Margaret River Farmers Market

At Margaret River Farmers Market, locals come early to shop, grab a coffee and chat. Visitors from further afield browse, taste, have breakfast, listen to local buskers and pick up some goodies not available back home.

There are strict rules for stallholders – they must be from the shire and sell only what they have grown or produced.

Buying direct from the proud producer whose hard work is on display on the table in front of you is extremely satisfying. Chat to Geoff who raises free-roaming chickens. Or Claudio, who makes the best biscotti and cannoli outside of Sicily. Or Ben, who smokes then slow-cooks his meat so all you have to do is open the Cryovac-pack. Remember to bring shopping bags, as no plastic bags are allowed.

There are free-range eggs, homemade condiments, just-picked apples, ruby-red tomatoes, glossy silverbeet, organic sourdough, handmade Chinese dumplings, egg and bacon rolls, pasture-raised lamb, beef and pork, paleo granola, traditional sheep cheese, homemade biltong and more. Yes, the market is a great place to shop. But it also gives an instant insight into the community and the characters who shape it.