The Hartley Hall Markets

The Hartley Hall Markets are held on the first Sunday of every month, open 10am-3pm and located 10km north of Canberra at the Hall Village Showground. It costs a gold coin donation to enter the showground, and all donations go toward the Hartley Lifecare Disability Service.

The markets began in 1987, and some of the original stalls are still going strong. The fairy stall was always my favourite as a young child and the lady is still there with some updated fairy creations! She said that she has been opening her stall at the Hall markets since 1996.

The markets still attract a large number of people (and their dogs!) and stall owners told me that the markets are busiest from October through to December, in the lead up to Christmas.

Offering gifts, jewellery, art, handmade trinkets, food, fresh produce, animals and much more, these markets make a great morning out with family or friends. Many people bring along their children, as the Hartley Hall Markets have jumping castles, face painting, unique toys, doll houses, pony rides and fairy floss too!

The food scene is decent, with multiple taste samples available for honey, relishes, dips, cheeses and wines. Multicultural food is offered around the location such as Turkish, Greek, Italian desserts and of course the classic sausage sizzle, which fills the air with a moreish smell.

There is live music, and an old indoor hall holding mainly knitting stalls inside. The older ladies sit and knit more scarves and beanies as they mind their stall and watch people wander past.

The rural setting creates a picturesque backdrop, which you can absorb whilst devouring some mini Dutch pancakes.

I would recommend the Hartley Hall Markets to anyone with young children, or just for something to do on a lazy Sunday morning!

Photograph and story by Alison Hattley