Although I can not claim to be the Gold Coasts official farmers market rating judge, I can share my opinion and lay out some reasons why.. So without further ado, drum roll please….
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The 2022 best farmers markets award goes to..

HOTA Markets

The HOTA Farmers Market is held every Sunday at the evandale parklands on the outskirts of Surfers Paradise, along the Nerang river. The recently completed cultural precinct, Home of the Arts provides the perfect backdrop for a thriving farmers market. It seems to have attracted the best of the best stall operators and has created an amazing atmosphere to enjoy a lazy Sunday morning. 

The Food, The Music and The Vibe..

My partner and I have made the HOTA Markets somewhat of a bi-weekly tradition. Our obsession are the chilli pickled garlic cloves (don’t be afraid, the pickling process seems to mellow out the intensity of garlic) and ridiculous feta from Byron Bay Olives. 

Another favourite is the meats from Dunavs Small Goods. We then make an effort to try a little something from a new stall each time we go.

There seems to be 4 or 5 actual farmers competing for our business for fresh fruit and vegetables.

The music is always right on point to set the family friendly vibe on the Evandale Parklands. As the parklands are on a corner of the Nerang River, it seems to create a perfect mix of City and Nature. 

Getting to the HOTA Farmers Markets

There are a few ways to get to the HOTA Markets, and Google Maps may seem like the obvious option, but I am going to let you in on a little secret..

Gold Coast traffic sucks. To add to that, if you are not planning on arriving to the markets before 7am, the HOTA parking can get quite hectic to find a park. So here are a few other options to make the day more enjoyable:

1. Ride a bike – The Lime Bike hire system is perfect for adults only who are staying within 5km of the markets. They are power assisted and seem to be everywhere!
2. Walk – It is actually a pretty nice walk from any coastal situated hotel. You will get to take in the Nerang River at some parts.
3. The HOPO Ferry – Admittedly, I haven’t tried it as I am a local and the pickup spot is not quite close enough to my home. But it does looks like the perfect tourist option to hop on in Surfers Paradise and hop off right at the markets 
4. Park at Chevron Island – This is a local secret.. If you are arriving after 7-8am and coming from Surfers Paradise side, I suggest finding a park as close to the walking bridge opposite Standhill Park. Thank me later 😉
5. Public Transport – Find out more on the official HOTA Website

Best free things to do on the Gold Coast 

From my experience, I believe the Gold Coast Farmers markets are the best free things to do. Although it will be difficult to avoid some of the delicious offerings, it is perfectly acceptable to pack your own picnic and just go to enjoy the music and the vibe. Especially if you are looking for things to do with the kids around Surfers Paradise. HOTA farmers markets have created the perfect chill out area in the Evandale Parklands. Evandale Lake even has a very shallow water beach for the kids to splash around and play.

Other Notable Mentions & Night Markets Gold Coast

Now there is a high chance my partner and I are somehow biassed and have not given the other markets a chance. It is also hard to compare the Gold Coast Night Market options with the morning farmers markets. The night markets are more of a pop up street food experience. 

1. The Palm Beach Farmers Market – Every Sat 6.30am – 11am
2. Burleigh Farmers Market Every Sat 7am – 12pm
3. Surfers Paradise Beach Markets Every Wed, Fri, Sat 4pm – 9pm 
4. Miami Marketta Every Wed, Fri, Sat from 5pm
5. Sanctuary Markets – Every Friday  4pm – 9pm