We put a big emphasis on seasonality and sustainable farming practices, so you’ll find plenty of organic, biodynamic, spray-free and micro-scale producers in the mix at our markets. We reckon food that’s grown in balance with the land is something you can taste — see if your tastebuds agree. 

Our Market takes place rain, hail, shine — and just about anything in between. We’re keen to make sure it’s a market for everyone, check out our FAQs for more info about accessibility and inclusion at the market. 

 

We have worked with Dja Dja Wurrung Elders and community groups Nalderun and Djarra to foster a greater understanding of Indigenous knowledge and ways of caring for Country at our market. As a result, we now define our local area using the traditional boundaries of Djarra Country. 

We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded and we’re deeply grateful for the millennia-long and ongoing care of Country by First Nations people. 

We’re an accredited Victorian Farmers Market Association (VFMA) market  – which means when you shop with us you know you’re getting the real deal — food you can trust, grown close by and full of “stop-you-in-your-tracks” flavour.

And by supporting our wonderful farmers and makers, you’re making the food system stronger and helping to grow the local economy — all while getting the groceries!   

Our Sunday Market started so long ago that we can’t even say for certain exactly when that was… but somewhere in late 2004 or early 2005, the first version of this much-loved Castlemaine stalwart began.

It started with a passionate bunch of volunteers who wanted to connect their community with the region’s bounty of nutritious, flavourful, seasonal produce. 

Our Weekly Wednesday market started in 2019 and has grown to be another highlight in many Castlemaine folk’s calendars. By offering a regular weekly outlet for smaller-scale producers, the market is encouraging more would-be farmers to pick up the pitchfork.

Djarra Country is abundant and diverse, which means there is a wealth of goodness on offer at any given market: sun-warmed “tastes like-my-childhood” peaches, apricots or cherries; award-winning meats and smallgoods; gooey treats from internationally renowned cheesemakers; gloriously unusual fruit and veg as well as their more conventional cousins; and grains, legumes and show-stopping sourdough bread. 

We’re proud to be a part of such a magnificent food system and to share that abundance with everyone who makes it to our market. 

The Castlemaine Farmers Market wouldn’t exist without the love, sweat and care of a legion of volunteers and supporters who have been there right from the start. 

The backbone of our market is the committee, made up of dedicated foodies from within the local area (our ‘community members’) and a host of engaged stallholders, producers and vendors, including our current president <registered farmer? name, of business name >.

From the market manager and committee members to all the market day helpers, thousands of human hours and an incredible wealth of knowledge and passion has gone into making every market day happen over the last twenty-odd years. We’re tremendously grateful to all the people who help shape and grow our wonderful market by donating their time, skill and energy.

We’re also proud to be part of Australia’s first Region of Gastronomy. In 2019 Bendigo and the surrounding area received a UNESCO City and Region of Gastronomy accreditation, given in recognition of the way our rich food scene interconnects with our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the central role played by First Nations people; their Culture, knowledge and ongoing care of Country. 

Our markets are a great way to connect with the bounty of Djarra Country; meet the farmers and makers who bring us all this goodness; fill your home and your belly with notorious, flavourful food — and have a really good time!

We hope we’ll see you at the market soon.

Click HERE to find out who’ll be at our next weekly market and HERE for our next monthly market <Internal Hyperlink “HERE” to weekly and “HERE” to monthly market pages>

If you’d like to know more, our FAQs are a great place to start.