Naponda Farmers Market, Deniliquin. Image credit: Deniliquin Pastoral Times
There’s a good reason why the Murray River region is known as one of Australia’s best and most important food bowls. Produce in The Murray hits different.
No need to head out and reserve a table for five-star dining, spice up your go-to recipes, crown yourself Masterchef of your own kitchen, and cook with the best of seasonal produce bursting with flavour from local growers and passionate farmers this winter.
Farmer’s and craft markets are the best places to source one-of-a-kind handmade items, making for thoughtful gifts, and encapsulating the creative spirit of The Murray.
Arm yourself with a tote, visit one of these weekend markets, and discover the very best of the season.
Held on the fourth Sunday of each month on the foreshore of Lake Mulwala, if you’re after homegrown and handmade goodies, you won’t want to miss the Yarrawonga Farmers and Craft Market.
The market is filled with locals who have grown, picked, sewn, forged, welded, concocted, ground, created, and pieced together all kinds of products and produce.
Make the most of the seasons and enjoy the best produce from across the region as well as quality-made cider, wine, and honey products, or simply throw down a picnic rug and enjoy delicious coffee and market food.
Shop for yourself or loved ones by browsing the stalls filled with one-of-a-kind skincare products, platters, home décor, plant holders, garden art, baby clothes, and all kinds of accessories and treats for furry friends.
Upcoming market dates: Sunday 25 June, Sunday 23 July, Sunday 27 August.
For a Mecca of locally grown produce, make your way to Echuca’s Aquatic Reserve on the first and third Saturday of each month and for the much-loved Echuca Farmers Market.
Peruse the abundance of stalls and shop seasonal fruit and veggies like garlic, carrots, beetroot, cauliflower and broccoli. Discover local produce ranging from olives, cheese, fruit, bread, a variety of wine, sweets, jams, fresh meat and seafood.
Upcoming market dates: Saturday 17 June, Saturday 1 and 15 July, Saturday 5 and 19 August.
Head to The Murray’s Gannawarra region on the first Saturday of each month for the Murrabit Country Market. A local favourite, the market has been running since 1977 and now regularly hosts over 100 stalls with a variety of delicious food, fresh produce, woodenware, fishing gear, plants, crafts and hardware and tools.
Pro tip: shop and taste your way through the market with barbecues and hot food, coffee, scones, sandwiches and cakes.
Upcoming market dates: Saturday 1 July, Saturday 5 August.
Join Corowa Rotary at Bangerang Park for the Corowa Rotary Federation Farmers and Variety Market on the first Sunday of each month.
Peruse the market stalls with a gold coin donation for entry and shop all kinds of locally crafted and handmade creations from garden ornaments and plants, to candles and soaps, jewellery, clothes, books and of course, an abundance of fresh and local grown produce.
If you’ve got little ones joining, caffeinate yourself at the coffee van, before heading over to the jumping castle, face painting and the APEX miniature train ride.
Upcoming market dates: Sunday 2 July and Sunday 6 August
Heading to Deniliquin? You’ll want to time your visit with Naponda Farmers Market on the second Saturday of each month on Cressy Street (outside the Naponda Store).
Find a passionate group of makers, bakers and creators and an eclectic range of home and hand-produced products from locals. Find everything from baked goods to plants, locally grown olives, fresh flowers and delicious seasonal produce.
‘Naponda’ meaning "quiet waters" encompasses the gentle community spirit of creatives in Deniliquin, where wonderful things slowly and peacefully come to fruition.
Upcoming market dates: Saturday 8 July and Saturday 12 August
Located just north of Swan Hill, Nyah Lions Club Market takes over the Nyah Recreation Reserve on the second Saturday of each month.
Find stall holders tucked between the towering river red gums selling locally grown, seasonal produce, clothing and jewellery, plants, garden ornaments, tools and a collection of handmade goods. Grab a hot jam doughnut from the much-loved Lion's Club Doughnuts van or enjoy a variety of flavours from the varying food stalls.
Bring your furry friend along for a walk with dogs allowed on leash.
Upcoming market dates: Saturday 8 July and Saturday 12 August.
Mark your diary for the third Sunday of every month and pay a visit to the Yarrawonga Mulwala Rotary Club Market in Yarrawonga’s Victoria Park.
Find 135 stalls stocked with everything from tasty food, fruit and veg, handmade clothes, pet accessories, toys, gardening tools, books, homewares and more.
Upcoming market dates: Sunday 18 June, Sunday 16 June, Sunday 20 August.
Embrace the winter season on Sunday 25 June at the annual Makers Market Cobram. Shop the best of The Murray’s Sun Country with an abundance of inside and outside stalls from local makers and creators selling everything from art works and macramé to handmade timber products, pottery, local produce, plants, mosaics, candles and more.
