The Kimberley, in north-west Western Australia, is wildly remote, nearly two times as large as Victoria, but with only around 40,000 local residents, and really strong community spirits across the few towns that dot the landscape. As a result, local markets are a great way to find out more about the area, discover local art and sample some of the foods the land around the Kimberley produces. As you travel across the region, from Broome to Kununurra, it’s really rewarding to stop in at the local markets as you do.

Here’s where you can find them, and what to expect.

Nat from Second Loves Vintage at Kununurra Market. Pic by M. Connell

Local Markets in Broome

Broome Courthouse Markets

The largest, and longest running local market in the Kimberley is found in the region’s largest town. The Broome Courthouse Markets are a wonder of local handicrafts, foods from an impressive variety of cultures and plenty of local art, advice and services to make your visit memorable. We recommend Maryani’s satays, which have been served up for over 25 years, or a hit of Vitamin C from the Wild Gubinge Stall (Gubinge is an native, local fruit with the highest known concentration of Vitamin C of any natural food), or checking out the second hand books and records by Spike the Bubble. During the busiest part of the season, there can be over 100 stalls.

Broome Courthouse Markets run every Saturday from 8am to 1pm and every Sunday between Easter and the last weekend of the October school holidays.

Thursday Night Markets

The Town Beach Thursday Night Markets in Broome are a great chance to have a great evening out, try a range of incredible local street foods and pick up craft, art and souvenirs you can only find in the Kimberley and enjoy some great live music.

Town Beach Thursday Night Markets run every Thursday night between the middle of May and the middle of October from 5pm to 9pm.

Staircase to The Moon Night Markets

When the full-moon rises over Roebuck Bay in Broome, its reflection ripples across the tidal flats creating a stunning ‘staircase’ affect you could almost climb to reach the stars, and it’s one of the Kimberley’s many amazing natural phenomenons. When it does, between May and October, night markets spring up over the two or three nights of the ‘staircase’, so you can head down for some great local entertainment, delicious foods and to grab some gifts or keepsakes. Bring a picnic rug and your camera.

Local tip - the Staircase effect is usually best on the second or third nights, as the sky is darker and the moon more fiery.

The Broome Staircase Markets run coinciding with the Staircase to the Moon phenomenon between May and October. Check the Broome Markets website for exact dates.

Local Markets in Kununurra

Kununurra Markets

The Kununurra Markets are great for adults and kids alike, being right in the middle of town where the skate park is at Whitegum Park near IGA. Tell your kids to bring their skateboards or scooters, drop them to the skate park and then walk around at your leisure (they’re always within sight at Whitegum Park). Enjoy locally handcrafted goods; cuddle a joey at Kangaroo Haven’s stall; watch artists at work; and remember to bring your reusable shopping bag to fill up with fresh produce from ORIA Orchards stall.

Kununurra Markets run every Saturday from 8am to 12pm from April until September each year and are held in Whitegum Park (cnr Coolibah Drive and Leichhardt Street).

Local Markets in Derby, Western Australia

CWA Community Markets are run every Saturday of the year, except in January when it takes a break. Find them on Clarendon Street, next to the newsagent. The markets began in 1989 when a local resident, Mrs Margaret Heseltine, was looking for a way to sell more produce during winter, so approached the council to establish a weekly market. The council refused, so they set up on the CWA grounds instead. There were just two stalls at the time. There’s a focus on local produce, good food and entertainment.

The CWA Community Markets run every Saturday during February to December from 8am to 12pm.

Local Markets in Wyndham, Western Australia

The Big Boab Markets in Wyndham were started in 2015 as a small market run by volunteers. It’s on every second Saturday at the Wyndham Caravan Park and a great chance to meet some of the locals, buy home-grown produce or maybe even hear about some secret spots.