Shopping in Gold Coast Markets

It is so easy to shop on the Gold Coast. There are streets with all manner of shops and of course there are major complexes such as Pacific Fair, Australia Fair and The Oasis, specialty stores and major chains dotted along the coast. But there is another source for shopping and that is the markets.

There are some permanent markets – the one at Carrara is an example - and others which come and go so you need to check their opening days and times.  Usually someone is the co-coordinator and their telephone number is provided. Check out what’s for sale so you head to the market which best suits your interests.

Some are open once a week and others once a month. But if you’re looking for something different or unusual and certainly for a bargain, the markets are the places to visit. And even if you don’t see something to buy, the markets are well worth a look on their own.

Here are just a few of the type of markets you’ll find on the Gold Coast.

There are farmers’ markets selling all sorts of homegrown produce. There’s nothing tastier than fresh fruit and vegetables or any of the other rural products including honey, jams and chutney. And there are Organic farmers’ markets as well for those who like the produce pristine.

Arts and crafts markets are brilliant for locally made items which will appeal to perhaps only a few but what an unusual gift – even for yourself.

Country markets have all the atmosphere and produce you seldom find in the city. It’s even more engrossing when this type of market is set up in the heart of the bustling Gold Coast. The country folk come to town.

Swap meets have long been popular in towns and cities across Australia and the Gold Coast is no exception. Go along with or without your trash and treasure and grab a bargain.

Garden markets are always popular for those who enjoy plants and gardening. Unusual plants as well as seedlings for flowers and vegetables are available.

Beechmont hosts a Village Fair on the third Sunday of the month and a more relaxed type of activity would be hard to find. All the fun of the fair right on the Gold Coast.

And every Friday night there’s a Beachfront Market on the Esplanade right on the beach at Surfers Paradise. You can take it all in as you stroll home from your evening meal on the way back to your hotel or apartment.

The range of markets matches the range of goods for sale. Fashion, food, arts and crafts and much more. And all within walking distance of shops and eateries so your visit to the markets can simply be a part of your everyday activities on the wonderful Gold Coast.

The Best Time To Visit The Gold Coast

There are many people and Queenslanders in particular who will tell you the best time to visit the Gold Coast is any time. The weather is always perfect – well perhaps not perfect but sunshine is in abundance in the Sunshine State. So yes you will always find heaps of activities on the Gold Coast even if the rain should fall. Theme parks and shopping complexes are as busy in the sun as in the rain.

But if you do wish to do something in particular, here are a few pointers.

School holidays usually mean that families descend on the Gold Coast in large numbers. And then in the winter months, many ‘foreigners’ from the southern states head north for the winter sunshine. Public holidays too can mean an influx of tourists. So if a slightly less hectic season is for you, avoid the school and public holidays.

Then there are special events such as the whale watching. You can always take a trip out into the wonderful Pacific ocean but if you wish to get up close and personal with the whales, then the June to October months are the best times to be there.

Music festivals, especially for the blues and any sporting events have specific times. If you have a passion for racing cars or the different football codes, then you have to visit at particular times in order to catch your ‘show’. If it’s a really popular show, you may need to book early.

Horse racing and the horse sales are big events on the Gold Coast. So too are golf and tennis tournaments.

Probably some of the best times to visit the Gold Coast are when the best deals are on offer. Airlines have their quieter times and will often offer a package of return flights plus accommodation for a greatly reduced price. If you’re keen on a break – even for two or three days, these specials can be the incentive to get you into the surf and the shops at Surfers Paradise.

Schoolies Week is a time when teenagers who have finished their schooling arrive on the Gold Coast for a spot of rest and recreation. Media coverage tends to focus on the few who drink too much and misbehave. If you don’t want to share the beaches and streets with thousands of young people then Schoolies Week might be a good time not to visit.

If you live in Europe or North America you need to understand that your winter is our summer and vice versa. Being in a tropical climate means snow on the Gold Coast would be a serious news story. But if you come in your summer, then Queensland’s winter will still be sunny and mild even warm. So just come anyway.