Flea markets in Sydney-which one?
 

I have done a search, but there are no discussions on this topic, so here goes. I am interested in Flea markets/ outdoor crafts markets in Sydney. Fodors travel guides lists three Saturday markets in Sydney: the Balmain Market, the Paddington Market and the Rocks Market. Does anyone have any experience with these markets? Suggestions for which to definately visit or avoid? Where the best crafts are? The best second hand stuff? etc. Thanks

While in Sydney in August we went to the Paddington Market. It was quite big and had the usual flea market stuff. We did find that the prices were good. We puchased some items like boomerangs, Aussie souviners (opps sorry about the spelling), etc. and found they were cheaper at the flea market than anywhere else in Australia.

There are also Paddy's Markets which are very large and held weekly - on the outskirts of Sydney.

All the markets you listed are great..Paddy's Markets are much more dowm market and tacky but I guess you can get really cheap stuff there. Balmain markets are beautiful just because Balmain is a beautiful suburb. The markets (like Paddington) are in a churchyard and there are lovely cafes around. You can catch a little ferry there as well to enjoy the harbour.

We went to the one in the Rocks in June. It had mostly new stuff...lots of crafts, paintings, and booths with jellies and fruit butters, ceramics, glassware and other. There are some nice craft shops and art galleries there as well, and they're all open when the market is going on. Prices were reasonable (of course the US dollar exchange rate helped)and we did most of our shopping there.

Try Bondi's market on weekends. We found old, new, jewelry, clothing, etc. It was really terrific; we thought better than both the Rocks and Paddington.

I would consider the Rocks Market a must see. Plenty of unique art items, great souvenier pieces. The best part is that there are often live bands playing, and plenty of restaurants and shops around. Beautiful area to walk around, with plenty of history as this is the site of the first settlements(many shops are original residences that have been renovated). I can't wait to go back<BR>

Now that I’ve been- I’ll report. The tourist bureau at The Rocks has a sheet with the addresses of about 20-30 flea markets throughout the Sydney area. The three I visited all contained very similar items. Several vendors (dog collars and baby snugglies) seemed to have franchise stalls at all three markets, and overall very similar kinds of goods were sold at all three markets. Many vendors sold items that were obtained by travel, i.e. Chinese pearls and linens, Mexican pottery and hammocks, Nepalese lanterns, Thai silks etc. Other vendors were marketing new products. Only a few vendors sold used bric-a-brack. <BR> <BR>I visited the Balmain market first. It is set in a beautiful little churchyard in a suburb. It was a very nice experience. Although the smallest market of the three (50-60 vendors) the prices were the cheapest as well by 10-25 %. This market was reported to open at 8:00 AM, but there were vendors still setting up at 10:00. This market served the locals with vegetables, plants, baby clothes, table linens and sheets. It was very intimate with a vendor accompanying the shopping with a guitar. This market had a good variety of items. I eyed more than a few things here and bought several.<BR><BR> The Paddington Market is also in a churchyard, but is much larger (over 100 stalls). It served a more metropolitan clientele. There are lots of clothing stalls, not really my thing, but very trendy if you are into that. Some vendors also have shops where you can purchase their clothes as well. Lots of vendors sold their handmade decorative items, candles, wine holders, and all sorts of knick-knacks. I saw Opals, and lots other jewelry, a bit of everything. There is also a large section where tarot readings and massages were available. I bought gifts for several rellies. I overheard several different customers commenting that this was "THE" market to go to in Sydney. It is very trendy and I would visit this market frequently if I were a Sydneysider.<BR><BR> I also perused the Rocks market just as it was closing. The merchandise was more upscale and more geared for the tourist; where as the other two markets were more for the natives. This was still a good place to pick up a few interesting gifts for the folks back home. Happy shopping.<BR>