5 Best Weekend Markets in the Gold Coast To Visit

The coastal city of the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, might be famous as a summer holiday destination thanks to the beaches that surround the city and its surf culture, but little do many visitors know that there’s also a thriving creative community here. Beyond the coastline, once the weekend hits, Gold Coast markets fill the streets with artisan goods, street food, arts and crafts, and even live music. 

So if you’re heading to the Gold Coast for a quick beach trip, try to be there on or over the weekend. It’s the perfect way to explore the city like a local and experience its creative spirit. There are over 20 weekend markets across the city so to help you out with planning, we’ve listed down five of the best Gold Coast markets and why each one deserves a spot on your itinerary!

If you’re interested in trinkets, arts, and crafts, then the Burleigh Head Markets should definitely be on your itinerary. It’s considered “The Original” art and craft market on the Gold Coast, having begun over 40 years ago. Here, you’ll find handmade jewellery, artworks, fashion items, and homewares, alongside street food and coffee stalls. But whether you’re shopping or not, it’s still worth a visit to experience a laid-back Sunday with the locals. You’ll see people walking their dogs, riding their bicycles along the coastline, or simply taking a stroll.

The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are an icon on the Gold Coast. Running since 1995, it’s a cultural must-experience for anyone visiting the city, featuring artisan and Australian goods, handmade crafts, artwork & homeware, gourmet food, and even fresh produce in season. It’s also located right in the heart of the Gold Coast’s tourist hub so it’s very easy to visit after spending the day at the beach for an evening stroll along the esplanade and enjoy live music

We’ve covered an “original” and an “icon,” which brings us to one of the largest weekend markets – not just on the Gold Coast, but in Australia. Open every weekend, the Carrara Markets are home to over 300 stalls selling everything from fashion, homewares, and souvenirs to plants and fresh produce, making it a major tourist attraction on the Gold Coast. 

Apart from shopping, it’s also a popular destination for families, with activities like pony rides, animal farms, mini golf, and bungee trampolines. And with plenty of cafes serving breakfast and lunch, you can easily spend the first half of the day at Carrara Markets! 

Another family favorite, Dreamworld is Australia’s biggest theme park, and beyond its thrilling rollercoaster rides and wildlife encounters, there’s actually a night market at the park too! The Dreamworld Night Market is the only night market located in a theme park, which means hopping on rides and attractions is part of your market visit. The market also features a rotating mix of food trucks serving local and international cuisines, from Asian street food to classic Australian treats. Beyond the food and rides, there’s live entertainment as well, creating a relaxed and social atmosphere – perfect for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for a different kind of weekend market experience. 

Here’s a fun fact: the Gold Coast is actually nicknamed the “Miami of Australia” because of its similar vibes! Both cities have high-rise buildings next to beautiful beaches, a warm year-round climate, and a coastal lifestyle. So it’s only fitting that there’s a suburb called Miami within the Gold Coast, right where the vibrant Miami Marketta is located! And if you’re after some after-dark energy, flavor, and nightlife, this Gold Coast market is the place to be. 

The neon-lit laneway is packed with international street food stalls featuring Asian fusion to Latin and Australian eats, breweries and wine bars, and live music venues! So while it’s a market, Miami Marketta feels more like a food festival, perfect for those looking for some fun at night. 

The Gold Coast markets are a reflection of Australia’s lifestyle, creativity, and love for good food. So whether you’re looking for unique souvenirs or tasting your way through the endless street food stalls, these weekend markets offer a slice of Gold Coast life. But this is just a small taste of the Australian lifestyle. If you’re visiting Down Under and looking for more things to do and a bit of adventure, grab a Klook Pass for Australia Tours and discover the best experiences not just on the Gold Coast, but in other major cities like Melbourne and Sydney as well.

Some of the most popular markets on the Gold Coast are the Carrara Markets, Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, and Burleigh Heads Markets for its variety of vendors, stalls, and beautiful locations! 

Most of the Gold Coast weekend markets are held between Wednesdays and Sundays so best to double check the official websites of the markets you’re planning to visit to confirm their operating days and hours. 

The Carrara Markets and Miami Marketta are perfect for those looking for local food and gourmet eats! These Gold Coast markets boast a huge variety of food stalls featuring not just local cuisine but international and fusion options too. 

Yes, some of the popular night markets on the Gold Coast are the Dreamworld Night Market, Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, and Miami Marketta. These Gold Coast markets are known for offering a lively nighttime atmosphere and live entertainment, perfect to end the night in the city. 

The best markets for handmade and artisan goods are the Burleigh Heads Markets and Carrara Markets. The Burleigh Heads Markets is considered the original art and crafts market in the Gold Coast while the Carrara Markets is the biggest marketplace in the region.