Your guide to Scenic Rim’s unmissable weekend country markets

Just an hour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim serves up a weekend escape that’s fresh in every sense of the word. As one of Australia’s premier food bowls, we’re dishing out award-winning eats, refreshing sips, and scenic views to match.

Each weekend, the Scenic Rim’s country markets roll out their finest, from farm-fresh produce and small-batch goodies to hand made homewares and rural retail therapy at its best.

Pack the esky, rally the crew, and come hungry. These markets have country charm on tap and fresh finds around every corner.

Not sure where to start? Read on for the lowdown on our country market scene.

The Green Shed Market, Tamborine Mountain – every Sunday, 7.00 to 11:00am

Run every Sunday at The Mount Tamborine Showgrounds by the Tamborine Mountain Local Producers Association, The Green Shed Market brings together organic growers who offer a wide range of freshly picked produce, as well as fresh flowers, bread, honey, coffee, jams, herbs and plants. Pop on your favourite podcast for the short, 45-minute drive from the city or the coast, grab your farm fresh groceries for the week from the market, then tick off a Tamborine Mountain adventure (high ropes challenge, waterfall walk or tasting tour – take your pick!) before returning home.

Beaudesert Marketfest – first Saturday of each month, 7am to 12pm

Offering everything from arts and crafts to thrifting stalls and tasty produce across 150 stalls, set aside the first Saturday of every month to explore the Beaudesert Marketfest. This is a family-friendly event, with everything from donkey rides, jumping castle fun, face painting and taste testing. For parents, there’s handcrafted gifts, baked goods and delicious ingredients for dinners that’ll make the whole family go ‘Mmmmm’.

Tamborine Village Lions Community Markets – first Sunday of each month, 7am to 12pm

Why is Sunday nicknamed ‘Funday’? Because the first Sunday of each month sees the community hall of Queensland’s 2022 Top Tourism Town spring to life with stalls, entertainment, and bargains at the Tamborine Village Lions Community Market. The market is host to rows of stalls guaranteed to intrigue you for hours with clothes, toys, handcrafted woodworks, soaps, candles, leatherwork, novelty items, and produce all for sale. Need a mid-market breather? Grab a bite to eat from the Lions food tent and munch to live music. Don’t forget to purchase a ticket in the Lions raffle – did we mention all proceeds go to the Lions to fund other community projects?

Boonah Country Markets – second and fourth Saturday of each month, 7am to 12pm

Nestled in the middle of the Scenic Rim is a market that blends quality goods and peaceful surroundings. Sit back and enjoy the scenic drive to the market at Springleigh Park in Boonah, then shop until you drop at the stalls displaying lavender products, condiments, confectionary, homewares and more. Looking to taste test our homegrown flavours? Check our credentials with a breakfast and coffee from the on-site stalls, but be warned, you won’t want to leave without taking some goodies with you. Block out the second and fourth Saturday of every month to fill the esky in Boonah.

Kooralbyn Valley RSL Subbranch Markets – second Sunday of each month, 8am to 12pm

Wondered what local life looks like in a Lonely Planet global Top 10 region? A trip to the Kooralbyn Valley RSL Subbranch Markets gives you a juicy taste of local life (along with testers of various other sweet and savoury delights). Here, a sea of stalls offering the best of country market bounty can be found at Billabong Park every second Sunday of the month, stocking artisanal crafts, gifts, farm fresh items and more. It’s perfect day out for families, with plenty of kid-friendly activities. Or why not take advantage of its location for a round of golf next door at the famous Kooralbyn Valley Golf Course, after warming up the legs strolling between market stalls.

Canungra Village Markets – second Sunday of each month, 8am to 1pm

Tick a dose of fresh air and time in nature off your wellness checklist as you head for the charming town of Canungra to explore its market at the Moriarty Park Hall and Showgrounds. Presenting top wine, produce, baked goods, clothing and gift producers from the Scenic Rim and its surrounds, this open-air market holds bargains for all types of shoppers. Say hi to the friendly locals as you browse and learn about the journey your farm fresh goods took from the fields right up to entering your esky? Held on the second Sunday of each month, make the trip to Moriarty Park in Canungra a family tradition (man’s best friend is also welcome) to enjoy great food, company, and live entertainment.

Tamborine Mountain Country Markets – second Sunday of each month, 7:30am to 1:30pm

Start your Sunday the right way browsing a gorgeous array of hand-made artisan crafts and delicious local produce at the Tamborine Mountain Country Markets. Held in the Tamborine Mountain Showground, meander through over 150 stalls packed with locally produced goods, all while being serenaded by local buskers. You’ll find these country markets on the second Sunday of each month, and with less than one hour’s drive from the coast, it is the perfect weekend outing with friends. Bring a gold coin donation for parking and support the Lions Club and local SES.

Beechmont Markets – third Sunday of each month, 8am to 1pm

A popular hotspot on the third Sunday of each month, you can rely on the Beechmont Markets for your dose of great produce, fresh air, and tasty treats. With panoramic views of the coast at the Old School in Beechmont, this market ticks all the scenery and retail therapy boxes with clothes, artisan goods, food stalls, pop-up op shops, plants and more. Soak in the sounds of live music as you browse the stalls and grab a post-peruse snack from the BBQ stand, or the Headmaster’s Café.

Rathdowney Country Markets – third Sunday of each month, 7am to 12pm

If you like to spend your Sunday in serenity, point the car towards Rathdowney for their Country Markets, held every third Sunday of the month. Set in a town famous for its access to iconic outdoor experiences and lush pastoral land, the Rathdowney Country Markets brim with quality goods and are more than worth the one and a half hour drive from Brisbane or the coast. Why not stay local and take Saturday to explore Mount Barney with a trek to the Lower Portals, then spend Sunday tantalizing your taste buds with farm-fresh goods from market stalls, and stocking up on pantry essentials and homewares.

Tamborine Mountain State School Markets – last Sunday of each month, 7am to 1pm

End your month the right way with a visit to the Tamborine Mountain State School Markets, situated in one of Australia’s most beautiful locations at the corner of Long and Curtis Roads. With over 130 stalls featuring local artists, craftspeople, fresh produce, plants, vintage items, collectibles, crystals, and much more, this monthly market offers a diverse range of goodies that’ll lure you in for hours of browsing. Don’t forget to try the delicious dishes from the food stalls with a side of live music and friendly company.

Farm Gate Trail – March, July

The Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail is like if a food trail and fresh produce markets had a baby. This is your golden ticket to taste, tour, and tap into the heart of the hinterland. Wind your way through rolling hills on charming country roads as local farmers welcome you through their gates and share the region’s homegrown goodies. Think creamy cheeses, fresh produce, rich wines, and paddock-to-plate perfection. Though this isn’t a traditional country market, the Farm Gate Trail will have you overfilling your esky from different stops along the trail more than enough to deserve a special mention on the list.

Winter Harvest Festival – June

The Winter Harvest Festival is the Scenic Rim celebrated in one glorious, flavour-filled day every June, and everyone is invited! The Winter Harvest Festival is the finale event of Scenic Rim’s Eat Local Month and your opportunity to wander delicious food and produce stalls and pick up tips from demonstrations and masterclasses given by the Scenic Rim’s Food Ambassador chefs, local growers, producers and flavour makers. Don’t miss the chance to sign up and test your strength with the world-famous Tractor Pull!

Summer Land Camels – April, September, November

For the mother of all markets bringing together your favourite producers from the Scenic Rim, stop in at the seasonal markets held at Summer Land Camels. Let the kids loose to enjoy camel rides (best to book ahead of the day), face painting, dancing, gem hunting, and taste-testing camel gelato while you relax, shop and enjoy the ambience of a welcoming country event. Don’t miss out on these memorable, family-friendly events in the heart of the Scenic Rim!

Darlington Community Markets – October

Looking to discover the charm of a unique country market experience? Don’t miss the highly – anticipated Annual Darlington Market, where the true country feel comes to life. This family-friendly event offers something for everyone. From a baby animal nursery, face painting, old fashioned country games and novelty races for the kids, to toe tapping live music and a variety of quality stalls featuring homegrown, homemade, handmade, local, organic, upcycled, and fair-trade treasures for the adults. Don’t forget about the highlight of this event, the famous Darlington Duck Race. Cheer on your chosen rubber duck as it floats to victory down the stream. By supporting this market, you’re helping the Darlington State School P&C fundraise for students to attend school camps – a fun filled day for a good cause!

The Vintage and Country Brocante – November

Searching for the perfect artisan homewares, vintage collectibles or one-off artwork? Look no further than the twice-yearly Vintage and Country Brocante set in the beautiful grounds of O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards. Here you’ll lose track of time browsing vintage finds, plants, flowers, antiques as well as stunning works by local artisans. And to top it off, wine tasting, picnics and lunches are available from the Vineyard on the day.

Looking for more great food and drink experiences in the Scenic Rim?

The Scenic Rim is one of Australia’s premier food bowls, is celebrated for its award-winning food and drinks and bursting with award-winning restaurants, cafes and bakeries. Click here to explore.