Our Market
With over 70 traders under one roof, the Adelaide Central Market is one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere, buzzing with life and colour all year round.
The Adelaide Central Market is located in the heart of the bustling Adelaide CBD – a thriving community of life, colour, culture, and aromas all year round.
The Market was established in 1869 as produce traders relocated from their previous produce market site situated between Adelaide’s East End of Rundle Street and North Terrace (on the northern-edge of Adelaide CBD) – to a new location approximately 2km away, dubbed the City Market, on Grote Street. Initially operating outdoors, a permanent presence was established by June that same year, with the completion of two large sheds. On January 23, 1870, the Market was officially opened by Mayor Judah Solomon and later that year, three acres of land were bought for £2,600 to accommodate a further expansion. Fast forward to today and it is the oldest continuously operating market in its current location in Australia, at a size of 5720sqm.
Today, the Market has over 70 stalls and is South Australia’s most visited tourist attraction and remains Adelaide’s premier food destination of multicultural cuisine and fresh produce. The Market is still a traditional fresh produce Market, offering a wide variety of artisan products, fruit and vegetables, smallgoods, eateries along with some of the city’s most popular cafes and eateries and is navigated by colourful avenues and roadways. It remains Adelaide’s premier food destination for multicultural cuisine and fresh produce.
Plan your visit, with our trading hours here.
History
On Saturday, 23rd January at 3.15am a group of market gardeners, unhappy with their conditions at the East End, made their way to a site between Gouger and Grote Street and started to sell their produce. Over 500 people attended the first market day, with all stock sold out by 6.00am.
The official opening of the Adelaide Central Market (known as the City Market) was on the 22nd January 1870. The Market was open on Tuesdays and Saturdays with up to 100 produce carts and was recorded as having sold vegetables, fruit, hay, fish and game meats.
On the 8th February 1900, the first stone was laid to build the current Market facade, which still stands today. In the same year a 40 metre veranda was added.
Gas lighting, which had been sufficient for almost 35 years, was replaced by electricity in March 1902.
Early in the morning of 27th December 1925, the Market in the north eastern section suffered fire damage. The fire brigade managed to restrict damage to two stalls.
The Adelaide Central Market was officially named in August 1965 (previously known as the City Market).
Early in the morning of 27th December 1925, the Market in the north eastern section suffered fire damage. The fire brigade managed to restrict damage to two stalls.
On the night of 27th June 1977, a major portion of the southern stall area of the Market was badly damaged by a fire, causing half a million dollars worth of damage.
Refurbishment work began to repair damage caused by fire. Work was completed in 1983.
Under the Local Government Act 1999, the Adelaide Central Market Authority (ACMA) was formed to maintain and enhance the iconic Market for the benefit of all stakeholders and South Australians.
The Market Expansion begins construction on a major upgrade, including expanded market space, an office tower, and new apartments.