8 of the best art and design markets in Australia

There’s nothing quite as delightful as a day spent shopping at a market. The products are unique, locally made and rarely stocked in the chain store retailers sprinkled throughout most cities. A good market is an opportunity to buy a one-off piece of art, furniture or homewares that you just know no one else will have. Not to mention the satisfying knowledge that your money is supporting local independent designers and artisans, rather the lining the already-stuffed pockets of chain-store retailers.

While most cities have a few local markets for farmers or bric-a-brac, sometimes it’s nice to visit a fresh new market with a carefully curated selection of makers and products. If that’s what you’re looking for, then we have the list for you.

1. The Makers and Shakers Market

The Makers and Shakers market regularly sets up shop in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra and is Australia’s premier mid-sized makers market held twice a year in each city. You’ll find a line-up of both established and emerging designers and delicious food.

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MELBOURNE // As a child, Melbourne designer-maker, Cian Cottee was constantly surrounded by tatty stuffed chums who counselled her through the highs and lows of growing up. With traditional training in textile design, a love of print and and an inherently dry British humour she forged @graciekealaus in 2016- named after a suitably quirky great grandmother- with the ambition to create that cherished friend for others, young and old.⠀ ⠀ Promising comfort, companionship and a little comedy value, Gracie Keal dolls are eccentric, one-of-a-kind and individually named at the very end with a fitting story to make you chuckle. From Oliver the secret flamenco dancer to Maud with her morning beauty routine, each critter is entirely handmade by someone who truly understands how treasured a toy can be.⠀ ⠀ Find Gracie Keal and meet Cian on Sunday 7 April at the Coburg Town Hall.⠀ ⠀ #themakersandshakers #makersandshakersmarket #makersandshakers #makers #maker #makersmovement #makersgonnamake #shopsmall #melbourne #melbournemarkets #coburg #melbournefood #melbourneeats #handmade #coburg

2. The Big Design Market

One of Australia’s largest markets, the Big Design Market visits both Melbourne and Sydney twice a year. The event is usually held over 3 days and features more than 200 stalls to shop from.

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DOOR PRIZE! ⠀ Sign up at the information desk when you arrive at The Big Design Market for a chance to win all of these prizes, delivered to your door before Christmas! For event information, visit our website (link in bio).⠀ ⠀ Melbourne opening hours:⠀ Friday 30 Nov, 10am-9pm⠀ Saturday 1 Dec, 10am-7pm⠀ Sunday 2 Dec, 10am-5pm⠀ ⠀ #bigdesignmarket #xmasinmelbourne #secretsanta #christmasshoppingsorted #australiandesign #ethicalgifts

3. The Finders Keepers Market

A vibrant selection of makers, designers, artists and sustainable products, The Finders Keepers Markets pops up in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane about twice a year. It has a festival vibe with music and food in additional to great products.

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4. The Melbourne Collective Market

The Melbourne Collective Market is the perfect place to shop for art, ceramics, jewellery, homewares, stationery, fashion and food. Follow their Facebook page for pop-up market locations in Melbourne.

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5. The Handmade Canberra Market

Held over weekends in March, June, September and December each year, Handmade Canberra is a place to shop for unique artisan products and support small businesses. The market usually features more than 200 designers and producers.

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6. The Salamanca Market

Held in Hobart’s Salamanca area every Saturday, Salamanca Market is the perfect morning market to attend if you’re looking for uniquely Tasmanian arts, crafts, ceramics, clothing and homewares.

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7. The Olive Tree Art & Design Market

The Olive Tree Art and Design Market in Newcastle occurs once a month and is one of the leading contemporary handmade art and design markets in the locality. You’ll find work by emerging artists, gourmet produce and live music here.

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8. The Perth Upmarket

A quarterly market in Perth, Perth Upmarket is a carefully curated shopping experience that showcases more than 180 design, craft, clothing and gourmet food stalls, plus much more. The event is now one of Perth’s premier market events.

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"Coastal Break" by award winning artist @joanneduffyartist Her original artworks will be available for purchase at #artupmarket this Saturday only. 6TH APRIL @UNIVERSITYWA 10AM - 4PM With over 80 artists showcasing their work at #artupmarket it promises to be an unmissable day out for all art lovers. Free Parking, Live Music, Gourmet Food #joanneduffy #joanneduffyartist #Joanneduffyart #originalart #perthartists #artupmarket #perthevents #whatsonperth #perthupmarket #cityofperth @cityofperth @universitywa #UWA @uwaculturalprecinct @jacksonsdrawingsupplies #perthart #perthcreatives #perthartist #perthsmallbusiness #perthcreates #makersmovement #perth

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Laura Barry

Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.