Here, you’ll find the freshest of summer fare and sample a heap of locally made delights. You will also get to meet the people behind the food you’re buying. So, what are you waiting for? Here is just a handful to check out.
Albany Farmers Market
This feast for the senses runs every Saturday in the heart of Albany’s CBD from 8am-12pm. Naturally big on the bounty from the Great Southern, you can stock up knowing you’re supporting the region’s farmers. The warmer months are fertile times for local produce, with fresh seasonal fare such as apricots, figs and berries, as well as sweet asparagus, broccoli, eggplant, mushrooms and so much more. You will also find staples such as freshly baked bread, milk and olive oil, as well as local honey and preserves. Grab a bite to eat and a freshly brewed coffee and listen to some music before or after your shop.
Bunbury Farmers Market
Anyone who regularly heads south from Perth is familiar with this vast indoor market. It’s easy to go in for just a couple of things and wheel out an overladen trolley. You can get lost in row after row of colourful fruit and veg – most of which was in the ground just two days ago – not to mention the aisles of homemade cakes, biscuits, jams and other temptations. Bunbury Farmers Market also offers made-to-order platters, salads and pastries, perfect for holiday entertaining, as well as market-made juices, yoghurts and heat and eat meals. Whether you’re stocking up on locally farmed meats from the butcher, or sampling the huge range of dairy products, with between 70 and 90 percent of all fresh products from just down the road, you know you’re supporting local farmers.
Manjimup Farmers Market
Held under canopies at Manjin Park, this market celebrates the best of the Southern Forests region and its producers. In summer, there is an abundance of avocadoes, stonefruit, strawberries and, of course, the famous cherries. The stalls may only boast these glorious globes for a short time but you wouldn’t want to go home without a punnet or two to share. Whether you relax with a freshly brewed coffee or refresh with a sparkling juice from NewLeaf Orchard, there’s plenty to keep you and the kids amused every second Saturday from 8.30am til 12.30pm.
Margaret River Farmers’ Market
Created by the local producers association more than 20 years ago to give growers a platform, Margaret River Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday from 7.30am to 11.30am. Start the day with a breakfast burger at the Community Breakfast Bar (funds raised go to non-profit groups) and a coffee or smoothie before hitting the stalls. With no reselling permitted, all stallholders are hands on in the production of food they sell. In summer, trestle tables are overladen with beetroot, cucumbers, eggplant, melons, tomatoes and so much more. You’ll also find a growing range of organic produce, as well as gluten-free options. Make sure you drop by Buy West Eat Best members The Cheeky Cow to pick up some of their fabulous dairy.
Toodyay Farmers Market
This homegrown market is a real community event. Held on the third Sunday of the month in Gugulja Park, in the Wheatbelt town, a wealth of local producers come to sell everything from purple garlic to bush chillies and mixed olives. There are also handcrafts, gin, wine, biscuits and honey, as well as a diverse range of handicrafts for sale. This is one to put on your list for a weekend getaway, however, as the last market is in mid December (packed with Christmas gift ideas), returning on 17 March 2024. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for details.
Look for local
Of course, if you’re heading from the regions to Perth – or staying in the city over summer – there’s no reason to miss out. Do a quick google to find your nearest farmers market. And if there isn’t one where you’re staying, just keep an eye out for the distinctive Buy West Eat Best birthmark wherever you buy your summer fare and you’ll know you’re supporting local.