It started with three market stalls, eight visitors and a total profit of $30.
Fast-track 40 years, and The Original Eumundi Markets have become one of the biggest and best art and craft markets in Australia.
Each year 1.2 million visitors descend on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland town of Eumundi to explore the colourful stalls each Wednesday and Saturday morning, making it one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular attractions.
The role the Eumundi Markets play in attracting visitors to the region is astronomical, and a credit to the passionate team who work tirelessly each week to bring it to life.
While today the markets are unrecognisable to the three little stalls that set up shop all those years ago, the essence of what makes them unique remains the same.
“Make it, bake it, sew it, grow it” continues to be at the forefront of the market’s ethos.
Here the emphasis is firmly on locally grown and hand-made produce. It’s what sets the markets apart, and what keeps visitors coming back for more.
Today the markets will celebrate their 40thbirthday, a milestone achievement and one they should be extremely proud of.
While the Eumundi Markets are well-known, there are many other markets across the Sunshine Coast for visitors, and locals, to explore.
In fact, the Sunshine Coast ranks as one of the top market destinations in Australia with seemingly countless artisan, produce and food markets popping up across the region each weekend.
During the holiday season you will also find a number of sunset and Christmas markets taking place around the Coast, such as the Caloundra Twilight Markets on Bulcock Beach.
Visitors exploring our region can learn a lot about Sunshine Coast culture through our market scene.
Here they can sample local produce, discover our art and music scene and chat with passionate locals about their wares.
Eat-street style markets such as the ones held at Marcoola each Friday evening offer visitors the perfect opportunity to live like a local.
The vibe is relaxed, the food is good and the beach is just seconds away.
Some of the region’s best farmgate produce is also available at our local markets.
Fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, dairy, fish and meat are all on show, giving visitors an insight in to our region’s food stories.
Meanwhile, the Sunshine Coast Collective Markets is home to more than 100 local Sunshine Coast designers and makers, selling everything from clothes to jewellery and handmade pottery.
I look forward to seeing what the next 40 years have in store!
