Brisbane Farmers Markets serving up a feast

Family-tested

Brisbane has no shortage of Farmers Markets offering everything from produce to pasta, profiteroles to paella, and the best bit? This explorative outing is well and truly kid-tested and approved.

We decided the Powerhouse Farmers Markets at New Farm were the order of our Saturday. Firstly because of the delicious food offerings I knew were waiting for me and secondly because of the location.

Being right on the river at New Farm Park it’s a beautiful spot to visit, market day or not, and my plan was when the markets became all too much for my two-year-old whirlwind, that Lucinda and Daddy could head over the epic playground and mummy could finish her shopping.

Yes, I always go in with a solid game plan, a back-up plan and realistic expectations of nothing going the way I envisaged. It’s just life with a toddler, or so I’m learning.

We did aim to head out early and beat the crowds but it was 8am by the time we arrived and the avenues around the Powerhouse were jam packed; a note for visitors if you don’t have a car or don’t want to contend with street parking you can always jump on a CityCat to the New Farm Park Ferry stop.

In order to weave through the masses, we ditched the pram, which I’m not sure was the best idea but there was no way Lucinda was going to be restrained with so much going on.

She revelled in the opportunity to explore on foot, smiling at stall holders, gazing in amazement at the array of foods on offer and making friends with the organic banana man (scoring herself a free lady finger in the process).

Always one to jump on a learning opportunity, we chatted as we wandered about the orange pumpkins and the round olives, and Dad and I took turns in sampling or purchasing whatever took our fancy while the other was in charge of the toddler.

The food offerings seem to get more expansive every time I visit and I must say I was impressed. I’m partial to checking out the new gluten free donut or coconut yogurt stands while my husband prefers the tried and true Bratwurst and fresh juices, and the toddler, well she wants everything.

The bonus of the location of the Powerhouse Markets is after you have your haul of goodies there are countless shady spots to gather in the park with a view of the river or supervision of the playground. And can we just take a moment for the gorgeous playground which is dominated by a timber fortress winding around the most magnificent Moreton Bay Fig, and is big enough to handle the crowds.

Belly full, little-one happy and exhausted having had the perfect mix of exploration, education and edible treats, I’d say all in all a great morning.

The Powerhouse Farmers Markets are on every Saturday from 6am – 12 noon, run by Jan Powers Farmers Markets they also have other locations around the city and beyond. If you’re not a morning person try the new Hawthorne Twilight Markets as well, they’re definitely on my must visit list – so much eating to be done!

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