Manly Farmers Markets

Wandering around the Manly Farmers Market by the seaside at Manly, is an idyllic way to spend Saturday morning and a magic start to any weekend. Dogs are welcome at this village style market, which is located in a shady park right on the harbour only twenty minutes drive from Brisbane CBD. 

The major drawcard for visiting this market is the super fresh seafood, arriving directly off the boats and into your shopping basket. Keep an eye out for Rufus King's Straddie prawns - caught that very same morning. All the stalls offer tempting tasters and Willow Vale Gourmet Food Co. is an ideal stop off for hand crafted chutneys, balsamic reduction and infused olive oils.

When it comes to breakfast, expect an international array of choices - German bratwurst, French crepes, Indian curries, Dutch Pofferjies, American burgers, Thai salads, and Turkish pizzas. For children, there are smoothies, plenty of delicious goodies to take home, and a spacious park next door.

A visit to French Sin is an excellent starting point, as they will treat you to a sunny smile and a traditional quiche or two. Other popular stallholders offer artisan breads, marinated olives, locally harvested honey, certified organic meat, seasonal flowers, fresh fruit and veg. 

All in all, it's pretty hard to beat munching pastries for breakfast or brunch in the sun with gentle sea breezes rolling in over Stradbroke Island and live music to set a relaxed weekend mood. 

Need to know: Manly Manly Farmers Market is a dog friendly environment - just be sure to keep your canine buddies on a lead at all times. 

By Lucy Hordern