Hartley Hall Markets
A first-Sunday home-made and home-grown market at Hall Village Showground near Canberra, run by the charity Hartley Lifecare since 1987.
About this market
Hartley Hall Markets began in 1987 with just 36 stalls and a 20 cent entry fee, and they have grown into one of the longest running home-made and home-grown goods markets in Australia. They are held at Hall Village Showground in Hall, about 10 kilometres north of Canberra's city centre, and are organised and operated by Hartley Lifecare to assist people with disability.
A charity market in a village older than Canberra
Hartley Lifecare was established in 1962, and the market supports its work. The village of Hall pre-dates Canberra. It began as Ginninderra village, was officially proclaimed in 1882, and was renamed Hall in honour of Henry Hall, the first landholder in the area. It has retained a village character, with historic buildings that existed before Canberra was established, and a population of 298 at the 2021 census.
The stall list on the organiser's page is broad: food, locally grown vegetables and fresh produce, baked goods, plants, furniture, clothing, pottery, children's toys, arts and crafts, and unique gifts. Reviewers describe a relaxed country-town atmosphere under the trees, with a miniature steam train ride that keeps children busy while adults browse.
Market at a glance
Good to know before you go
The market runs on the first Sunday of the month, with no market in January, from 9am to 2pm. That makes it a monthly outing rather than a weekly habit, so check the Hartley Lifecare website for the current list of dates before you drive out.
Dogs and children are both welcome according to reviewers, and the setting is outdoors among the trees, so dress for the weather. Stallholder fees are listed on a separate page of the Hartley Lifecare site, and market enquiries go to [email protected] or 0437 602 710. Hall sits on the north side of the ACT, surrounded by open country, so the drive out from Canberra passes through rural scenery. The area is the traditional land of the Ngunnawal people, and in 1826 George Palmer established his Palmerville estate on Ginninderra Creek nearby.
The first Hartley Hall Market in 1987 had just 36 stalls and a 20 cent entry fee, and it is organised by a charity founded in 1962.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When are the Hartley Hall Markets?
- The first Sunday of each month except January, from 9am to 2pm, according to the Hartley Lifecare website.
- Who runs the market?
- Hartley Lifecare, a charity that supports people with disability. The markets are described as proudly organised and operated by Hartley Lifecare to assist people with disability. Enquiries go to [email protected] or 0437 602 710.
- What can I buy and is it family friendly?
- The organiser lists food, locally grown vegetables and fresh produce, baked goods, plants, furniture, clothing, pottery, children's toys, arts and crafts and gifts. Reviewers describe a family and dog-friendly rural market with a miniature steam train ride.
- What are Hartley Hall Markets opening hours?
- The first Sunday of the month, February to December, 9am to 2pm. The market is at Hall, ACT.
- What time does Hartley Hall Markets open?
- 9am to 2pm on the days it trades.