Market fresh

I know I really shouldn’t complain – we do have a great lifestyle here in Oz. But as a foodie, if there’s one thing I lament after my European travels, it’s the lack of daily neighbourhood produce markets here in Sydney. The last 10 years has seen a boom in all things gourmet in this country, so people’s tastebuds have certainly matured. But the concept of a daily food market hasn’t become ingrained into our culture (although Melbourne is an exception!).

Nevertheless, each weekend there’s always some produce market one can visit and the biggest of these is The Good Living Grower’s Market, held on the 1st Saturday of the month. Producers from all over the state congregate at Pyrmont Bay Park, situated behind the city skyline overlooking the water. The market has really expanded over the years and you can talk to the growers & producers about their lamb/beef/goat/snails/chicken/venison/duck etc…you name it, every animal is represented! Plus there’s no shortage of seasonal fruits, cheeses, olive oils, jams, breads, condiments, coffee and even gourmet pet food! All of which you can try before you buy. I have my favourites including the organic dried fruit & nut stall, the hormone-free bacon stall, the Darling Mills stall’s marinated olives and the Willowbrae goats cheese. And the French dude who sells garlic by the braid!


If you don’t get there early, it gets a little hectic…but it’s a great atmosphere – I spend half my time ogling all the cute doggies hanging out for a snack. One thing’s for sure though, you’ll never leave empty-handed…or with an empty stomach. N

The Good Living Grower’s Market
Pyrmont Bay Park (opp. Star City Casino)
Pyrmont NSW 2009
When: 7am-11am, 1st Saturday every month