As the sun rises on Saturday morning over the former QUT building at Carseldine, the grounds are abuzz with activity: there’s the sounds of strumming musicians, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and an eye-popping array of colourful market stalls spilling over with fruit and vegetables, flowers, homemade food and handcrafted artworks.
The first wave of patrons are usually the early birds eager to purchase their week’s groceries, direct from the farmers, and to enjoy a spot of breakfast. Not far behind them are the weary parents whose children got up with the sparrows, and are now making a beeline for the face painting or balloon art stalls. And next come those that are being walked by their enthusiastic dogs, no doubt following their noses to their favourite brunch stall.
The Carseldine Farmers and Artisan Markets, operating every Saturday morning, really have something for everyone and make a great family morning out.
Family activities at Carseldine Markets
The Carseldine Markets are designed with families in mind, and there is plenty to keep kids busy, including face-painting, a petting zoo, a jumping castle, live music and even a caricature artist. The markets are free to enter, and there is plenty of on-site, free parking. There’s room to wield a pram and kids will love to help choose fresh seasonal produce, sample some foodie delights, and check out the clever crafts for sale.
It’s also the perfect place to find a gift for a hard-to-buy-for person in your life, including gifts for children. Enjoying brunch in the sunny outdoor eating area is also a real treat – the only problem will be deciding what to have! Shaded tables and chairs are available, or you can spread out in the grassed area. And don’t forget that your four-legged family member is also welcome, on a leash.
Shop locally at Carseldine Markets
At the Carseldine Farmers & Artisan Markets, there is a real emphasis on supporting local growers, farmers and businesses from around South East Queensland. The wide range of produce available is in season locally, meaning it’s fresher, more flavourful and more nutrient dense because it hasn’t been transported over long distances or been left sitting on supermarket shelves.
Most of the traditional and gourmet foods are made on the spot, and you can chat with the stall holders about their wares – many of whom are passionate farmers, cooks, chefs, designers, bakers, baristas and artists, all wanting to share their skills. You’ll find everything from cupcakes to bath bombs, doggy doughnuts to honey and everything in between!
Remember to bring your reusable shopping bags or a pull along shopping wagon to hold your goods as you make your way around the stalls. Those jars of homemade rosella jam and mango chutney are quite heavy…
Just down the road from the markets is The Trellis at Carseldine, and close by, you can find The Green Playground.
Open every Saturday from 6 am until 12 pm, the Carseldine Farmers & Artisan Markets are the perfect day out, packed with excitement for little and big kids alike. The markets are located on the old QUT Carseldine Campus, 532 Beams Road, Carseldine. For more market fun, check out our complete list of Brisbane markets.
532 Beams Road, Queensland, Queensland, Australia
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