The policy at Eumundi Market is “Make it, Bake it, Design it, Sew it or Grow it”. What began in 1979 as a small, local craft market has grown into a world-renowned tourist attraction held every Wednesday and Saturday in the town of Eumundi, about 15 minutes from all the Noosa hotels and resorts at Noosa Heads. The market offers a variety of local artists selling their creations, a wide array of food from different countries and even entertainment opportunities like palm reading, massages and live music. With over 600 stalls, Eumundi Market has become a tourist’s delight.
One of the best parts of Eumundi Market is all of the local talent. Not only can tourists buy unique creations, but they can also get to know the artist responsible for the work. Tony Campton , who uses any material that can be welded, wired or brazed to make his craft, is known for his birds with sparkplug feathers. Campton began going to the Market in the 90’s to sell mirrors and frames. One day he was in Kingaroy looking for scrap bits for mirrors when he noticed miscellaneous pieces that resembled a bird. He began selling the birds at a garage sale, then at the market and now they have become his trademark. Campton’s work can be seen at the Eumundi Market every second Saturday.
One of the market’s longest established artists is Shelly Bennetts. She has been selling her aromatic wind spirals for around 23 years. Her mildly scented wind spirals are a treat for tourists and locals alike. Barnett makes a hardwood wind spiral, which comes from larger timber cuts and a “tiny range” spiral created from Australian plantation pine. All of her creations are oiled with an organic timber preservative called Organoil from Byron Bay. These spirals and their creator can be found at the market every Saturday.
Eumundi Market showcases other artists like Ross Anells who makes extraordinary furniture like ladybird , frog and jellyfish stools and Angie Brabet who makes Damadi, her own natural skincare products. Some of which are made from macadamia nut oil and jojoba, all of which are made to combat Australia’s humid climate and extreme temperatures. Also representing local talent is Wendy Duff who makes fabulous and vibrant hats and headpieces. The variety of artistic talent who represent themselves at Eumundi Market is endless.
When visiting Eumundi Market, one should also plan to indulge in the multitude of food present. Not only are fresh fruits like pineapples and strawberries in abundance, but also fresh carrot juice and such delicacies as lentil pies. Cultural foods like Dutch poffertjes, Japanese omelettes and Tibetan steamed dimsims are also made fresh while you wait. Let’s not forget about the Mediterranean, Asian and authentic Australian meals ready to satisfy any appetite. While out and about, tourists or locals can also indulge in a great range of aussie and european beer at one of Eumundi’s famous pubs.
A parking lot, costing $3-$5 dollars is available and the market is open every Wednesday and Saturday, rain or shine. With its plethora of crafts, gifts and food, a day at Eumundi Market is something everyone should experience, it is truely a unique experience.
