It’s exciting to discover that since we moved back to Canberra there is a new addition to the lakeside scene around Lake Burley Griffin.
That’s the Little Burley markets which are regularly held on Saturday mornings (9am – 1.30pm) in Canberra, in the warmer months.
Markets in Canberra are becoming more popular and a scene in themselves.
Foodies and anyone out and about walking, cycling or jogging around Lake Burley Griffin will find this a welcome addition to their circuit of the Lake.
Mainly because the markets offer you a range of places to pick up a coffee or cuppa tea or hot choccie, as well as plenty of tasty food options and a range of gifts, especially for your four-legged friends.
We enjoyed fresh crepes from Palacinke which were very tasty indeed, my daughter enjoyed nutella chocolate spread, on hers while I went for a classic of sugar and lemon!
We browsed our way through the stalls to the Jetty to pick up a coffee and our all-time favorite from there which is the tantalising toasted banana bread.
Along the way, I have to confess we also nibbled on cake pops!
If you are looking for gifts this is a good market to visit as there was a range of items from handmade gifts, ceramics, local booze, flowers and more.
Your pups will be happy if you pick up a tasty dog treat.
There’s also a stall for cat lovers we were happy to see as our cat loves to play with a felt and feather ball from there.
When and where are the Little Burley markets?
The markets are every Saturday in the warmer months between 9am – 1.30pm.
The last market of the 2023 summer season was on Saturday 27th May 2023 – so if you are reading this in July then the Little Burley markets are now closed for a short winter break.
The Little Burley markets are held at Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, Canberra. So just alongside Lake Burley Griffin.
You’ll find the markets nestled along near to the lakeside in between Margot café and the Jetty café, if you know where they are.
Or roughly speaking alongside the Lake in between where the National Library is and before you get along as far as the Portrait Gallery.
Where is the parking for the Little Burley markets?
The National Library or Questacon car parks are the nearest and are free on Saturday mornings.
The markets are also easily accessible by public transport – you can get off the bus near to the National Library or at Regatta point if you would like to walk partway around the lake or over the bridge first before hitting the markets.
Is there an entry fee?
No, it’s free to browse and wander along.
It will be hard not to give in to temptation and make your way through without trying some of the tasty food options though, so buy sure to have your card or cash with you, as we didn’t find any free food samples.
Are there toilets at the market?
Yes there are a couple of nearby public toilets around the back of the Jetty cafe.
Some of the major attractions nearby like the art galleries also have toilets.
Is there anything for children to do at the market?
If your children aren’t interested in artisan food products, then they may like the live music – there’s usually a band to listen to and if you have the time to walk further around the Lake, Boundless playground past the National Art Gallery, over the Bridge and just on to the other side of the Lake, is brilliant for young children.
If you have any children interested in science then nearby Questacon is sure to be a firm favourite, but you’ll need to book tickets in advance and have plenty of time to get the most out of it.
What food and drink is there at the Little Burley markets?
There’s a range of tasty hot and cold food options including when we were there cakes, bakery products like pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant), artisan breads, crepes (pancakes), coffee stalls and more.
What else is there to do around this part of Lake Burley Griffin?
There is so much happening alongside Lake Burley Griffin.
If you like to keep active, you can take in the Little Burley markets as part of the complete popular 5km loop walk around the central basin of the Lake.
Or visit some of the iconic places which are all a stones throw from the markets in this part of Canberra, including the National Library, Questacon, the Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery of Australia.
It’s also a beautiful walk down to the nearby Narra Peace Park, so you have plenty of options!
Please note that in the winter months the regular Saturday morning Little Burley Markets are not on.
So it’s always worth checking their website before travelling: thelittleburleymarket.com.au
Don’t despair though as in July Canberra has a very exciting Christmas in July event with markets.
