Eumundi Markets courtesy Tourism Queensland
Eumundi - famous for its pub, a beer and of course, the markets. The Eumundi Markets are one of the favourite attractions on the Sunshine Coast and draw big crowds even on a mid-week Wednesday.
For those of you who don't know, Eumundi is a relatively small town in Noosa's very pretty and fertile hinterland. They grow crops of sugar cane, ginger and strawberries plus a new crop of B&Bs have sprung up to cater for those who love a taste of bushland seclusion.
But it's the markets which now define the town. They've grown from a small site underneath the fig trees on Eumundi's main street to overtaking a serious chunk of the town, well, at least twice a week.
I remember going there in the early 1980s. In those very early days, the Eumundi Markets consisted of a food stall section inside the original hall, selling something I'd never seen - fresh carrot juice and lentil pies. There were a few stalls of local handcrafts, pineapples and strawberries grown locally and sometimes boxes with cross-breed puppies to give away.
Today though, 600 stalls are set-up to tempt every taste. These days, it's not just fresh juices on offer, there's prepared food from around the world - Dutch poffertjes, Japanese omelettes, Tibetan steamed dim-sims, the list goes on.... There are still local creations such as stunning large photos on canvas, wooden windspirals, birdhouses, handcrafted clothes, handmade bags and lots more. But you'll also find goods which aren't necessarily produced locally but may have been made in Australia, or even imported. It's a good place to buy a gift or a lovely souvenir.
There are actually a number of different sections and organisers for the Eumundi Markets. There are those in the original spot, run by the Eumundi Historical Association and then there are sections of the market across the main street, beside the park, and in purpose built shelters near the car parking. As a shopper you don't need to know who runs what, you simply need to stroll from one side to the other, taking it all in. Allow at least a couple of hours for some serious browsing and time to nibble on the delicious food.
Because of the markets' popularity, the town has constructed large car parking areas and bus parking (tours to the markets run from all over the Sunshine Coast). Parking costs from $3 - $5 per car.
If you are coming from Noosa, it's approximately a 15 minute drive. Or make a day trip from Brisbane, with Eumundi 1½ hours from the city, straight up the Bruce Highway.
Opening times
Wednesday 8am - 1.30pm
Saturday 6.30am - 2pm
The markets are always on, regardless of weather.
Watch a video of the Eumundi Markets.
