Saturday Fresh Market

Saturday Fresh Market, the popular weekend arm of Rocklea's Brisbane Markets, is not just a goldmine for bargain fruit and veggies, but also for larder stocking and brunch. 

Situated in the heart of Brisbane Markets, they can be found under the big roof of the Brisbane Produce Market providing fully undercover shopping in an open-air environment.

Despite the no-frills get-up, there’s nothing basic about the Saturday Fresh Market. The range of fruit and veggies is vast and comprehensive – alongside the standards can be found dragon fruit, whole jackfruit and fresh whole beetroot, chestnuts, lobok, pak choy, rhubarb, fresh figs and plump raisins. 

A small German smokehouse sells gypsy ham, Kessler, German-style bacon, smoked speck, cheese Kransky and Debreceni (Hungarian spiced sausage) while at the on-site butchers, budget and gourmet cuts of meat abound. 

Fresh cooked popcorn, French bon bons and macarons, Vietnamese baguettes, fresh pasta, wines, tapenades, jams such as guava jelly and mango butter, fresh herbs of all persuasions and specialty breads such as Turkish pides and pumpkin cob are but some of the other offerings. 

Although they are not allowed in the market grounds, pets are well catered for with loose gourmet treats of ostrich tendons, kangaroo jerky, cow hooves and pork rope. 

If visiting to shop, make time for a cheap breakfast or brunch from the bustling multicultural ‘food court’, with a divine coffee. Nab a seat at the plastic tables and enjoy a wide selection of traditional and international brunch options, such as Dutch poffertjes (mini pancakes), Hungarian langos, pad thai, Greek souvlaki, or breakfast bagels.

A groovy jazz duo serenades diners and meantime little ones aren’t forgotten, with face painting and toy stalls just outside the dining zone.

You can choose to pay for parking combined with your entry fee within the Market site for $6 per car (including entry for the driver and all passengers in the car) or you can make use of one of the hundreds of free undercover parking spaces on offer and pay $2 entry fee at the Saturday Fresh Market pedestrian entry points.