Weekend Markets in Sydney
Sydney's weekend markets are a delight for tourists of all ages. As the Paranoid Traveler discovers on her recent visit to Sydney, this "local" adventure has much to offer for even the most jaded shopper.
Whether it’s your first time or the nth
time in Sydney, the city’s popular weekend markets rank high along the tourist path with the Sydney Opera House and the Queen Victoria Building. But don't be fooled into thinking that this is an adventure solely for those in need of retail therapy. These markets promise much more than the typical shopper's holiday with even the most jaded shopper taking something away from this “go where the locals are”
adventure.
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| Copyright Photo: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN |
Coledale
Public School Markets
Coledale Public School Markets was my first
weekend stop during my holiday although it was just by chance we
stumbled upon it. My friend was taking me on a Grand Pacific Coast Drive when
we discovered the event. As it happens, they are only open every fourth Sunday of
the month at Coledale Public School. They sell a variety of old and new stuff
including honey, smoked garlic, clothes, vintage stuff, wool items, house decors,
etc. I was able to buy some Nepalese summer clothes from a young man who had
the gift of flattery, “Oh you’ll get a lot of wonderful compliments in those
dresses!” But what stood out most was the entertainment provided by a group of senior
citizens playing pop music with a ukulele. They were indeed very
entertaining. If I wasn’t pressured for time, I would have stayed for their
entire mini-concert. I can still hear them sing, “Bad, bad Leroy Brown, the
baddest man in the whole damn town…”
How
to get there: Coledale School Markets take place on the grounds of Coledale Public School at 699 Lawrence Hargrave Drive in Coledale. The market is best accessed with a car as it is approximately 50 kilometers south of Sydney along the coastal road. Market hours are from 9am-3pm every fourth Sunday.
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| Copyright Photo: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN |
Paddington
Markets
What I like most about these weekend
markets is that you never know what you are going to find. Yes, there will be food,
clothes, jewellery and home decors but how they are creatively and artistically
made is where the real excitement lies and Paddington Markets is no exception. From painted ceramic tiles to antique cups made into candle holders
to moving mobiles to, well, you get the drift. I wish I could show you pictures
of the merchandise but some are wary of photographs lest their concept and
design be copied.
How
to get there: Take the subway and get off at the Museum
Station. Then take Bus 370 or 333 which stops a few meters away from the markets
where there will be a short walk.
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| Copyright Photo: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN |
Glebe
Markets
Although the banner promises a “funky”
market, it is not as funky as Paddington and The Rocks Markets but Glebe Markets are equally as
enjoyable. I bought some t-shirts with whimsical designs and a lot of paper
flower bracelets to the point that the artist asked if they were going to be
presents for friends back home. I replied, “They’re all for me!”
How
to get there: Take the Light Rail Network and get off at Glebe. Just follow the street path going to the main intersection then
turn left and go straight. It’s a longer walk than Paddington to give you more
time to enjoy the local community atmosphere.
Before or after going to Glebe, I suggest that you get off at FishMarket which is one station away for some of the most delectable freshest
seafood meals.
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| Copyright Photo: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN |
The
Rocks Markets
The Rocks Market was the last I visited so
the thrill was not as intense as there was more of the same food, artworks and
fashion (no matter how beautiful they were) but fate truly saved the best for
last. The last stand I saw was literally an authentic Harley-Davidson motorcycle tour of Sydney--complete with the heavy leather jacket! It was one
of the best tours I have ever had anywhere in the world with the wind in my
hair--well, helmeted-hair. Of course, I wasn’t allowed to drive but riding at
the back is the next best thing.
How
to get there: Take any bus in the Central Business
District Area going to Circular Quay and get off at The Rocks. If you’re
patient enough, wait for the green CBD 555 Shuttle which offers a free ride.
Yes, free, no questions asked.
Know Before You Go
Before you head out for these markets,
please don’t expect a tiangge economy
where things are usually cheap and haggling is welcome. The prices at these
Sydney weekend markets are competitive, if not sometimes more expensive than
the regular shops. But because the items are hard to find and they are truly beautiful, you might just want to splurge on them instead of the usual cheap
souvenir items. Visiting weekend markets not only gives you
the chance to interact with the creators themselves but you also get the chance to support these independent artists so that they can continue their craft.
Traveler's Notes:
Currently, there are only two airlines operating service out of Sydney to the Philippines.
Traveler's Notes:
Currently, there are only two airlines operating service out of Sydney to the Philippines.
- Philippine Airlines operates four weekly flights to/from Manila
- Qantas operates four weekly flights to/from Manila
Often what can be limiting and frustrating for Filipinos travelling abroad is the steep cost of accommodation in some foreign countries. However, Sydney does have a selection of affordable hotel options including:
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