farmer's markets out East - your experiences?

we're planning on taking a trip to a farmer's market, and we're out east.

has anyone tried the Lilydale or Yerring Station (Yarra Glen) farmers markets? they're the two that looked the most interesting (and not too far) for us ... but it's still a lot of time on our one sleep-in day if they turn out to be crappy ...

would apprecaite others' experience!

other any other suggestions for tried and true farmers markets - happy to travel anywhere between mitcham/donvale/upper gully/yarra glen ... maybe a little further if it's awesome ...

would love your experience for where is good, and what it's great for in this area. thanks!

Totally not in the areas you are after, but the one at the Collingwood Children's Farm is great. I'm not sure of when it is on but the stalls are fabulous, the animals great for the kids and the coffee at the cafe is amazing.

My favourite market is the one that used to be at Yarra Glen, and has now moved to Healesville. It's massive and has a stack of things there. It's run by the same people who do the Red Hill and Flemington markets (google craft markets victoria). Lots of fresh stuff, lots of crafts and great things for the garden too.

There is also one at Croydon

The one at the Barn at Yering Station is good!!! Lots of different things there, yums as well as soaps etc. As for local ones we have our local one at Heathmont that is within walking distance but it is pretty small but has the most amazing apples! We go there once a month and love it but we are local!

Yering Station one is good. i've also been to the one at Croydon and liked that too.
Are you mainly after produce?

yes, fresh produce. fruit, veg, meat, and maybe a bit of culinary delights (cheese, herbs, coffee etc) but primarily fruit veg and meat.

we don't mind travelling a bit (healesville or yarra glen is probably the limit) but we wouldn't be going that far if it was just for one or two things, if that makes sense. but if we could get a decent portion of our food there, that would be worth the effort :)

Fiona - I remember going to the Collingwood farm once when I was small! Must take Joshua there when he's a little older ... hmmm ... thanks for the reminder :)

The one at Coal Creek (Korumburra) will not disappoint! Koonwarra Market, a bit further away, is also worthy.
There is one in Mulgrave (at the Body Shop office grounds) that is supposed to be really good and also the one at Pakenham.
I haven't heard great things about the one in Yering, but have never been, so don't mind me ;) I'm happy to give that one a miss, anecdotally.

I have a friend who goes to the yering station one, It all skinny jeans, high heel boots and bugaboo according to what she said!! LOL

I love farmer markets, but we recently statyed on hte mornngton penisula and did all the local farms , kids love picking there own veges and fruit and helping me bake it.. I think there is one once a month at Berwick too :)

St Andrews market every Saturday morning is a must do as well, awesome produce, chai tent, and the Vegie man who rocks. Brekky wrap mmm haven't been for too long! Lovely morning out.

The croydon one has all you are after, fruit, veg, meat, cheese it also has pasta and yummy cakes. I was disappointed with the Lilydale one, and less vendors are going to heasville it's more craft now, going to try the yarra glen one I think it's next week.

B_R is the croydon one on a Saturday?

Yes it's the second Saturday of each month so this week, it's on Hewish road next to the football ground.

The Body Shop @ Mulgrave has one every Sunday, they often have kids pony rides as well. Good foods, cheeses, but you want to be there early - I think they start @ 9am?

The old Cheese Factory @ Berwick is quite good, good atmosphere. Yering Station is very crowded and a bit like doing the Christmas Shopping the week before xmas.

hmm, sounds like there's nearly worth going to! and a couple a bit further afield...

and just to add some more to the thread :)
if you're after a 'hippy' feeling market- you would love St Andrews market and Kallista market. Kallista even has a balloon man for the kids :)

I remember the first time I went to the St Andrews Market. Had no idea what to expect, but we went because we lived up the road - amongst all the beautiful stalls was a guy selling IBM stuff - floppy disks, games, etc. I wonder why I never saw him again :lol:

Sorry to hijack!

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Kallista even has a balloon man for the kids :)

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And if your balloon bursts, he'll replace it once for free ...

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I remember the first time I went to the St Andrews Market. Had no idea what to expect, but we went because we lived up the road - amongst all the beautiful stalls was a guy selling IBM stuff - floppy disks, games, etc. I wonder why I never saw him again

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:rofl: They are pretty strict on some stalls and not on others! There are a few asian-type cheap toy stalls up the top with stickers and hats etc. but it's a great market! Have I mentioned that I love the Vegie Man??!!

I agree, St Andrews market is worth the trip :D. We go a couple of times a year. We went a few weeks ago and the kids had a ball riding the ponies, it makes it a nice outing for everyone :). It's definitely a bit alternative, but that's part of it's charm. Lots of fresh, local produce and great coffee!

ah, me ... didn't make it anywhere this weekend!!

maybe next weekend?

anyone up for a market meet?

Bummer hun, we went to the Collingwood Childrens Farm market on Saturday, not too far out of town but we loved it! Awesome market and would be perfect fir a meet up. Second Sat of the month.