Coburg Farmers' Market

Coburg Farmers' Market brings more than 30 Victorian producers and small food businesses to the grounds of Coburg Primary School each Saturday. The stallholder line-up changes from week to week, with the full list published ahead of each market through the organisers' newsletter and social channels. It is a chance to buy directly from the people who have grown, reared, caught, baked or made what they sell, with participating farmers and producers accredited through the Victorian Farmers Markets Association.

The school grounds give the market a distinctly community-minded setting. Alongside the stalls, visitors can meet the chickens in their purpose-built enclosure, look over the composting system, see herbs and vegetables growing on site and play the piano on the stage. Children are welcome, and well-behaved dogs can attend on leads, making this a practical weekend outing for families and local dog owners as well as a place to shop. The atmosphere is informal and open to visitors from across Melbourne.

The market runs every Saturday from 8am to 1pm at Coburg Primary School, 92 Bell Street, with entry from Urquhart Street. It is plastic-bag free, so visitors should bring reusable shopping bags and a coffee cup. Entry is through a voluntary $2 donation, accepted by card, with contributions helping fund school projects and the ongoing operation of the market. Public transport options include tram route 19 and bus routes 513, 527, 534, 561 and 903. There are bike paths around Merri-bek and along Merri Creek, while free parking is available on Urquhart Street and Elm Grove and at the Coburg Town Hall car park.

Coburg Farmers' Market is run by Melbourne Farmers Markets, a for-purpose organisation focused on Victorian food producers, regional food cultures, seasonal produce, biodiversity and sustainable farming. The organisation operates as a not-for-profit social enterprise and uses donations and market revenue to support its work connecting farmers with urban communities. Its wider projects include food gardens for households in need, a native pollination garden, horticultural training partnerships and support for vulnerable Victorians to access fresh food. For a Melbourne market visit, it offers a direct connection to producers alongside plenty to explore around the school grounds.