Southside Farmers Market
Founded in 2006 by a Canberra farmer with just 12 growers, this market relocated with 55 stallholders in 2016 after a decade at its first site.
About this market
Southside Farmers Market opened for trade in October 2006, founded by Canberra farmer Patrick Pentony with just 12 growers and producers. That modest founding scale has since grown considerably, though the market has deliberately kept a relaxed, neighbourhood atmosphere rather than chasing sheer size.
A decade at one site, then a move with 55 stallholders in tow
After ten years trading at its original CIT Phillip campus location, the market relocated in July 2016, bringing all 55 of its stallholders and farmers to a new home at Canberra College, on the corner of Launceston Street and Yamba Drive. That's grown further still to around 60 stalls today, large enough for a proper browse yet compact enough that the original neighbourhood feel Pentony started with hasn't been lost.
Market at a glance
Reviewers consistently name it among their favourite Canberra markets, praising the atmosphere, excellent coffee, live buskers and reliable variety, with regulars specifically returning for local staples like Tilba milk rather than just browsing casually.
Southside Farmers Market has grown from just 12 growers at its 2006 launch to a full relocation with 55 stallholders a decade later, all while keeping the same relaxed, neighbourhood character its founder Patrick Pentony started with.
Good to know before you go
Arriving early is worth it, given the market wraps by 11.30am, leaving the rest of a Sunday free. Its Canberra College location, on the corner of Launceston Street and Yamba Drive, is the current address to use, distinct from its earlier CIT Phillip campus site before the 2016 move.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What time does Southside Farmers Market open?
- Sunday, 7am to 11.30am, at Canberra College, corner of Launceston Street and Yamba Drive, Phillip.
- How did it start?
- Canberra farmer Patrick Pentony opened Southside Farmers Market for trade in October 2006, starting with just 12 growers and producers, a genuinely modest beginning for what's since become a well-established Canberra institution.
- Why did the market move locations?
- After a decade at its original CIT Phillip campus site, the market relocated in July 2016 to Canberra College, corner of Launceston Street and Yamba Drive, bringing its 55 stallholders and farmers along with it.