Orange Grove Market

Orange Grove Market opened in 1996 with just 20 stalls, the result of a genuinely patient founding process. Elizabeth Taylor moved to Australia at the end of 1993 and saw potential for an organic farmers market at Orange Grove Public School in Leichhardt, inspired by a 1991 report in The Independent describing London shoppers yearning for farm-fresh produce. The school was supportive from the start, but council approval took a full two years to secure.

From 20 stalls to a proper Sydney institution

Taylor didn't wait idle during that approval process. While Orange Grove's paperwork moved slowly, she established a separate organic growers' market at Frenchs Forest in 1995, a year before Orange Grove itself finally opened its gates. That patience paid off: from its original 20 stalls, Orange Grove Market has grown to around 100, selling certified organic goods, high-quality non-organic fruit and vegetables, and other gourmet produce every single Saturday.

Reviewers consistently describe an atmosphere that feels genuinely European, live music, organic vegetables, cheese and meats, and enough clothing and specialty stalls that regulars report returning almost every Saturday for the same favourite tomatoes, bread and coffee.

Good to know before you go

It runs rain or shine every Saturday, so weather won't affect whether the market goes ahead, only how comfortable the visit is. Arriving with a specific list in mind is worth it, since reviewers describe returning for the same favourite stallholders week after week rather than browsing randomly.