Ah I just love Markets. How can you fault them? Chilled vibes, cruisy tunes, local fresh produce, tasty eateries, great coffee and even some gifts, clothes or trinket browsing. But it can be hard to know which ones are worth going to. So here is a review and ranking of the 5 Best South of the River (SOR) Markets. 

Growers Green Farmers Market South Freo

Where: South Fremantle Senior High School, 171 Lefroy Rd, Beaconsfield WA 6162

When: Every Sunday, 8am – 12 noon

Features: Large, good variety, animal cuddly farm, picnic seated area, high energy market

This is a great Sunday market. Well-spaced out, lots of variety and always such an energetic, chilled and friendly vibe.

Logistically they have thought of most things with picnic blankets, chairs and tables, a water station (for both hand washing and drinking) and doggy bowls available for public use.

The kids will love the cuddly animal farm and the whole family will enjoy the beautiful live acoustic tunes.

Parking can be a little tricky, particularly with the current construction works so be mindful that the Inspectors sometimes do go on a little bit of a rampage.  

It’s a single level market so suitable for prams and wheelchairs etc. but to be mindful it is quite sandy.  

Farmers Market on Manning

Where: Clontarf School, 295 Manning Rd, Waterford WA 6152

When: Every Saturday, 7.30am - 12.30pm

Features: The only Saturday market! A lovely sunny location with options for shade. Very dog friendly and easy to get around

What a little hidden gem! I didn’t even know about this market before I visited to write this post.

It is based at Clontarf School and runs on a Saturday.

It is a medium sized market but still has everything you need. Lots of organic options and the coffee is great!

The morning I went, there were two beautiful singers. One was a UWA student wanting to raise some funds for her Masters.

There is ample parking and parking staff there to direct you. It is ONE WAY though, don’t make the same mistake as I did, and do allow for a few minutes to get out. Pulling out onto Manning Road does create a bit of delay.

There are lots of food stalls on option. I had a delish gozleme which had really yummy sauce.

There are some gorgeous little stands for unique gifts for loved ones leading up to Christmas too.

Pippa also got some delish doggy treats that smelt foul but apparently tasted delicious.  

Palmyra Western Farmers Market

Where: Palmyra Primary School, 60 McKimmie Rd, Palmyra WA 6157

When: Every Sunday, 8am - 12pm

Features: Genuine Farmers Market, small, playground available, Dogs Bar avaialble

The Sunday my sister and I went to this Market they had a special day on with lots of extra stalls and family friendly entertainment, including face painting, arts and crafts and a massive blow up slide.

The vibe was absolutely pumping and it was such a fun morning.

Usually this market is a smaller market with less eateries and entertainment and offers a great range of fresh fruit and veg, including organic options.

It is based at the Primary School and there is parking on either side of the market along the street. There is also a great playground permanently there to keep the kids entertained.

It is dog friendly but only with an allocated area for dogs known as the ‘Dog Bar’. You are asked not to take your dogs into the market areas.

The overall vibe is quieter and less energetic. Most people just pop in and out to get their weekly supplies. 

Vic Park Farmers Market

Where: John MacMillan Park, Kent Street, 1 Cargill St, Victoria Park WA 6100

When: Every Sunday, 8am – 12pm

Features: Dog friendly, family friendly, small, safe and ample parking, culturally diverse.

This is probably the smallest of all of the SOR markets with the aim to create a culturally diverse community hub.

Based in the park just behind Coles and next to the Community Hall, it is easily accessible and walking distance for many Vic Park locals. They even provide an area to lock up your bike while you grab your fresh produce. 

Spaciously laid out with a playground next door, it’s a great and safe place to take the kids and dogs as everything is within eye sight.

The morning I went, the Market Manager said there were a few regular stalls missing but there was still great coffee and lots of carb type eateries for a breaky feast.

They have an allocated sitting area with tables and chairs and plenty of shade too. Lots of fruit, veg and a small nursery available. Even Mr Whippy was there!

A quieter and smaller market means it has less of a vibe but a really practical and easy option for the whole family.

They also host a night market on Fridays – ‘Thank God it's Friday (TGIF) Hawkers Market’ from 5pm.  

Kalamunda Farmers Market

Where: Central Mall, 26 Central Road Kalamunda WA 6076

When: Every Sunday, 8am till 12 noon

Features: Perth Hills, inside the Mall so fully paved. Some unique local stall holders.

Try something different and head up to our stunning Perth Hills this Sunday.

This Market is actually based inside the Mall so it’s all paved and you walk down the arcade where permanent shops are based so you get the best of both worlds on Market Day. It’s a sightlier narrower space with some steps throughout, so it is less pram/wheelchair and dog friendly than the other markets.

There is a park just next door with a jumping castle for the kids.

There are less options than the other markets but you get the beauty of some unique stalls in comparison to what you might find on the flats.

There was about 4-5 different food stalls offering some delicious goodies. I had a crepe and also purchased some yummy local cheeses amongst my normal fruit and veg.

I personally grew up in the Perth Hills and it has that typical bush country vibe of the hills.

I think it is worth checking it out, but I am not sure you would make the drive each Sunday seeing as there are so many other markets based down on the flats. But it is a great option for the locals who usually have to drive 20-30 minutes to get anywhere.

They also host a Twilight Market from 5pm on Fridays. 

Lovingly provided by Anna from Food Prep Sundays