Two iconic Sunshine Coast farmers' markets up for grabs
Two investment opportunities at the beating heart of their communities have come onto the market: the Noosa Farmers Market in Noosaville and the Kawana Farmers Market, available for purchase together or separately.
Both markets are deeply embedded in the local lifestyle. The Noosa Farmers Market, operating every Sunday since 2002 at the Noosa football grounds, has drawn the locals in for years, and with a newly secured long-term lease, there is the promise of stability.
The Kawana Farmers Market, established in 2012 at Kawana Waters State College, runs on Saturdays and caters to the expanding Southern Sunshine Coast population.
These markets are social hubs, not just a place to shop for fresh produce. They bring together local producers, artisans, live music and families and have demonstrated resilience, trading consistently through fires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These markets aren’t just businesses – they’re institutions,” says agent Mike Stewart of LJ Hooker Commercial Sunshine Coast.
His co-marketing agent, David Smith, says families, foodies and tourists stream through the gates every weekend.
“For many locals, these markets are their Saturday or Sunday ritual,” he says.
Each market typically hosts between 60 and 70 stalls, supporting more than 120 small businesses and attracting thousands of shoppers every weekend.
“Many of today’s well-known Sunshine Coast food brands started with a single trestle table at these markets,” Stewart says.
They say this is an opportunity ideally suited to buyers seeking a lifestyle business with flexible hours and minimal overhead, backed by goodwill and a loyal vendor network. The new owner could choose to continue the markets’ legacies or expand their offerings.
Rising Growth in tourism and population growth across Noosa and Kawana reinforce the markets’ appeal, with both sites benefiting from strong foot traffic.
According to Smith and Stewart, enquiry has been very strong, with local and interstate operators engaging early.
“We’ve seen interest from Sunshine Coast families through to professional operators from Sydney and Melbourne,” Smith says. “The breadth and depth of enquiry have exceeded expectations.”
Stewart adds that, for an owner-operator, “it’s the chance to take on something with heart and heritage, while investors see a rare mix of lifestyle and commercial return“.
Expressions of interest close at 4pm on September 18.
