Warrandyte Riverside Market draws crowds to the Yarra River

The Warrandyte Riverside Market drew thousands of visitors and local residents to Stiggants Reserve along the Yarra River last Saturday, with around 180 stalls selling food, handmade goods and other products.

Greg Rowell, the market manager, said the Warrandyte Riverside Market stands out for its riverside location and community-run structure.

“The market winds along the Yarra River under tall eucalypts, giving it a distinctly bushland village feel that most urban markets can’t match,” he said.

“The Warrandyte Riverside Market has been running for more than 40 years,”Rowell Said. He added that the market typically hosts around 180 stalls, spanning homemade goods, fresh produce, plants, artisan crafts, and local food. And numbers have remained broadly consistent this year,”

A sign marks the entrance to the Warrandyte Riverside Market. *Photo by Zhuojun Cai*

Deanne, a craft maker, said she has been making hanging flying fairies since 1991 and regularly sells them at markets.

Handmade mermaid ornaments are displayed at Deanne’s stall. *Photo by Shumin He*

Handmade fairy figurines rest on a wooden display at Deanne’s stall at the Warrandyte Riverside Market. *Photo by Shumin He*

“Many people who come here don’t actually live nearby,” she said. “Some even travel from other parts of Melbourne just to visit the market.”

Another stallholder Kite, who selling seaweed snacks, said her products are handmade in her own kitchen.

Homemade seaweed crisps in a variety of flavours are displayed at kite's stall. *Photo by Shumin He*

She explained that the stall also operates as a small social enterprise.

“The income from the stall is mainly used to support charity projects, such as providing food and assistance to disadvantaged communities.”she said.

In addition to shopping and food, live music also adds to the lively atmosphere of the market.

Anthony, a busker performing at the market, said the thing he enjoys most is the unexpected conversations with visitors.

Street performer Anthony performs guitar at the market. *Photo by Shumin He*

“I really enjoy these random conversations. They don’t happen at some private gigs I’ve played,” he said. “Many visitors come up to ask about songs or just have a chat.”

He added that after performing at the market for ten years, he has come to know many regular families and has even watched some children grow up over time.

Rowell said It is not only a place for shopping but also an important space for community interaction.

He said profits from the market are reinvested into the community through grants and sponsorships to support local organisations and community initiatives. The market also brings visitors to Warrandyte’s shops and cafés, contributing to the local economy.

A vendor sells tanghulu, a traditional Chinese candied fruit snack, at the market. *Photo by Zhuojun Cai*

Homemade tanghulu made by the vendor and his friend is displayed, featuring flavours such as strawberry and grape. *Photo by Shumin He*

Despite its popularity, Rowell said the market still faces several challenges, including changing weather conditions, bushfire risks and limited road and parking capacity in the township.

The Warrandyte Riverside Market is held on the first Saturday of every month, except January, and has become a regular weekend activity for many local residents and visitors. It is now managed by several community organisations, including Rotary, Lions, the Warrandyte Community Association, the Warrandyte Community Church, Donvale Bowls Club and the North Warrandyte CFA, operating under licence from Manningham Council.