Central Coast Farmers Markets and What to Buy in Season

Central Coast residents filled stalls at two key markets last weekend seeking winter vegetables and citrus at lower prices than supermarket chains.

July marks the peak of the cool-season harvest across the region, when shorter daylight hours and cooler soil temperatures concentrate sugars in root crops and leafy greens. Families here have reported tighter household budgets following recent network disruptions that affected deliveries to larger stores, pushing more people toward direct farm sales.

Markets drawing weekend crowds

The Gosford Farmers Market operates each Saturday morning along Donnison Street near the waterfront park, where growers from the Ourimbah Valley set up before 7am. Further north, the Terrigal Village Market runs Sundays on the grass beside the surf club at the end of Ocean Street, offering produce from farms around Matcham and Tumbi Umbi. Both sites accept cash and card, with vendors arriving from as far as the Hawkesbury to sell direct.

Seasonal buys and current prices

Broccoli heads sell for $3.50 each, while bunches of kale and silverbeet move at $2.50. Citrus from groves near Wyong includes navel oranges at $4 per kilo and lemons at $5 for a 2kg bag. A 2024 Central Coast Council food survey found 62 percent of households bought at least one item weekly from a local market when available, citing both freshness and support for nearby growers. Avocados from northern orchards remain available at $2 each through the end of the month.

Shoppers planning a visit should arrive early on market days, bring reusable bags, and check vendor lists posted on the Central Coast Council website each Thursday. Those new to seasonal eating can start with simple combinations such as steamed broccoli with lemon or kale sautéed with local garlic.