FARM GATE MARKET - HOBART

Image: Chris Crerar

Every Sunday, come rain hail or shine, a busy street in the heart of Hobart transforms into a bustling farmers’ market. It’s all about Tasmanian produce and getting to know your farmer, and it always has been. Five years back, the market began with an honest and simple philosophy that if you couldn’t eat it, drink it, grow it or meet the producer, then you wouldn’t find it at the market. That ethos has always held true. And now, the little farmers’ market that began with 12 stallholders has grown into an essential Sunday ritual for locals. It is one of the top five farmers’ markets in the country and won a silver medal at the 2015 Australian tourism awards for excellence In food tourism.
 
Tasmania’s distinct growing seasons make for an ever-changing array of produce and that’s what they celebrate every Sunday. Staying true to what’s in season locally is reflected throughout the market – on fresh produce stalls, in artisan foods and foodie menus.

The buzz starts well before sunrise, as farmers and producers from around Tasmania arrive and fill the street. Trestle tables are laden with our island’s freshest seasonal produce from the sea and the land, heritage and heirloom varieties, seasonal foodie treasures and pantry staples.

The market provides inspiration to grow your own with seedlings, unusual herbs and endemic plants and fruit trees. Artisan producers showcase our state with their olive oil, cool-climate wines, spirits from boutique .distilleries, healthy treats, artisan breads, cakes and sourdough donuts, jams, mustards and preserves, locally-roasted coffee and hand-blended tea.
 
As the sun rises the air fills with coffee orders being called across the market and mouth watering aromas follow quickly in their wake. At 8.30am sharp the big brass bell rings and trade begins! Market regulars are there bright and early, getting the word on what’s been freshly dug and picked.

With community at its heart, the market hums along as conversation flows, buskers and street performers fill the street with colour and melody, kids and families play, and friends meet up. The farmers love to share their stories with you. See you on Sunday!

​FARM GATE MARKET
Bathurst Street, Hobart, between Murray and Elizabeth Streets
www.farmgatemarket.com.au
(03) 6234 5625
Sundays 8.30am – 1.00pm

Words & Images from the book: Tailored Tasmania 2