The Original Open Market

The Original Open Market is one of South Australia's most enduring community institutions - an old-fashioned, open-air flea market that has been running on The Reserve at Christies Beach since 1982. What began with just seven stalls founded by a group of unemployed women making toys and handcraft at the local Baptist Church has grown into a much-loved gathering of up to 100 stalls operating under strict Council guidelines.

As a non-profit organisation, every dollar raised from stall site fees is donated back into the City of Onkaparinga community - supporting clubs, athletes, individuals, schools, and local charities. To date more than $236,000 has been donated to the community. The market operates exclusively under a non-commercial mandate: you'll find second-hand goods and clothing, home-grown fresh produce and plants, homemade jewellery and crafts, antiques, collectables, and bric-a-brac - all sold by locals, for locals. A rostered community BBQ run by local surf lifesaving clubs and Coast Guard adds a classic seaside Australian market atmosphere.