farmers’ markets
Sample organic apple juice and more at Mount Gambier Farmers’ Market.
Nsw Walcha Farmers’ Market, September 15th In winter, the NSW northern tablelands is very cold, so the farmers take a recess, starting up again when there is a whisper of spring. Historically, Walcha has been a cattle and dairy district, but nowadays there’s an increasing number of small producers doing different things, from making wine to growing macadamias, and many of them attend the market — beekeeper Andrew Sewell from West Kingstown, Russian garlic grower Bob Beer, Sunhill goat dairy from nearby Uralla and Glen Olives. The trout from Deano’s Springwater Smoked Trout is straight out of the dam on their Black Mountain farm, near Guyra, and sweet treats come courtesy of Inverell’s Patisserie Fefifo — their almond croissant has a well-deserved reputation. The market mantra is handmade and homemade, so make sure to check out what’s on offer on the community stall and take time to enjoy a massage, a coffee or a chat with friends in what is a beautiful park setting. Mchatton Park, Corner South Street and Oxley Highway, Walcha. 8.30am–12.30pm. 0439 384 433; walchafarmersmarket.org.au
SA Mount Gambier Farmers’ Market, Every Saturday The Cave Gardens are one of Mount Gambier’s leading tourist attractions; a shady, landscaped park surrounding a limestone sink hole. Every weekend about 15 farmers travel into town with their offerings. In the case of Kalangadoo Organic Orchard, that means their terrific apple juice (made when apples are in season between March and June) and apple cider vinegar that’s aged for months in American oak barrels. If you’re after an old-fashioned vanilla slice, Limestone Larder is the place to be — it’s their bestseller. You might need to wear sunglasses when you crack open one of The Splendid Egg’s eggs for your breakfast omelette: pastured, free-range eggs mean bright yellow yolks. Shopping here demonstrates one of the values of buying food direct from the farm: it’s fresher, crisper and has more flavour. On September 22, the market celebrates the Equinox with a Spring Feast, which includes activities for the kids. Cave Gardens, Mount Gambier. 9am–12pm. 0466 155 848; mgfm.org.au
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