Slide on those market stomping boots and make a coffee for the road- it’s time to potter, pick and indulge in the produce of the Mornington Peninsula! Between all the farms, markets, and farmers markets available across the region, there’s bound to be something to fulfil every market-goer’s dreams.
Things included for free: crisp autumn morning air, the atmospheric buzz of locals, a feeling of achievement for being up before 9 on the weekend.
Now, for the artistically inclined (and for those more inclined to sit back and ‘appreciate’ the art), the Craft Markets is non-negotiable. This travelling market community has made a name for itself by bringing together local produce, craft, and food, all while celebrating the passionate individuals behind it. If forty years of market history isn’t enough to convince you, then maybe the homemade rocky road is. Get on top of some very early (or very late) Christmas shopping, or just sit back, nibble on some warm bread, and absorb the buzz of fellow market-goers. With markets in Red Hill, Mornington and Portsea, check out our Events section to see when and where the next market is.
The converted train carriage turned mini- produce market, aka Benton Rise Farm’s ‘Red Rattle’, is a beautiful example of what it means to love and nourish local growers so they can continue to love and nourish the community right back. By cutting out all hidden nasties and long waiting periods in warehouses, you can be assured that the freshness of buying from Benton Rise Farm means your apples will be crisp and crunchy for weeks to come. The highly knowledgeable and friendly growers can answer all your growing and buying questions, like how to tell between a zucchini and a cucumber? (Don’t worry, we’ve all been there).
Looking to satisfy that market urge on a rainy day? Be transported by the unique charm of the Dromana Indoor Market. Dromana Indoor Market is located in Dromana on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. Situated only a few minutes walk to the beach and local cafes nearby, the indoor market is home to over 80 stallholders. A vast array of quality goods are on offer, both old and new featuring vintage, antiques, collectables, clothing, retro, bric a brac, vinyl records, furniture, the unexpected and so much more.
An outdoor cooking class followed by a tapas lunch overlooking a vineyard? Sounds like my kind of farming. Green Olive at Red Hill is an experience that extends further than the store, activities, tours, and tastings it has on offer. This family-built and run business look to engage people in the farm experience while nourishing them with seasonal produce from the land. Having recently ventured into using their produce to make olive-based body products, treat yourself on your way out while feeling buzzed by the fresh vineyard air (or the wine…).
Open 364 days a year, Hawkes Farm is more than a farmgate solution to your weekly grocery shop. Disguised as 140 acres of produce rich land, this beautiful property welcomes visitors to immerse in the full farm-to-table experience. Stock up the pantry while letting the youngsters get grubby in the kid's veggie patch. If all this still isn’t enough of a selling point to get the family out of bed on a Saturday morning, entice them with the amazing hand-cut, thrice-cooked hot chips available on the weekend. That’s right, I said thrice. Oh, and don’t forget to get a picture with the historical Farmall tractor.
Looking for more ways to explore? Find all the information you need here:
Looking for more Mornington Peninsula flavours? Discover food sensations like a local:
Author: Olivia Smith
Having enjoyed the Peninsula for the better part of her childhood, Olivia has developed a passion for the coast and country. With a shared love for comfort and adventure, she thrives off the local culture and activities on offer, exploring new experiences through her writing.