The best local farmers markets and what to buy in season in Geelong

Winter in Geelong brings peak season for some of the region's most nutrient-dense vegetables, and the best place to find them is at your local farmers market. Whether you're shopping at Geelong Farmers Market on Bellerine Street every Saturday morning, or visiting the smaller pop-up at Eastern Beach, buying seasonal produce is one of the easiest ways to eat well while supporting local growers.

Right now, in late June, the stalls are brimming with leafy greens, root vegetables and brassicas. Look for locally grown kale, silverbeet and spinach—all packed with iron and vitamin C. A bunch of organic kale typically costs $4–6, while purple sprouting broccoli runs $5–7 per head. These winter vegetables are at their peak flavour and nutritional value, making them ideal for warming soups, roasts and salads that fuel winter wellness.

The Geelong Farmers Market operates year-round and attracts growers from across the Barwon region, including farms in Winchelsea, Moorabool and the surrounding districts. Prices tend to be competitive with supermarkets—sometimes cheaper—when you buy what's abundant. Winter root vegetables like parsnips, beetroot and carrots often sell for around $3–4 per kilogram, making them budget-friendly staples.

Spring arrives in September, and that's when to stock up on asparagus, broad beans and fresh herbs. By December and into the summer months, the markets shift focus to stone fruit—peaches, nectarines and plums—alongside berries and salad leaves. Local growers typically charge $8–12 per kilogram for berries in peak season, though prices drop as supply increases through January and February.

Beyond Bellerine Street, keep an eye out for seasonal pop-ups near Geelong Waterfront and at community gardens around Newtown and Manifold Heights. Many local growers now use social media to announce harvests, so following local producers on Instagram can help you plan weekly shopping trips around what's fresh.

Eating seasonally isn't just about taste and cost savings—it's a cornerstone of sustainable nutrition. Seasonal produce requires less transport, arrives fresher and often contains higher nutrient density. Pair your farmers market haul with walking trails like Barwon River to stay active, and you're supporting both your health and the local food economy.

For specific dietary advice tailored to your needs, consult your GP or a registered dietitian at Barwon Health.

This article was compiled by AI from the sources linked above and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.