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The Helensvale NightQuarter for Kids: Our Review

Please note – the NightQuarter markets have closed down as at February 2019. There are plans to relocate. We will update our information as these plans come to light.

NightQuarter markets are located at Helensvale just off the M1 and are a foodies delight so be prepared to leave the diet at home. This night market features a fusion of great food and live music acts, paired with market stalls covering gift items, designer clothing and furniture. NightQuarter really does have something for everyone.

NightQuarter is easy to visit, located two minutes from the M1. Placed next to Westfield Helensvale Shopping Centre there is plenty of free parking within a two-minute walk from the entry gates. For those arriving on public transport, Helensvale train station has regular trains services for those wanting to leave the car at home. Alternatively, Surfside Buses also offer a pick up and set down service at the train station.

NightQuarter is stroller and pram friendly – so bring the kids along for a great night out!

What You’ll Find at NightQuarter:

Food Glorious Food! For those that want to enjoy a kaleidoscope of foods from different countries, this is the place for you. There is a myriad of street-food styled stalls featuring cuisines from Vietnam to Spain and American BBQ to Vegan friendly options. For the kids, there are a number of stalls catering for young taste buds. Look out for the kids’ meal deals at Kidz Tucker. The meals are large enough to satisfy the hungriest of children. With a drink and small toy included, these meals will keep the kids happy – which means the parents are happy too!

For those wanting to shop, NightQuarter features designer clothing stalls for those wanting something different. Brightly coloured and bejeweled kaftans can be found at the entry of High Street. Handbags and leather goods from Shed Leather is located opposite, those needing some extra bag room for their purchases. For those seeking special items for a gift or for the home, NightQuarter markets will have something to suit your needs. Make sure you don’t miss Williams Brother Boards – for some beautiful wood pieces for the home!

High Street at NightQuarter

Market Type:

NightQuarter is an evening market featuring street-food, live music and goods.

What’s On for Families

With roving street performers and friendly stall holders, NightQuarter is an enjoyable evening out.

NightQuarter has three main areas to sit and enjoy when little legs get tired. The Paddock features live music and well-stocked bar at the back of the arena and beanbags to laze on.

For those wanting to enjoy the micro-restaurants, Hawker Street is your go-to area with kids specialty stall Kidz Tucker located at the West entry. Don’t miss Crying Tiger’s Koo Maa – Slow cooked pork belly with rice and Asian greens in a delectable sauce. Those brave who are enough to try their chili dressing should grab a Freshly brewed Ice Tea from the Iced Tea Man. Priced at $5 you get a beautiful iced tea in a refillable glass jar. For those wanting something a little stronger, grab a Jinja Ninja Alcoholic Ginger Beer or Sauvignon Blanc from the Sirromet Drinks Van. At the East Entry of Hawker Street is a kids play area and change facilities. This is a great central location of the market that is suitable for the whole family.

Tapas Street features some great street-food vans but requires children to have adult supervision as it is a bar area for adult enjoyment. Leave this area to an adults-only date night event and kick back in one of the many other child-friendly areas of the market.

Deserts and treats are where it is! From Donuts to Sweets on a stick from Sticky Dee’s to a mountainous funnel cake from World Famous Funnel Cakes, the kids will be spoilt for choice. For those wanting to enjoy some desert without the guilt, check our Nude Sisters Food. Vegan and Raw friendly, you wouldn’t believe their beautiful creations could be so healthy!

For the littlies, they’ll be delighted with a Dippin’ Dots Icecream cup. Located near the entry/exit of NightQuarter it’s a great last stop before heading home to bed!

Pro-Tips:

  • NightQuarter can start to get busy from 6.30pm, so get in early from 4pm to enjoy the market, music and food without the crowds.
  • Most Stallholders have cash only facilities. ATMs are located just inside the entry gates.
  • Change Facilities are located in Back Street next to the Kids Play Area. There is a change table, microwave and toddler toilet area, but space is limited as it is set up in a shipping container.

Open Friday and Saturdays from 4pm to 10pm, NightQuarter is an excellent night out for families. Entry is $3 and is FREE for under 12’s. Enjoy!

NightQuarter Market at Helensvale, Gold Coast Queensland
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Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, a publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children.  Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

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