Where to Find Geelong’s Freshest: The Best Local Farmers Markets and What’s In Season Now

Winter weekends mean one thing for Geelong food lovers: the chance to fill a canvas bag with local mandarins, just-picked greens, and crusty sourdough at the region’s farmers markets. Despite the chill on Ryrie Street at 8am this Saturday, more residents are swapping bland supermarket apples for market-fresh veg and fruit-and health professionals say it’s making a difference to our wellbeing.

Why ‘Local and In Season’ Matters

Nutrition researchers from Deakin University’s Centre for Advanced Food Research say buying direct from local farms results in fresher, more nutrient-rich produce. According to the latest VicHealth survey, 58% of Geelong adults reported eating at least two serves of fruit daily in 2025, up 6% from the previous year-a shift attributed in part to the city’s growing market culture. After a decade of diet-related illnesses on the rise, local health leaders like Barwon Health are promoting community-based initiatives to get more vegetables onto household dinner plates, especially for families in Corio and North Geelong facing cost-of-living pressures.

Must-Visit Markets and What’s In Season

Geelong’s pick of the weekend produce scene is the Belmont Market, operating Sundays from 8am to 1pm on Barwon Heads Road. Stalls sell everything from the region’s pink-skinned Lady Williams apples ($5 a kilo last weekend) to bunches of brussels sprouts grown just outside Bannockburn. Right now, winter citrus-like lemons and locally grown Imperial mandarins-offers a vitamin C punch, while root vegetables such as parsnips and swedes are at their sweetest.

Those venturing further can catch the Torquay Farmers Market each Saturday from 8.30am beside the Surf Coast Shire Council offices. Here, Moorabool Valley biodynamic farms bring pesticide-free silverbeet, while the Betty’s Booch van dispenses small-batch kombucha brewed in Grovedale. And over at Little Malop Street’s Geelong Waterfront Makers & Growers Market-scheduled for the last Sunday of each month-a baker’s dozen of artisan sellers join the lakeside path, with honey-tasting from Bees Down South and loaves from La Madre Bakery.

The practical impact is clear. A Barwon Health dietitian told this reporter the region’s markets now stock upwards of 20 types of winter vegetables and fruits each week in July, compared with just a handful at major supermarkets-even as supermarket prices for basics like tomatoes have topped $11 a kilo this winter. At many stalls, prices are negotiable an hour before closing, and bulk purchases save families even more: a 5kg bag of Sebago potatoes at Belmont last week was $8, $2 cheaper than big grocers.

How to Eat Well This Winter

If you’re new to the market scene, keep an eye on the Geelong Regional Farmers Market Association’s Instagram feed-markets sometimes shift due to weather or park events. Plan meals around what’s abundant: pile kale into soups, try roasted fennel from the Bellarine, or zest fresh local lemons over steamed greens. Several market organisers now accept cash and card, and some-like Torquay-have begun pilot voucher programs for concession card holders.

Health experts recommend talking with stallholders about preparation tips; most growers are keen to share ideas on storing or cooking unfamiliar produce. And remember: if you’re considering a major diet change or have health concerns, consult a local GP or a Barwon Health nutritionist. Outside, the region’s crisp, misty mornings make a bowl of locally grown porridge oats or a tray of pumpkin wedges even more inviting-and a dash of market creativity can help Geelong families eat well through winter.