Markets are great as a family outing but it’s rare to find one with a perfect balance for kids and adults alike. The Byron Artisan Market hits the sweet spot and all in a typically Byron relaxed way.
Raspberry chocolates – Puremelt
Where you’ll find the Byron Bay Twilight Markets Market:
The market takes place in Railway Park, on Johnson Street in central Byron Bay. During the rest of the week, this is a grassy area between the Rails Hotel and Visitor Information. When the market is on, it is transformed into a wonderland of fairy lights and stalls.
What’s there for adults?
Adults will be interested in the artisan part of the market, meaning that all the stalls have one-off pieces sold by the artist, whether you are into craft, clothes, leather goods or jewellery.
Artisan market food
What will the kids like?
Kids will be less interested in shopping and far more interested in the playground and the climbing trees.
The playground is small but ideal for younger children (up to age eight). It includes swings, a small climbing wall and some rope-based climbing, all on a soft-fall surface.
The trees, which are positioned between the market stalls area and the playground are made for climbing. With horizontal branches as well as height, kids from toddlers to older primary-school aged love them.
Climbing trees are fun – day or night – at the Byron Bay Twilight Markets
When can I go?
Held each Saturday in summer, the market runs over twilight (4-9pm), allowing you to make it a late afternoon activity (maybe after some time at the beach) or a place for dinner.
What’s to eat?
There is a delicious range of food and drink options, however as it is a small market and doesn’t have any kid-specific stalls (no hot dogs or burgers here), I’ve found that fussy eating kids will be fine for snacks (for example, the delicious French frites) but may struggle to find a dinner option. Taking some food or heading across the road into central Byron are options if this happens to you.
The market only runs in summer – the planned end date is 18 March with a possible extension through until Easter – so plan your twilight market visit soon!
Tarte aux Pommes – French Bistrot
A round of dumplings – Shoza Gyoze
Hot tips:
- Byron Bay has introduced paid parking, including along Jonson Street. However, you can park for free the other side of the railway line (Butler Street) and simply walk across to Railway Park.
- The food is multicultural so it can be a chance (for you and the kids) to try something new
- Bring a picnic blanket or chairs so you can relax while enjoying watching your kids play
- A special kids night is planned for either 11 or 25 Feb – see Facebook @byron.markets for details (note: this page is for all Byron Markets so check posts for the Artisan Market).
