Every city has its marketplace and Doomben Markets is the epicenter for Brisbane’s artisan foods, crafts and farm-fresh produce.
There’s definitely been a global shift back to honest-to-goodness, organic, farm-to-table shopping. We’ve seen it in New York, Prague, Barbados, Philly, Finland and Sweden. Prior to leaving our home in Brisbane, this movement was just really taking off. Then located at the Eagle Farm Racecourse, just a few streets away, these markets were the cream of the crop.
The Doomben Markets are held in the Doomben Racecourse, a classic horse racing track that has been part of Brisbane’s sporting scene since 1933. There’s a lot of history and folklore to the place, with photos of famed stallions and jockeys, plaque and statues. It’s the quintessential Australian racecourse with the classic rose gardens and red brick stables.
Housed between the grandstands, bars and bookmakers’ stands are the market stalls. Tents and tables full of up-and-coming fashion, handicrafts, pet supplies, homemade pies, sauces, mustards and knits. From the back of refrigerated vans spruikers shout about their delicious prawns, steaks, kangaroo meat or reef fish. The tropical fruits smell sweet and delicious. Sunshine Coast pineapples, Bowen mangoes, locally grown bananas – it’s a fruit salad of aromas.
[metaslider id=2456]The food court area offers a broad selection of brunch-friendly options from independent vendors. We opt for Rosti, what are basically hash brown potatoes with smoked salmon and sour cream. It’s a delicious start to a hectic day of exploring.
WHAT?
Doomben Markets are farmers’s markets for Brisbane city folk.
WHERE?
They are located at Doomben Racecourse in the well-to-do suburb, Ascot. 75 Hampden St, Ascot QLD 4007, Australia
HOW?
Travelling By Train
Catch the Doomben line from any CBD railway station or change services at Eagle Junction for the Doomben line. Doomben railway station is located a five-minute walk to the racecourse.
Travelling By Bus
Doomben: Catch route 301 from Adelaide Street, City to Doomben Racecourse.
