New Brighton Farmers Market

Tucked beside Tom Kendall Oval on River Street, just metres from New Brighton's surf beaches, this community-owned farmers market has been connecting North Coast growers with local families every Tuesday morning since 2007. Around 30 farmer and producer stalls bring the region's best seasonal fruit and vegetables, sourdough bread, pastured eggs, raw milk, artisan cheeses, tempeh, macadamias, olives, spices, honey and more - much of it grown using organic or low-chemical practices. The relaxed, arts-loving crowd comes as much to socialise as to shop: grab a freshly brewed coffee, settle into a shady riverside seat, and let the weekly live music set the pace.

As a not-for-profit run by the North Byron Farmers Market Association, every dollar spent goes directly back to farmers, the community and a more sustainable food system. Beyond shopping, the market runs weekly kids' activities at the Kiddies Plot (gardening, screen-printing, arts and crafts), regular cooking demonstrations and workshops, and the Grow Your Own Lunchbox school challenge.