The Sunshine Coast’s  number one tourist attraction the Eumundi Markets has become a Sunshine Coast tourist icon after 31 years in operation.

The largest and most successful art and craft markets in Australia, the Eumundi Markets is looking forward to a prosperous future as visitors flock to the markets in appreciation of its quality, locally made and organic goods.

General Manager Eumundi Markets Peter Homan said the markets $120M annual turnover was a boon for the Sunshine Coast economy and the environs of Eumundi and its 1.6M visitors per year made it the number one tourist attraction on the Sunshine Coast.

“The Eumundi Markets are without doubt the largest and most successful art and craft market in Australia,” Mr Homan said.

“We have really captured the International and domestic tourist market as the reality is virtually everyone who visits the Sunshine Coast makes a trip to Eumundi Markets.

“In addition we are seeing a huge increase in the number of day trippers coming from Brisbane and south east Queensland.”

Mr Homan said there was a number of factors which added to the Eumundi Markets success and longevity.
“The quality of the stallholders’ goods, the landscape and market surrounds, the historic township of Eumundi which adds to the vibrant  flavour and the world class musicians,” he said.

“Add to that the diversity of the product and vibrant atmosphere, the mix of food, art and craft, fashion and jewellery.

“Quite simply it is an icon on the Sunshine Coast and visitors and locals alike love it.”

From simple beginnings the markets were started in 1979 by two women, Christa Barton and Gail Perry, whose objective was to help the township which had just been dealt an economic blow with the construction of the Eumundi bypass.

The first market boasted three stalls with a modest turnover of $30.

And far from entrepreneurs, the two women just wanted to offer the townsfolk a place to sell their goods and produce.

However Mr Homan said their initial vision of home grown and organic has stood the test of time and seen the markets thrive to what it is today some 600 stalls which operates twice weekly on Wednesday and Saturday morning.

Today the markets have a number of stallholders that were there in the initial beginnings.

Lindy Bonwick’s vegetarian food and organic herb and seedlings stall is one such stallholder and said the changes have been amazing.

“In the early days it was really a hippy market – quite alternative with a few artists and organic food and produce which really catered to the locals,” Ms Bonwick said.

“It has really grown as the visitors have appreciated quality products, clever artists and increasingly a real appreciation for the organic food.”

 “The whole vibe is different today,” she said.

And according to Mr Homan it is that ‘vibe’ that will ensure the markets continue to thrive in the future.