Top 8 Markets in the Southern Highlands NSW
Set just 90 minutes from Sydney, the Southern Highlands is known for its village markets, where local produce, small-scale makers, and community life come together at an unhurried pace. Held across historic towns and cool‑climate countryside, these markets reflect a way of life that values quality, seasonality, and time well spent.
For guests staying in Bowral, market mornings are an easy way to explore beyond the town centre. This guide brings together a considered selection of markets across the Southern Highlands, each chosen for its setting, character, and the experience it offers rather than size or spectacle.
1. Exeter Village Markets
- Location: Exeter Village Hall, Exeter NSW 2579
- Opening days: Second Saturday of the month
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
- Parking: Free street parking around the village hall
Exeter Village Markets are best enjoyed at a slow pace. Small in scale and held within the village hall, the market rarely feels crowded, making it well suited to a quiet morning browse. Surrounded by leafy streets and heritage homes, it offers a more intimate alternative to the region’s larger markets.
2. Berrima Schoolyard Market
- Location: Public School Grounds, Oxley Street, Berrima NSW 2577,
- Opening days: Second Sunday of the month
- Opening hours:: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Parking: On-site and nearby street parking
Set within one of Australia’s best‑preserved historic villages, Berrima Schoolyard Market pairs local produce and handmade goods with a strong sense of place. The village setting encourages visitors to linger, often combining a market visit with a walk along Berrima’s stone streets or the nearby river.
3. Colo Vale Village Market
- Location: 28 Railway Ave, Colo Vale NSW 2575
- Opening days: Third Saturday of the month
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 1:30 AM
- Parking: Free on-site and street parking
Colo Vale Village Market has a distinctly local character. Informal and community‑driven, it attracts visitors looking for homemade goods and everyday produce rather than polished displays. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it particularly appealing for families and those seeking a genuine village experience.
4. Robertson Country Market
- Location: 82 Hoddle Street, Robertson NSW 2577
- Opening days: Second Sunday of the month
- Opening hours: 8 AM – 7 PM
- Parking: On-site school parking and nearby streets
Robertson Country Market is one of the larger markets in the Highlands, offering a wide variety of food, plants, and handmade items. The village’s cool‑climate setting and surrounding countryside add to the experience, especially for visitors who enjoy combining food shopping with a scenic drive.
5. Kangaroo Valley Farmers Market
- Location: 165 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577
- Opening days: Second Sunday of the month
- Opening hours: 9 AM – 1 PM
- Parking: Free parking at the showground
Framed by escarpments and lush greenery, Kangaroo Valley Farmers Market places strong emphasis on seasonal and ethically produced food. The setting encourages a slower visit, and many people turn their morning at the market into a full day exploring the valley.
6. Mittagong Markets
- Location: Corner of Alice Street and Albert Street, Mittagong NSW 2575
- Opening days: First Saturday of the month
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 2 PM
- Parking: Ample free parking on-site
Held at the showgrounds, Mittagong Markets offer one of the most varied market experiences in the region. The open layout makes it easy to explore a mix of food, plants, clothing, and general stalls, suiting visitors who enjoy seeing a broad cross‑section of local offerings in one place.
7. Railway Street Produce Market
- Location: Railway Street, Moss Vale NSW 2577
- Opening days: Thursday afternoons
- Opening hours: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Parking: Street parking nearby
Railway Street Produce Market provides a quieter, midweek option. Smaller in scale, it is well suited to a relaxed visit after lunch or work, with locals often stopping by for fresh produce, flowers, and everyday essentials.
8. Harris Farm Markets Bowral
- Location: Corner of Station Street and Bowral Street, Bowral NSW 2576
- Opening days: Daily
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Parking: On-site parking available
While not a traditional outdoor market, Harris Farm Markets Bowral offers dependable access to high‑quality produce and gourmet groceries throughout the week. It is a practical option for visitors who appreciate market‑style shopping without the constraints of limited trading days.
How to Plan Your Market Visit
A little planning helps ensure market visits remain relaxed rather than rushed. Each market has its own rhythm and seasonal highlights, and checking details in advance allows time to enjoy both the stalls and the surrounding towns.
- Check opening days in advance: Many markets run monthly and may change with the seasons.
- Arrive early: Fresh bread and popular produce often sell out.
- Bring reusable bags and cash: Some stallholders may not accept cards.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Markets are often held on grass or gravel.
- Allow time to explore nearby villages: Cafés, gardens, and local shops are often close by.
Staying in Bowral While Exploring the Markets
After a morning at the markets, returning to Bowral offers a welcome shift in pace. Staying centrally makes it easy to explore villages across the Southern Highlands without long drives, while still enjoying quiet afternoons and evenings.
Choosing accommodation that reflects the calm character of the region allows market visits to feel part of a cohesive country escape rather than a series of separate outings.
Book your stay at Links House today and turn your Southern Highlands market visit into a truly relaxing country getaway.