Adelaide Central Markets

The Adelaide Central Market is one of Australia's largest fresh produce markets providing a wide range of fresh and multi-cultural products. It is also a popular tourist attraction in the heart of Adelaide and is often referred to as the Central Market. The Central Market sells a wide variety of goods, including fruit & vegetables, meat & seafood, cafes, breads and much more. It has a vibrant atmosphere and is one of Adelaide's best-known landmarks. It is also the most visited place in South Australia with approximately 8 million visitors per year.

The Market began in Grote Street in 1869 and was known as the City Markets, with its official opening by Mayor Judah Solomon on 22 January 1870. In 1869, land was bought in the present day location of the markets for £2600 for three town acres. However, the main markets at that time was the East End Markets that existed between Rundle Street and North Terrace. This market would equal the Adelaide Central Market until 1988.

Because of the overflow of the East End Markets, some traders moved to the Central Market. The structure of the building was constructed of wood and iron sheets and completed in June 1869. At its commencement, it opened on Tuesdays and Saturdays with 50 to 100 produce carts. Shops were built along the perimeter of the markets and facing the streets. In the early 1880s, fish supplies were scarce in Adelaide and had to be brought from Port Augusta and Port Pirie by rail.

Today the Central Markets are surrounded by the Central Market Arcade, Adelaide China Town, and Market Plaza. The 'centre' of the Central Markets is made up primarily of fresh produce stalls, with the perimeter and arcade shops being mainly cafés, restaurants, and variety stores.

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