Over the past decade, our Northern Rivers farmers' markets have seen an undeniable boom - blossoming into thriving community hubs that nourish the body and feed the soul. These markets celebrate the dedication of local farmers and artisans who work tirelessly to bring fresh, vibrant produce to our tables. Supporting them means investing in our local economy and honouring the unique beauty of this region. Markets like Mullumbimby and New Brighton invite us back to a simpler, more connected way of life, where familiar faces and a shared sense of community flourish. As bustling crowds gather each week, it’s clear our local Farmers’ Markets have become cherished places at the heart of Northern Rivers life.
NEW BRIGHTON FARMERS’ MARKET
The river sparkles as you step from your car, then head toward the colour and movement that is the New Brighton Farmers’ Market. In terms of size, this might be the little sister to Mullum’s farmer’s market, but it’s been running for longer, and in its intimacy and cruisy beachside atmosphere, manages to provide an experience every bit as joyous. At its heart, live music flows from a small stage, drawing groups of friends, families, and seated clusters of locals, often with kids dancing in front. Nearby, in the Kiddies’ Plot, children immerse themselves in free arts and crafts activities.
The air is filled with tempting aromas—fresh coffee and hearty breakfasts from Nomadic Kitchen, where former River Café chef Rob de Costanzo whips up silverbeet and ricotta omelettes with sourdough, cauliflower cheese pies, and strawberry galettes. You’ll find Scratch Patisserie’s famous pastries, delicate buckwheat crepes, smoothies, juices and berries to nibble. Crabbes Creek Woodfired offers hearty ancient grain loaves, while Breadicine supplies gluten-free vegan delights. There’s cheeses, artisanal pasta, smoked olives and huge Brunswick River oysters —and that’s before you even reach the produce stalls.
Beyond the market’s central hub are tables for dining and socialising, and a path that leads closer to the river, where tables overflow with bananas, vibrant greens, herbs, and colourful root vegetables. A gentle, salty breeze floats in from the beach, and the lush green oval shimmers nearby. Here, there’s truly all the time in the world.
New Brighton Farmers’ Market is in River Street, New Brighton and is held every Tuesday from 8 – 11am
MULLUMBIMBY FARMERS’ MARKET
Clouds drift lazily above in a bright blue sky; the showground is bathed in sunshine. There’s the bearded hula-hoop man in rainbow colours, tirelessly whirling. On grassy embankments shaded by trees sit groups surrounded by calico bags spilling produce. People everywhere, queuing or wandering or standing in clusters, chatting to stall-holders, the atmosphere unhurried. There’s live music at each end, and shady trees where friends eat and gossip, straw baskets and beards, dreadlocks and tattoos, silver-haired men and women in sandals, and infants in strollers.
A local institution since 2010, the Mullumbimby Farmers’ Market has earned international acclaim, featured in The New York Times and Time Out Magazine. Locally, it’s been recognized as Delicious magazine’s “Most Outstanding Farmers Market in Australia” and has graced the screens of Channel 7’s Sunrise and Destination Flavour. Home to over 70 stalls, it’s a vibrant and fascinating atmosphere – a harmonious mix of hippy and sophistication.
Set out like an alleyway, the main artery takes you from one end to another where you’ll pass produce stalls whose trestle tables groan with seasonal fruit and vegetables and herbs – heirloom tomatoes and exotic mushrooms, leafy greens and berries. Past the pasture raised eggs, you’ll find fresh pasta and dried spices, there’s fermented and native foods, macadamias and briny olives and oozy farmstead cheeses, the jars of mouthwatering smoked fish rillettes, perfect for spreading of course on the chunky loaves of fresh sourdough sold at a nearby stall. And we can’t forget the sticky sweet pastries and sourdough doughnuts – a treat to eat while you wander - perfectly paired with a fresh coffee, juice or Matcha.
Then there are all the food outlets: Taiwanese dumplings, Japanese, Argentinian or French creperie, Indonesian or vegan. From the exotic to the familiar, the culinary world is yours to explore.
Mullumbimby Farmers’ Market is at the Mullumbimby Showgrounds every Friday from 7 – 11am.
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