The Mornington Peninsula has earned its reputation as one of Victoria’s most rewarding market destinations. Here, markets aren’t just places to shop; they feel like vibrant local gatherings where growers, makers, and small businesses come together. You’ll find everything from fresh seasonal produce and handmade goods to live music, street food, and friendly conversations with the people behind the products. There are many markets on the Mornington Peninsula that deserve a spot in your itinerary or a spontaneous visit when you’re exploring, and this guide highlights our top picks to help you plan the perfect trip.

Note that event dates and details are subject to change. It’s best to visit each market’s official website or check with the market organisers for the latest announcements.

Artisan and Community Markets on the Mornington Peninsula

1

Meet The Makers Market at Hawkes Farm

Set within the grounds of Hawkes Farm, Meet the Makers Market brings together a curated selection of small-batch producers, artisans, and independent makers. Expect a relaxed, rural atmosphere where visitors can meet the people behind the products and enjoy a true local market experience.

 

 

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Regular stall appearances from Mornington Peninsula Light candles, Mother Mary, and Mock Red Hill
  • Handmade homewares, jewellery, and artisan crafts
  • Family-friendly environment with open space to explore

Where: 661 Boneo Road, Boneo, 3939 Victoria

When: Last Saturday of each month, from September to April | 10 AM - 2 PM

2

Mornington Racecourse Market

One of the most established markets on the Mornington Peninsula, the Mornington Racecourse Market offers a bustling and diverse shopping experience. Set against the backdrop of the racecourse, it features everything handmade, home-made, home-grown, or Australian-designed, which the market is famous for among tourists and locals alike.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Food stalls serving up takeaway food for you to enjoy while shopping or relaxing on the lawn
  • Local artisans showcasing handcrafted goods
  • Live entertainment and a lively community atmosphere

Where: 320 Racecourse Road, Mornington, 3931 Victoria

When: Second Sunday of each month (except during racing events, when the market is held on the third Sunday) | From 9 AM to 2 PM

Kick Off Your Mornington Peninsula Shopping Adventure With Searoad Ferries:

Skip the long drive and turn your journey into part of the experience with a relaxed ferry crossing from Queenscliff to Sorrento. As you travel across Port Phillip Bay, take in sweeping coastal views, watch for dolphins, and enjoy a coffee or snack onboard while the Mornington Peninsula comes into view. Upon arriving at the modern, glass-enclosed Sorrento terminal, you’re just a short drive from some of the region’s most popular markets, making it easy to start exploring straight away. With Searoad Ferries, getting to the Mornington Peninsula markets becomes a memorable part of the experience. Not just the journey, but the beginning of your day out.

3

The Enchanted Market at the Briars

The Enchanted Market at the Briars offers a relaxed outdoor experience centred on handmade, home-grown, and locally created products. Visitors can browse a thoughtfully curated mix of artisan goods, fresh produce, and unique gifts while enjoying the surrounding parklands, heritage homestead, and walking trails, which make it easy to turn a simple market visit into a full-day out. 

 

 

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Unique artisan stalls with handmade goods and gifts
  • Food vendors offering sweet and savoury options
  • A family-friendly environment with scenic walking areas

Where: 450 Nepean Hwy, Mount Martha, 3934 Victoria

When:

Sunday, 31 May 2026 | From 10 AM to 3 PM

4

Hill & Ridge Community Market at Red Hill

Nestled high on the Red Hill hinterland, Hill & Ridge Community Market feels like a true gathering of the region’s best growers, makers, and creatives. With its scenic rural setting and strong local spirit, it offers a glimpse of local life on the Mornington Peninsula, where fresh produce, artisan goods, and live music come together in a relaxed, welcoming space.

 

 

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Locally grown produce, gourmet foods, and fresh seasonal offerings
  • Handmade artisan goods, vintage finds, and local art
  • Live music and a lively yet laid-back atmosphere
  • A picturesque countryside setting that makes shopping feel like a day out 

Where: Red Hill Recreation Reserve & Showgrounds, 184 Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill VIC 3937, Australia

When: First Saturday of each month (from September to May, except March) | From 9 AM - 2 PM

5

Emu Plains Market

Emu Plains Market is for the lovers of craft, design, vintage, music, and food. One of the most atmospheric markets on the Mornington Peninsula, it is known for its festival-like energy and strong creative community. More than just a place to shop, it brings together locals and visitors for a lively mix of art, food, music, and design in a relaxed bushland setting.

 

 

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Over 200 curated stallholders featuring handmade goods, vintage finds, and sustainable designs
  • Farm-fresh produce alongside gourmet food and global street eats
  • Live local music all day
  • A bar serving local Peninsula beer, wine, and cider

Where: 54 Coolart Rd, Balnarring VIC 3926, Australia (located in: Balnarring Racecourse and Emu Plains Reserve)

When: 

Saturday, 18 April 2026 | 9 AM - 2 PM

Saturday, 17 October 2026 | 9 AM - 2 PM

Saturday, 21 November 2026 | 9 AM - 2 PM

Saturday, 19 December 2026 | 9 AM - 2 PM

Markets for the Foodies

6

Point Nepean Portsea Market

Point Nepean Portsea Market invites all its visitors to come hungry, with a tempting spread of gourmet bites, fresh produce, and artisan treats waiting to satisfy every craving. Winding along sandy pathways beneath tea trees, it’s known as a true foodie’s delight, where you can chat with local bakers, growers, and makers while soaking up the coastal ambience of Point Nepean National Park.

 

 

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Fresh, high-quality food and gourmet treats
  • Local bakers, growers, and artisan producers to meet and support
  • Unique handmade goods alongside culinary finds

Where: Portsea Quarantine Station, Point Nepean National Park, Portsea, 3944 Victoria

When: 

Saturday, 6 June 2026 | From 9 AM to 2 PM

7

Mt Martha South Beach Market

Perched on a hill overlooking Port Phillip Bay, the Mt Martha South Beach Market is one of the most scenic markets on the Mornington Peninsula, where food lovers, makers and explorers come together for a lively seaside experience. With more than 60 boutique stalls set against stunning coastal views, it’s a haven of street food, artisan creations and local community spirit that draws crowds on public holidays.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Handmade goods, fashion, art, and homewares from local artisans
  • Gourmet eats, food trucks and coffee with a beachside backdrop
  • Over 60 stallholders showcasing high-quality products and creative offerings
  • Easy access to the beach for a full day out by the water

Where: 466 Esplanade, Mount Martha VIC 3934, Australia

When: Open on public holidays (Australia Day, Easter Monday, King's Birthday, AFL Grand Final Eve, Melbourne Cup Day) | From 10 AM to 2 PM

8

Mornington Main Street Market

Mornington Main Street Market is one of the longest-running and most well-known markets on the Mornington Peninsula, bringing a lively weekly street market atmosphere to the heart of Mornington’s bustling town centre. Stretching along Main Street, it invites shoppers to browse fresh produce, handmade crafts, and specialty goods while soaking up the town’s friendly vibe. 

 

 

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables from local growers
  • Handmade crafts, home-baked treats and artisan goods
  • Home-grown plants, flowers and unique boutique finds
  • A weekly community atmosphere that draws locals and visitors alike

Where: 103A Main Street, Mornington VIC, 3931

When: Every Wednesday | From 9 AM to 3 PM

Festive Market with Live Music and Performances

9

Soul Night Market at Sorrento Beach

Soul Night Market at Sorrento Beach brings a festive, foodie-focused night market vibe right to the beach, making it one of the most lively markets on the Mornington Peninsula after dark. With food trucks, makers stalls and live soul-inspired music, it’s a perfect way to spend a Friday evening by the bay, and dogs on short leash are welcome to join in the fun too.

 

 

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • A vibrant lineup of street food trucks and global eats
  • Makers stalls featuring art, fashion, home products, jewellery and more 
  • Live soul-inspired music to keep the atmosphere buzzing 
  • A relaxed beachside setting where you can BYO picnic blankets or chairs

Where: Esplanade, Sorrento VIC 3943, Australia

When: 

Friday, 10 April 2026 | From 5 PM

Friday, 22 May 2026 | From 5 PM

Sail Into Fresh Finds at Mornington Peninsula Markets with Searoad Ferries

The Mornington Peninsula is more than just its markets. It offers a rich mix of local experiences for every type of traveller. From the moment you arrive, you’re surrounded by options to extend your day, whether that means wandering along scenic beaches, sampling wines at wineries and cellar doors, exploring dog-friendly walking trails, or discovering small towns filled with cafés and restaurants. There are plenty of things to do on the Mornington Peninsula that make it easy to turn a simple market visit into a full day, or even a weekend, of exploration.

Travelling with Searoad Ferries makes the journey part of the experience. Crossing Port Phillip Bay offers a refreshing perspective of the Peninsula, and the newly opened glass-enclosed terminal at Sorrento adds a modern, comfortable start or finish to your trip. With comfortable passenger lounges, onboard food and drinks, and sweeping views along the way, it’s a seamless way to get to the Peninsula, explore multiple markets, and take in more of what the region has to offer at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are dogs allowed in Mornington Peninsula markets?

Some markets, like Soul Night Market at Sorrento Beach, welcome dogs on a short leash. However, most traditional markets typically do not allow dogs inside. If you’re planning to bring your furry friend, check the specific market’s official page or social media beforehand, as rules can vary by location and time of year (and some areas, like national parks, may have separate dog restrictions).

2. Are Mornington Peninsula markets cash-only?

Many stallholders at local markets do accept card payments, and electronic payments are common at larger events. However, some vendors may only accept cash for purchases. It’s best to bring some cash with you just in case you want to buy from smaller stalls that don’t take cards.

3. Can I combine markets with other Peninsula attractions in one day?

The region is compact and well-connected, so you can move from browsing stalls to relaxing on the beach, enjoying a winery lunch, exploring coastal walking tracks, or stopping by a local café or gallery without having to travel far. Be sure to time your visit, as many markets are only open on specific days of the month or week. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to structure your day, check out our Mornington Peninsula Day Trip Ideas blog for suggested itineraries across the region.

4. What’s the best time to visit a local market?

If you’re looking to bag the freshest produce, arriving early as soon as the market opens is your best bet. Stallholders have their full range on display, popular items haven’t sold out yet, and you’ll have more time to browse at a comfortable pace before the crowds build.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Searoad Ferries Team

The Searoad Ferries Team is a collection of local travel experts who believe every journey deserves a deeper story. Through extensive research and firsthand insights, we craft compelling narratives that spotlight culture, community, and lesser-known experiences, guiding readers toward travel that feels more personal, informed, and genuinely memorable.