Boroondara Farmers Market

Boroondara Farmers Market brings together small primary producers from across Victoria at Patterson Reserve in Hawthorn. Held on the third and fifth Saturday of each month, the market offers a regular place to shop for fresh food while meeting the people who grow, make and sell it. It moves to the reserve carpark when required, and does not operate when the fifth Saturday falls in December.

The stalls cover a broad range of produce and pantry goods, including fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs, seasonal organic produce, meat and smallgoods, honey, eggs, bread, olives, cakes and pastries, dips and sauces, wine and beer. The market’s focus is not simply on buying ingredients: visitors are encouraged to speak with the farmers and locals about what they bring, including the ingredients and processes behind the food.

That direct connection gives the market a clear local and regional character. It is intended to support shopping within the community, reduce food miles and help small Victorian primary producers. The market is accredited with the Victorian Farmers’ Markets Association, reflecting its support for the principles of genuine farmers’ markets rather than a general retail market with no producer focus.

Families can bring children, and four-footed friends are welcome too, making it an easy community outing at Patterson Reserve. It also suits shoppers looking to stock up on seasonal produce, discover food from Victorian producers or have a more informed conversation about where their food comes from. The market is an initiative of the City of Boroondara, run in partnership with the Rotary Club of Glenferrie, which manages the market on market day. Money raised supports community projects organised by the Rotary Club, adding a local community purpose to the regular market.

Before visiting, check the official upcoming dates, particularly around December, as the market’s schedule follows the monthly Saturday pattern rather than running every weekend. The location is Patterson Reserve, 484 Auburn Road, Hawthorn, with the reserve carpark also used for the market. For accredited Victorian Farmers’ Markets Association stallholders, applications may be made when a suitable vacancy is available.