and vegetables. Our community farmers markets and fresh produce markets are the best spots to pick up all the fresh produce you need for your tasty recipes.
Sydney’s newest boutique market, Cambridge Markets in Watsons Bay (brought to you by the same team behind the Rose Bay Farmers Market), is also the perfect place to pick up inspiration
When it comes to Sunday markets and Saturday markets, Sydney really does deliver. View a full calendar of all our local markets here.
While you’re shopping at your local market, why not take a minute to discover what else is on offer? Visit Sydney’s best markets to discover not only delicious Australian produce, but also a wide range of artisan and boutique products.
Receive local market updates straight to your inbox and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date.
[Sources/references]
Fruit and vegetables going cheap as Queensland’s warm winter causes bumper crops – ABC News
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-29/fruit-and-vegetables-going-cheap-queensland-bumper-crops/8848694
Pineapple farmers in oversupply this winter after summer heatwave – ABC News
http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-06-30/winter-pineapple-supply-doubles-queensland/8668334
Blooming good outlook for Queensland Christmas mangoes – ABC News
http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-08-14/queensland-mango-outlook-good-with-early-season-prediction/8797316
Australia, our mango dreams have come early – National Geographic
http://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/australia/australia-our-mango-dreams-have-come-early.aspx
Farmers picking an early and extended Queensland avocado harvest – ABC News
http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-08-21/avocado-season-looks-promising-queensland/8826342
Spoilt for strawberry choice ruining lush fruit industry – The Queensland Times
https://www.qt.com.au/news/spoilt-for-strawberry-choice-ruining-lush-fruit-in/3215608/#/0
Prices wilt as heat brings on big crop – The Queensland Times
https://www.qt.com.au/news/prices-wilt-as-heat-brings-on-big-crop/3216523/
After a short break in 2016 one of Sydney’s pioneering farmers markets have reopened thanks to Pyrmont Ultimo Chamber of Commerce, The Star and a passionate local community.
It’s no secret Pyrmont Growers Market is a Sydney favourite, loved for its unique waterfront location and dedication to offering fresh farm produce and quality artisan goods. The monthly market now boasts over 80 stalls set along the wharf and the adjoining park with the city skyline as a backdrop.
There is a healthy mix of old and new stalls, and above all, provenance and freshness are key, each trader with a story to tell and a wealth of knowledge to share.
New comer Little Big Dairy Company offers delicious creamy milk, straight from their farm near Dubbo. They have also recently been accredited as the first Fairtrade flavoured milk producer, committed to the exclusive use of Fairtrade cocoa, coffee, sugar and vanilla.
It is also hard to go past Long Paddock Eggs who proudly told Local Market Guide that “the last of the eggs were laid and packed last night before hitting the road this morning”. Seasonal heirloom vegetables from Grima’s Farm Fresh Produce sit alongside Pepe Saya’s handmade butter, local olive oils from Alto Olives and freshly baked breads.
The joy of a market is that there is always something new to taste and discover. You will love Achacha, a tropical Amazonian fruit grown in North Queensland and Italian antipasti and smallgoods from Pino’s Dolce Vita Fine Foods “just like Nonna makes”.
It is great to see producers from the Macleay Valley food region too, including Westview Limes with their harissa sauce, fresh limes and chilli and pasture raised pork from Near River Produce.
The offering of wonderful stalls is curated by food professional TawnyaBahr.
Expect more wonderful additions to the regulars over the coming months and be sure to arrive early to avoid missing out!
4th Saturday of the Month Pyrmont Bay Park, Pyrmont
7.30am to 12.30pm
Berowra Fine Food, Wine and Handcraft Market is gearing up for summer & the festive season with 2 not to be missed December farmers’ market days.
Sunday the 6th of December is their ‘Welcome to Sumer Festival’ & the last market for 2015 will be Sunday December 20th ‘Christmas Shopping Festival’. 
As always both upcoming markets will feature the finest of sustainable & handmade produce, with a variety of products that are the envy of markets across the region.
For those looking for a true Australian Christmas feast Kevin will be taking fresh seafood orders to be delivered on Wednesday 23th of December, Katerina will have your order for traditional handmade Xmas cakes on market day the 20th of December & Mick will have succulent fresh organic lamb, perfect for that Christmas roast, available on the same day. Dos Juans Fine Food porta-a-deli trailer will be loaded with mouth-watering trout, Spanish chorizo, salami and a full range of vintage & farmhouse cheddar and sheep & goat gourmet cheese.
Just 40 minutes from the centre of Sydney & an easy walk from the Berowra train station, the Berowra Fine Food, Wine & Handcraft Market is the perfect place to stock up on all your Christmas goodies, kick back with friends & enjoy a meal. You just never know what you might find!
The Berowra Fine Food, Wine & Handcraft Market is open from 9am to 2pm & is located near the corner of The Gully Road and Berowra Waters Road, Berowra.
Berowra Fine Food, Wine & Handcraft Market are the proud winners of the 2015 Local Business Award.
Sunday 20th December for the “Christmas Festival Market”
For further information, please contact the market organizers on 1300 138 200 or via Email at [email protected] -Visit our website www.berowramarket.com.au – Like us on facebook.com/berowramarket
New Harvest Market Starting February 2015 – Central Coast NSW 
Calling out to all farmers, producers, growers, bakers, artisans, makers and the like, for the new “Central Coast Harvest Market” on the grounds of Mingara Recreation Club, Wyong Rd, Tumbi Umbi. EVERY SECOND SUNDAY!!
Interested applicants to email [email protected]
Autumn Harvest Market is brought to you by Northside Produce Market, North Sydney. Get behind the scenes and enjoy a market tour, talks with local farmers and dozens of stalls with fresh farm produce.
Click for More Details on Northside Produce Market
Best Produce Markets in NSW
Farmers markets can be found throughout NSW. They offer local growers a cost-efficient opportunity to easily sell their wares and the flexibility to choose which day they trade, which may better suit their business and stock levels. For the individual or family shopper this means they are receiving the freshest of local and seasonal produce and supporting local business.
The increasing number of produce markets and farmers markets in Sydney and NSW is indicative of the growing awareness of shoppers as to the importance of purchasing locally grown produce. Not only is it fresher, tastier and filled with nutrients; purchasing from local growers reduces the distance goods travel before reaching the household. Lower food miles means less freight forwarding and less pollution omitted from lengthy transportation.
Local farmers and growers can be found at markets throughout NSW, from the Central Coast to the Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands.
Handmade Markets in NSW
Markets have always been a great place to find uniquely designed and one-off handcrafted pieces. Iconic Sydney markets such as Paddington markets and The Rocks markets have in the past been home to many a famous designer. They are a great place to discover emerging artisans and to purchase quality locally produced goods at affordable prices. Part of the experience is talking directly with the stallholders who may specialise in everything from glass and ceramics and other arts and craft to fashion design and children’s products . If you are looking for something in particular you may even be able to have it made to order.
Shopping at local markets in New South Wales supports the growth of small business and is a great day out with family and friends. It is also a lovely introduction to communities in different areas.
Glenorie is a semi-rural village in the Hills District of north western Sydney. On the fourth Sunday each month local farmers and producers come together for what is a true community market. An ideal setting alongside the village shops, the Glenorie Growers market is well laid out and stalls have carefully been selected ensuring good variety.
The Glenorie Rural Fire Brigade greets us on arrival. It is hard to go past the shiny red truck and of course the children delight in climbing on board for a photo opportunity.
So what can you find? Sweet tooths I will start with you. ‘That Gingerbread Place’ has an amazing display of colourful and fun gingerbread bouquets and lollipops. Beautifully decorated you can choose from flowers to animals and smiley faces. This is definitely something to remember for gifts and special occasions (The Buzz Lightyear pop was a hit!)
Local business ‘The Chocolate Pot’ also puts up a mountain of temptation. Perfect as a treat or a gift if you can part with it.. It is never too early for chocolate; try their bestselling truffles or their chocolate coated nougat. 
Boxes of fresh homemade pasta infused with flavours such as chilli or parmesan get me thinking about dinner. You can also make a hearty meal with that. I then head to ‘Paddock to Plate’ who offer locally grown Hawkesbury Valley grass fed Angus beef.” Why should I buy grass fed?” I ask. “It has better nutritional value, the cows feed as nature intended and it tastes better!” Of course their philosophy is right, we should care more about the food our food eats. The locals know it, Paddock to Plate have nearly sold out.
I am also lured by the delicious rillettes (pork pate) from the ‘Tony Bilson at Home’ Stall. Famous for his decades of contribution to modern Australia cuisine, Tony Bilson is now sharing his flavours at the markets. Gourmands will love the selection of items including duck and pork terrine, duck confit and homemade stocks and sauces.
There are so many different produce stalls from ‘Ding The Recipe’ selling their delicious Asian pastes to ‘River Flats’ olive oil and newcomer ‘Wattle Tree Creek’ celebrating Australian Native flavours. You will also find a nice selection of gift stalls including local business ‘Divine Infusions’ with their natural body care and scalar energy health pendants.
Plan a day trip to the area, start with Glenorie Growers Market in the morning then drive down the valley to the Berowra Waters (10 mins away). Take the car ferry crossing and wind your way back up through the the beautiful leafy scenery and come home via the F3. Discover something new, it’s a great day out!
Glenorie Growers Market is held on the fourth Sunday each Month
8am to 1pm
The annual Taylor Square Spring Fair – celebrating sunshine, sustainability and sensational food for eight Saturdays from 10 Sep thru 29 Oct, 2011. Been hibernating inside during this icy Sydney winter? It’s time to get outdoors and seek the sun.
We’re planning eight fun Saturdays to entice you into the sunshine at Taylor Square, during our Spring Fair days. You can’t beat a sun-soaked Saturday morning, delicious coffee, sensational food, as well as a few special events and surprises.
Local chefs will share their passion for sustainability and their kitchen secrets during free cooking demonstrations as part of CRAVE – Sydney International Food Festival. Or you might like to sit in on a short sustainability seminar about Urban Beekeeping, Intro to Permaculture or Small Space Gardening. Or cycle with the whole family to Taylor Square on the day of the Sydney Rides Street Festival. Kids will love the Cooking Camps – returning to Taylor Square by popular demand, and if you’re passionate about recycling – don’t miss our Giant Swap Party. The annual Oxford Arts Festival will feature local & emerging artists – and look out for the Oxford Art Competition.
All this at Taylor Square, plus our regular weekly farmers market – so make sure you allow time for browsing amongst fresh seasonal produce, and chatting with our amazing farmers and producers. Look for seasonal fruit and vegetables (organic and low spray), free range poultry and eggs, fish, hand made pasta, condiments, organic bread, olive oil, honey, flowers, herbs and much more.
The annual Taylor Square Spring Fair – celebrating sunshine, sustainability and sensational food!!
Full programme & dates READ MORE
9am – 12.30pm Cooking Camps for Kids:
Kids attending Cooking Camp will learn to know a locally grown, in-season food, how to cook it and how to hold a feast with friends. Kids will also learn how to set and decorate a table and best of all, how to clean it all up. Cooking Camps are healthy, connect to our environment and pass on skills that have been used traditionally for generations. Cooking Camps connect kids with regional farmers, the joys of farm fresh produce and the value of sharing meals together with friends and family.
www.cookingcamp.org
10.30am – 12noon “The Real Deal” Sustainability workshops
Refer to www.sydneysustainablemarkets.org for workshops. Topics range from Intro to Permaculture, What is the true price of Organics?, Are cloth nappies a sustainable option? Understanding Native Bees and more. FREE
Local Market Guide is an online market directory providing the latest information on the growing number of Sydney markets, stalls and special events. 
The demand for markets is continuing to grow as we increasingly prefer to buy local. We want it fresh and organic, we want it locally made and we love supporting small businesses and local producers or artisans..
Markets make all of this possible as well being the frontrunners in offering great community programs and initiatives. Whether it is supporting young designers, hosting market tours & talks or showcasing a cooking demonstration, each activity brings together the community in celebration.
If you love markets, then you will love ‘Local Market Guide’. We help to promote Sydney markets and stallholders together with their calendar of special market events.
Don’t forget to register for our monthly newsletter and gift guide for the latest market news and offers. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.
Monthly Updates for What’s On & What’s New!