ABOUT BRISBANE MARKETS

Discover Queenland's only central market.

QUEENSLAND’S HEART
OF FRESH PRODUCE

Brisbane Markets is located in Rocklea, just 11 kilometres south-west of the Brisbane CBD.

It is made up of three different markets which are located at 385 Sherwood Road, Rocklea: the Brisbane Produce Market, the Brisbane Flower Market and the Saturday Fresh Market. There is also a Commercial Centre, servicing the Markets and the surrounding Rocklea area.

As Queensland’s only central fruit and vegetable market, the Brisbane Produce Market is the state’s most important centre for the marketing and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables. It records annual trade in excess of 700 million kilograms of produce valued at more than $2 billion.

THE HISTORY OF BRISBANE MARKETS

Brisbane’s first Central Market began in 1868 in a Brisbane Municipal Council-built shed on the riverfront at Market, Charlotte and Eagle Streets. After years of poor patronage, it closed in 1881.

Four years later, in 1885, the Council opened the purpose-built Municipal Market in Roma Street, tucked beside the rail line and handy to the wharf area in the heart of the city.

However, by 1906, a group of unhappy Roma Street traders had created a rival market in Turbot Street, known as the Brisbane Fruit and Produce Exchange Ltd. Over the years, the two markets operated in competition, and their proximity created a city market precinct.

THE MOVE TO ROCKLEA

As the city grew, so did its congestion. This led to the State Government moving the Central Market to Rocklea in 1964, where the Brisbane Markets are located today.

On opening day, it comprised five buildings and a trading area covering just 14 hectares. However, the overall site totalled around 50 hectares. In 2002, prompted by industry, the Queensland Government agreed to sell the Brisbane Markets by an open tender process.

After a fierce bidding process, Landacq Limited, a public company comprising 150 predominantly industry-based shareholders, was the successful bidder, buying the then 72 hectare site for $74 million. The company subsequently changed its name to Brisbane Markets Limited.

VISIT OUR HISTORY ROOM

Today, the site has grown to 77 hectares with over 40 buildings and 150 businesses working on site. Each year, over 700 million kilograms of fresh produce valued at over $2 billion passing through the gates.

To find out more about the history of Central Markets in Brisbane, you can visit the The Arch Martin Brisbane Markets History Room, which is open from 7am to 3pm on Level 2 of the Fresh Centre at Brisbane Markets.

BRISBANE MARKETS LIMITED

Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) is the owner of the Brisbane Markets site and is responsible for its ongoing management and development.

BML’s mission is to provide infrastructure and services to facilitate the marketing and distribution of fresh produce, flowers and other ancillary products.

Brisbane Produce Market

The Brisbane Produce Market is Queensland’s only Central Market, home to over 50 wholesalers who receive fresh produce from over 7,000 growers and trade five days a week to more than 800 registered buyers.

Wholesalers at the Brisbane Produce Market represent a vital link in the supply chain which plays a significant role in determining the price paid by consumers for fresh produce. The Brisbane Produce Market allows wholesalers to compete with each other in one location, each trying to get the best price for the produce they sell.

A BETTER CHOICE!

‘A better choice!’ is the first national initiative designed to educate consumers about the quality, service and freshness of produce at their local fruit and vegetable shop.

The program supports more than 550 fruit and veg business owners across Australia who supply over half of the fresh produce sold each year. ‘A better choice!’ presents an opportunity for consumers to come together to help create a positive future for business owners, produce wholesalers and local growers who supply them.

Commercial Precinct

The Brisbane Markets Commercial Precinct offers a selection of retail and wellness services to the community of Rocklea.

With over 40 businesses and heaps of parking, you’re bound to find just what you’re looking for from our cafes, takeaway food stores, butchers, post office, organic products, professional services and a wide selection of health and wellbeing practices.

Brisbane Flower Market

The Brisbane Flower Market is Queensland’s largest hub for the wholesale and retail of fresh flowers.

Flowers are sourced from growers from around Australia and overseas, and sold to customers including florists, fruit shops, retail outlets and the general public by direct sale. Brisbane Flower Market wholesalers and florists are open for wholesale and retail orders six days a week.

Saturday Fresh Market

The Saturday Fresh Market in Rocklea is Brisbane’s biggest fresh food and lifestyle market.

With over 150 stalls bringing the freshest produce, gourmet foods, artisan crafts and a wide selection of plants to the community every weekend in our new all-weather venue, you’ll be blown away by the variety on offer.

ANNUAL events

Brisbane Markets annual events celebrate the the Brisbane Markets community.

Whether it be creating a safe work culture on site, raising money for charity or celebrating our acheivements, our events promote the Brisbane Markets to the horticulture industry and the wider community throughout Queensland.