Ah markets, how we love thee. Temporarily transforming all our very favourite sun-soaked haunts into stall-laden shopping meccas so that we can get amongst the good vibes, gather fresh provisions and snap up meticulously crafted unique creations from talented local makers.

And for our troubles? Top it all of by refuelling with a hot coffee, fresh smoothie, or the obligatory extra-large serve of Poffertjes.

There’s something (or many somethings…) for everyone and best of all, you’re supporting local – and isn’t that what it’s all about!

Here is a who’s who list of our fabulous local weekday, Saturday and Sunday markets here on our beloved Gold Coast.

The Village Markets
An award-winning platform for small creative businesses, The Village Markets host curated markets encouraging collaboration, creativity and good vibes. With clothing from the coolest designers, jewellery and accessories, homewares, rack sales and amazing food, these curated lifestyle markets are run like a well-oiled machine.

The bi-weekly pilgrimage to Burleigh’s beloved institution is one of the GC’s longest-running markets, with this year TVM marking its 15th in action being testament to this (we still remember the very first…and this makes us feel old), our advice is you’ll blow your dosh every time, and we’re not even fooling ourselves when we say we’re just gonna hit them up for a ‘quick look’… *money with wings emoji* x10
Where: Burleigh Heads Primary School, Burleigh Heads
When: First and third Sunday of the month, 8:30am – 1pm

HOTA Farmers & Artisan Markets
The stunning HOTA grounds offer an equally picturesque and conveniently central spot to convene and soak up some #sundayfunday good vibes and a whole lot of local goodies. Thanks to a little transformation into vibrant (literally and figuratively) cultural hub, the Bundall site is also home to a hotted up weekly market offering which has become one of the Gold Coast’s numero ono community events.

They’re passionate about local farmers, makers, bakers and growers, with in-season farm-fresh produce, delicious artisan foods, boutique fashion, handcrafted treasures and live music. Nestled against the backdrop of Evendale Lake and the surrounding parklands, the kids can take a dip while you sit back and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere (read: eat fresh pastries and sip hot coffee). Bliss!
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
When: Every Sunday 6am – 11.30am

Farmers Markets
There are options aplenty when it comes to farmers markets around the Coast to source your fruit, veggies, locally made goods, plants and of course, brekky and caffeine. Supporting local farmers with both organic and conventional produce, you’ll get the feel-good factor as well as the taste-good factor! A ritual for many locals on weekends, it sure beats hitting the mainstream grocery retailers. Plus, the best thing is, you’re spoilt for choice with a number of different locations to hit up.
Where & When: Helensvale State High School – every Saturday from 6am – 11am at 243 Discovery Drive, Helensvale; Marina Mirage Farmers Markets – every Saturday from 6.30am – 12pm at Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach; Palm Beach Currumbin High School – every Saturday morning from 6am – 11.30am at PBC, Thrower Drive, Palm Beach; Burleigh Farmers Markets – every Saturday morning from 7am – 12 noon at Burleigh Heads State School, Cnr West Burleigh Rd &, Lower Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads.

Carrara Markets
Still the biggest market in Oz, Carrara Markets house over 300 stalls. Discount shopping at its best, there is literally nothing you can’t find from fresh produce, fashion, homewares, pots, plants, bric a brac, cars, souvenirs, arts and crafts and everything in between. Perfect for the family, there’s buskers, pony rides, a baby animal farm, bungy trampolines, mini golf, face painters, and even a new walk-in Butterfly House.
Where: Gooding Drive, Carrara
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 7am – 3pm

Emerald Lakes Gourmet Food and Craft Markets
Feeling a bit fancy? Described as a complete alfresco gourmet shopping experience with an international ambiance, head to Emerald Lakes for some of our region’s best street food and fresh produce. It’s also one of the few markets available for a mid-week meander to replenish the larder with quality essentials – with Australian seafood, grain fed and hormone free meats, free range eggs and home-baked goodies all on offer. Plus stock up on gorgeous candles, melts and a myriad of unique crafts, all handmade with love and arguably, still *somewhat* essential.. bc vibes are important too.
Where: Emerald Lakes Complex, The Boulevard, Carrara
When: Every Thursday, 3pm – 7pm

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
No prizes for guessing where these markets are located. Mere footsteps from the sand, they’ve been an iconic Gold Coast shopping and cultural experience since the mid-90s. Featuring artisan and traditional Aussie goods, fresh produce, gourmet provisions, handmade wares and more, they showcase our best growers, makers, characters and creators. When you’re done, Surfers’ melting pot of restaurants and bars are a hop, skip and a jump over the road.
Where: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
When: Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights, 4pm – 9pm

Gold Coast Art & Craft Sunday Markets
Lining the beachfront at four beautiful GC locations (Broadbeach, Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads and now Paradise Point), these markets have been a local fave for over three decades. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, souvenirs, art, craft, the ingenious or the weird and the wonderful, it’s here. A-buzz with atmosphere, there are over 150 stalls showcasing original Australian-made products, fresh produce, yummy food and live entertainment.
Where & When: Kurrawa Park – The first and third Sunday of every month from 8am – 2pm at 155 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach; Queen Elizabeth Park – The second and fourth Sunday of every month from 8am – 2pm at 60 Marine Parade, Coolangatta; Justin Park – The last Sunday of every month from 8am – 2pm at Burleigh Heads; Esplanade North Park – The fourth Sunday of every month from 8am – 2pm at Paradise Point.

The Sanctuary Markets
On The Village Green at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you’ll find these popular markets. A nod to the GC’s multi-culturalism with local and international foods plus cool arts and crafts, you’ll also be wowed by our best homegrown entertainers. The venue is fully licensed (translation: let’s wine), featuring craft beers exclusively from Burleigh Brewing Co, and vinos courtesy of Sirromet Wines.
Where: On The Village Green, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin
When: Every Friday, 4pm – 9pm

The Organic Gold Coast Farmers Market 
Every Sunday morning you can get your fill of organic, spray-free fruit, veggies, ready-made eats (we’re all about easy eats), organic cosmetics, organic clothing…basically, if it’s organic and it exists, it’s here! It’s the perfect place to spend a sunny Sunday morning and load up your basket with treats that will not only make you feel good, but help the planet too!
Where: Merrimac State High School, 3 Dunlop Ct, Mermaid Waters
When: Every Sunday, 6am – 11.30am

Hide & Seek Children’s Market
Those familiar with the Hide & Seek Children’s Market from its former Elanora and Robina locations will be thrilled to learn the concept lives on thanks to a new home in Upper Coomera – with the same signature blend of unique and skilfully hand-crafted creations, all designed with parents and mini-me’s in mind.

The curation of clever local creatives and artisans brings us cute clothing, accessories, toys, décor, furnishings and more. Bop along to all-day live music, grab some bites from local food trucks and wear the kids out with a range of activities. If you love on-trend goodies, rare finds and spoiling your little loves, you won’t be disappointed.
Where: The Well, 58 Highland Way, Upper Coomera
When: Third Saturday of every month from 8am – 12pm.

Miami Marketta
There’s only one thing better than a market and that’s a vibin’ night market. The Coast’s OG laneway dining experience hosts food vendors of all nationalities in the one space, take your entrée from Spain, your main from Thailand, and sweets from France. How multicultural of you! With farshon (fashion – but we just like saying FARSHON) and accessories from local designers, these markets have cool factor for days.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
When: Every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday, 5pm – 10pm

Broadwater Pavilion Markets
A newer in-stall-ment to the GC’s market scene, Southport’s open air market by the sea is quickly establishing itself as a fave among Northern residents with stacks of fun for the whole family. There’s plenty of entertainment for the kiddos, with face painting, henna, hair braiding, character appearances all frequenting the lineup.

While those who have aged out of face-paint demographic (#tear) can hunt for some hand-crafted wares with all manner of scented, ceramic, and sewn goodies on rotation from local stallholders. Bonus for paw-rents: they’re pet friendly (on lead), so bring your pup along for a paw-some day out.
Where: Bathing Pavilion Lawn, Marine Parade, Southport
When: The third Saturday of every second month, 8am – 2pm

Jack Evans Boat Harbour Waterfront Markets
Another one of the newer kids on the proverbial market block, the picturesque Tweed promenade snaking by the Boat Harbour waterfront was just begging for local stallholders and their crafty creations to set up shop and complement our leisurely Saturday strolls.

A stunner of a spot for the Southern GC (four-legged friends invited also!) to congregate with live music, artisan food vendors, hand crafted treasures and boutique fashion stalls a plenty. After you’ve shopped up a storm, cool off with a spot of paddle boarding as the glistening water beckons.

And if that hasn’t worn out the kiddos, the fortuitously placed new foreshore playground should do the trick.
When: Jack Evans Boat Harbour Market: first Saturday of every month, 8am – 1pm. Night Market: second & fourth Friday of every month, 4pm – 8pm
Where: Wharf St, Tweed Heads

Words by Bianca Trathen and Kellie Leader

A new week means a new excuse to treat yo’self and there’s no better way to do that than with some sweet local brands. From threads to swimwear and accessories, we’ve rounded up a collection of Gold Coast goodies that we know will knock your socks off.

Happy shopping.

Olas Supply Co. 
Established in 2016, Olas Supply Co is the product of two people with a shared loved for travel and adventure, wanted to branch away from their regular Monday to Friday jobs and try something different. Inspired by the founders adventures and grown from the soul of traditional villages along the coast of Central and South America, Olas Supply Co. offer a unique style Gold Coasters love.

Violet Gray
Violet Gray is the love child of Australian Designer, Alexandra Olsen. Her pieces are simple, delicate and created from high grade metals (soon to be 100% recycled and fair trade) and genuine gemstones. The concept for each piece is deeply rooted in spirituality, connection, romanticism and symbolism, making them sacred and powerful to wear. Alex and Violet Gray started their journey at The Village Markets five years ago and since then has grown to be loved worldwide.

Lokoa
What started as a daydream in 2009 quickly turned into an independent Australian lifestyle brand that has since been featured in the pages of Instyle and OK! Magazines. The Gold Coast based bohemian fashion label specialises in exotic handmade leather bags, wallets and clothing inspired by local designer Brie Shinn’s love of travel and exploration. The colourful and unique pieces resemble every creative women’s wanderlust, bringing a sense of mystery and adventure into the lives of wearers.

Shuturp
Created by Ellie Hopley, Shuturp is a quirky fashion label that has quickly become much-loved the world over. With hand drawn art adorning t-shirts, caps and clothes for the kiddies, the brand is easily recognised and very colourful. Many of the pieces also have uplifting slash hilarious slogans on them too. Everything is part of a limited drop so get in quick.

The Lobster Shanty
Now something for the fashion-savvy men amongst us, introducing The Lobster Shanty. Jarro Dartnell is the brains behind the Australian beach-oriented fashion label and clothing store. Inspired by his Granddad Jims’ love of the sea, Jarro created his own boutique range of signature tee shirts and snapbacks while the store offers a wide array of seasonal essentials for the like-minded adventurers with brands such as Brixton, Obey and Santa Cruz.

Grace Loves Lace
For women of style, substance and originality, Grace Loves Lace specialise in unique, free-spirited and timelessly sophisticated luxe wedding dresses handmade from only the finest French and European lace and silks. When it’s time to slide on that ring and pop the champagne, you can’t be in any ordinary dress, you NEED Grace Loves Lace! Only the best on your big day, Sweetheart!

The Undercurrent
Tourism on the Gold Coast has reached a whole new level with the recent launch of The Undercurrent, a fashion label dedicated to showcasing the city through the eyes of locals. The brand made its debut with a collection representing five suburbs (Burleigh, Mermaid, Surfers, Currumbin and Coolangatta), each of which is printed with a local artists’ work depicting iconic landmarks and incorporating the things they love about their area.

Myra Swim
The Gold Coast is known as the bikini capital of Australia and for good reason with labels like Myra Swim producing the goods. Bianca Elouise launched Myra Swim in 2014 and since then she hasn’t looked back. Inspired by the sun, surf and the sea, Bianca wanted to create a swimwear line for curvier women and as such, has developed an international following including the likes of the one and only Kim Kardashian.

The Weft
The Weft is a recent addition to the Gold Coast design scene and it’s a goodie. Created by Caitlin Verall, The Weft is all about subtle, beautifully crafted pieces that transcend the seasons in natural colour palettes and fabrics. The latest range Outliers offers everything from the classic Smith ‘90s Dress to the statement Ithica Wrap Dress. It’s a beautiful range of timeless, laid-back silhouettes, with matching separates emerging for the first time.

peony swimwear
Born out of a life long love affair with the ocean, boutique Australian swimwear label peony fuses bohemian nostalgia with refined femininity to create swimwear made for chasing the sun. First making an appearance at The Village Markets and now an internationally-renowned brand, peony epitomises summer’s simple joys – diving into the ocean, the smell of coconut oil, the feeling of sand under bare feet and the first bloom of peony flowers, which signal the beginning of summer.

Get shopping.

Words by Louisa Ingelheim

Revie Jane is a well-known entrepreneur and content creator on the Gold Coast scene. She has just launched athleisure label, Alitah State. We sat down with her to chat about life, what drew her to fitness and the ins and outs of starting her own label.

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
Originally from Brisbane, I made the move to the beautiful Gold Coast in 2010. I moved for love – cliche? Yes, but I’m not mad about it. Married for 11 years this year, so the move was a wise decision. I knew I liked the guy I met but, I didn’t know how much I would love the lifestyle on the Gold Coast. The amazing cafes, the coastal breeze, the sunrises, and the people- what wasn’t to love? So, I fell head over heels for the guy and the town and never looked back. Now, with a little family of my own, I couldn’t think of a better place to call home.

What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
I have been privileged enough to travel to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Maui Hawaii, Aitutaki in the Cook Islands, Miami Beach in California USA, but whenever I’ve returned from these extraordinary places, it reinforces to me that the Gold Coast has the world’s best beaches. The water, the sun, the friendly families you meet along the coast, whose kids start playing with your own; nothing can beat it. Followed closely by the incredible array of restaurants and cafes. We have endless options of cuisines and talented chefs; we are spoilt for choice when date night rolls by.

A huge aspect I love about the Gold Coast is how active you can be while living here, the weather and the sunshine encourages you to get up early, so you don’t miss a beautiful sunrise. I love nothing more than waking up early to hit the pavement and see so many other walkers and runners going up and down Burleigh paths. It’s just such a beautiful atmosphere.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
From an early age, I knew that fitness and exercise was not just something that made me physically stronger, it also gave me clarity and improved my mental and emotional wellness. Once I had established this connection, I was passionate about helping others come to that realisation too. So, I started studying fitness, I became a group fitness instructor and started helping women specifically, feel empowered through moving their bodies.

Before I knew it, I had a community of women, who were showing up to group sessions each day and I truly felt like I had found my purpose. It was in 2013 that I opened my own Fitness Studio, CrossFit Babes Miami.

Instagram had just started around this time, and I was an early adopter. I started sharing the highs and lows of owning a business and started amassing thousands of followers. I’ve shown up online and shared parts of my life for the past 10 years. Although some weeks are challenging and I’ve definitely experienced some of the uglier parts of having an online presence, I can say wholeheartedly that being a content creator and having the community I do, has been very fulfilling.

You’ve just launched Alitah State, tell us a bit about this brand.
Alitah State is an athleisure label that is made from sustainable fabrics that is working it’s toosh off to also be size inclusive. We are currently offering sizes 8-18 and hope the by the end of 2023 to broaden.

All Alitah State products are made (with love!) in beautiful Bali, intentionally small batches, from sustainable, high-quality fabrics.

In our first capsule, we are offering four thoroughly thought-out designs in the colour ways latte and rose. Each piece has been tested through high performance workouts, long walks and even hot Pilates. It’s built to withstand it all and ensure you look good while doing it.

Alitah is a name with Old German origins, meaning ‘Strong Woman’, while ‘State’ offers two meanings, to have a specific mindset and to be a part of a community of people who are united by their beliefs and territory.

Alitah State is athleisure with brains and heart.

How did Alitah State come about?
Having fitness as a life pillar, has ensured I’ve tried and tested a massive amount of activewear and it’s become a huge part of my wardrobe. But there have been countless times, I’ve walked into a store or visited a website and exited empty handed because they didn’t have what I was after.

We shouldn’t have to sacrifice practicality for flattering designs. Struggling to find a brand that was ticking all the boxes, I started to get frustrated. Why couldn’t these multimillion dollar corporations care more about their practises? Why weren’t they being more size inclusive? Why are they still packaging their parcels with a bunch of marketing pieces that will go to waste? I got so frustrated I decided to do something about it.

In 2019 I started getting samples from manufacturers in China, and in 2020 I found the manufacturer we are with today located in Bali, Indonesia. Four years of perfecting designs, fabrics and colour ways, Alitah State was born.

What has been the biggest opportunity and/or challenge so far for you in launching Alitah State?
The biggest challenge we have found was finding a manufacturer who provides eco-conscious practises and fabrics while accommodating across broad size ranges. It felt like it was almost one or the other, being size inclusive or eco-conscious. The minimum order of quantities they had were unrealistic for a start-up and so we had to find someone willing to negotiate their starting point or exclude and piss off a large group of people. Luckily, we found the amazing manufacturers we have today, they’re willing to grow with us as we establish ourselves. While we aren’t where we want to be in our size range, I have confidence that we will be able to reach this soon as a matter of top priority.

What is the best piece of business advice that you have ever been given? 
In business you’re going to want to give up a lot of times. Whether it’s unhappy customers, finance problems, manufacturing issues, staff conflicts, there is a plethora of problems. The only thing that is going to stop you from giving up as a connection to purpose and something that brings you joy.

A question I asked myself before I studied fitness, was ‘if money wasn’t an issue, what would I spend my time doing?’ Now, I did double-check and sadly, sipping cocktails with a book in hand poolside isn’t a job, *sigh* but, helping people find the bridge between self-respect and fitness was. So, I pursued that. And in some way, I don’t feel like I’ve strayed too far from the desire to share the message that each person is capable of more than they think.

As a busy woman and mother, how do you manage your time to really strike that work/life balance?
I’ve started to accept that balance is a bit of a myth. In my life at least, there are the tiniest blips where there is actual balance. Most of the time though, when my focus and presence is with my kids, my work is behind and if I’m killing it at work, then I’m absent at home. The myth that women can do it all is starting to retire and I am here for that. I can do a LOT but it’s okay to need help, it’s okay to delegate, it’s okay to say, ‘no, I am at capacity.’ We tend to do the things that are the highest priority, and accept that other parts may fall behind a bit. And making peace with that has been revolutionary.

How are you planning on spending this Mother’s Day?
Nothing beats morning cuddles in your pyjamas, while your little one cautiously carries you over a cup of coffee and the other little one hands you a present bought from the school Mothers’ Day stall. I am very lucky to have a wonderful husband who makes sure I get something a little more sturdy than some of those gifts and who also gives the gift every mum wants on Mother’s Day. Some me-time.

An hour on the sun bed, reading a fluffy romance is my idea of bliss.

What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/coffee spot: Palm Springs and Rafiki
Restaurant: Mr Hizola’s
Bar or place for a drink: Rick Shores
Beach: Miami Beach

How do you choose to spend your days off? 
Where else but the beach? Catching some waves with the kids, finding shells to make sand cakes, reading a book under an umbrella, it’s honestly the best. Our problems seem to melt away when we’re in the ocean, and we find ourselves leaning into gratitude every time our feet hit the sand. There’s no place we’d rather be, than the Gold Coast.