Farmers markets have become the new weekend activity de rigeur for zealous foodies. Cropping up in bunches, these urban incarnations of country life are a fine way to gain inspiration from seasonal produce, talk to local growers, and buy fresh from the land in atmospheric surrounds.

1. Ballarat Lakeside Farmers Market || Lake Wendouree. Wendouree Parade Ballarat. InSeasonMarkets.com.au

Take picturesque Lake Wendouree, over 50 boutique stalls and live entertainment and you have the makings of a great day out. Chose your organic local fruit and veg, aromatic herbs, deli-style produce, wine, free range poultry, and remarkably good coffee as you meander lakeside and sample sweet treats or score a sausage from the sizzle and take in live jazz.

When – Second and last Saturday of each month, 9am – 1pm

2. Caulfield Farmers Market || Corner of Neerim and Booran Road. Caulfield. InSeasonMarkets.com.au

We love this market for its lively personality as much as its commitment to Victorian-only freshness. Cuban, Latin and jazz sounds resonate through the stalls while artisan bread, honey, wine, jams, fresh flowers and plants complement the vast array of herbs, meats, fruits and vegetables. There’s also a free petting zoo for the young at heart.

When - Second Saturday of every month, 9am – 1pm

3. Fairfield Farmers Market || Wingrove Street Fairfield Primary School. InSeasonMarkets.com.au

If you prefer your organic market with lashings of sweets and condiments look no further. Olive oil, preserves, breads, pastries and cookies aplenty, with a substantial offering of quality fresh produce and a little daytime entertainment bring a veritable rural taste to this inner city market of over 40 stalls. Head to The Orange Ladies Fruit and Veg to take advantage of the current citrus season, and for a seriously ravishing rocky road see the sweet folk at Just Sweets Confectionery.

When – Third Saturday of the month, 9am – 1pm

4. Melbourne Showgrounds Farmers Market || Federation Hall Melbourne Showgrounds. MelbourneShowGroundsFarmers.com.au

Relatively new, this market has already achieved Victorian Farmers Market Association accreditation. An indoor/outdoor market, there is as much emphasis on ready-to-eat snacks as fresh seasonal produce, so arrive with an empty stomach and eat your way through a wonderfully healthy shopping expedition.

When - Every Sunday, 9am – 1pm

5. Slow Food Melbourne Farmers Market || Abbotsford Convent, St Heliers Street. Abbotsford. MFM.com.au

A testament to the slow food movement’s good, clean, fair philosophy, this city market hosts over 60 of Victoria’s finest producers. Saunter through Abbotsford Convent’s lush gardens and embrace slow food principles. Don’t forget your BYO sizeable shopper, you’ll need it for the mounds of healthy fruit and veg, free range meats, and irresistible handmade cheeses, breads and syrupy delicacies.

When - Fourth Saturday of every month, 8am – 1pm