🟡 The ultimate guide to MNC markets in Feb
Including: An encounter with two rarely seen dolphin species.
Ellie Chamberlain
February 06, 2026
⏱️ The 94th edition of our newsletter is a five-minute read.
👋 Hi there, it’s Ellie – your Mid North Coaster reporter.
➡️ Remember, if you ever want to get in touch to send in a pic, or a story tip, some feedback or perhaps to simply say hi, just reply to this email and I’ll be on the other side.
Quick clarification: We got a little ahead of ourselves when reporting on veterans living on the Mid North Coast. We attempted to refer to a NSW Government Veteran landscape snapshot of ABS census 2021 data, but as it turns out there are not 65,000 veterans living in Coffs Harbour LGA. According to the Minister for Veteran’s Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh, there are about 2,000 veterans living in Coffs Harbour.
📧 Yesterday, I received an email from a Mid North Coaster reader telling me how much her and her husband love local markets. They’ve been in the area for a short while and only know of South West Rocks Beachside markets. Lynda asked if I could possibly create a list of other markets happening across the region.
Drum roll, please.
Below you’ll find my ultimate guide of markets happening in February, from Sawtell to Old Bar, including grower’s, twilight, and community markets.
In today’s newsletter we’ll also check out some stunning shots of two rarely seen dolphin species a local photographer recently snapped off the coast of Port Macquarie.
Plus our first Where is this on the Mid North Coast video of the year. Make sure you click on the video to have a guess.
Let’s crack in…
🐬 An encounter with two rarely seen dolphin species off the coast of Port Macquarie
What happened: Port Macquarie’s Jodie Lowe has been photographing whales and dolphins since 2012. Last month, she captured a special sight: pods of Pantropical Spotted Dolphins and Risso’s Dolphins.
The Pantropical Spotted Dolphin sighting was a first for the marine animal photographer, and it was the first time Lowe had seen Risso’s Dolphins in Australian waters.
About the dolphins: Risso’s Dolphins are blunt-headed animals without a distinct beak and have a deep crease that runs up the forehead. What really stands out is the squiggly scarring on their skin.
“The white markings on their bodies are scarring from teeth raking, often a result of social interactions and conflicts with other Risso's,” Lowe said.
“They were super relaxed around us, lifting their heads up high to take in their surroundings.”
Risso’s Dolphins in Port Macquarie waters. Image: Jodie Lowe, with permission.
Pantro-what-ical? The slender, streamlined Pantropical Spotted Dolphins are born without their distinct spots - that look almost like sparkles – and develop them later in their adulthood.
Pantropical Spotted Dolphins are often seen with other dolphins and, on January 29, they were spotted swimming alongside a pod of Risso’s in waters off Port Macquarie.
Lowe described them as “much smaller in comparison”.
The maximum weight of Pantropical Spotted Dolphins is 119 kg while Risso’s can weigh more than 230kg.
Pantropical Spotted Dolphins can swim rapidly and are often very acrobatic, leaping high into the air; something Lowe was lucky enough to not only see, but capture.
The Pantropical Spotted Dolphin is known to be acrobatic. Image: Jodie Lowe, with permission.
According to the NSW Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), both species are not well surveyed in Australian waters with limited sighting data recorded and there is no reliable estimate for population numbers in Australia.
👩🌾 👗🥦🥐 Farmers and community markets happening across the Mid North Coast in February
Looking to buy locally-grown fresh fruit and vegetables?
Does supporting makers and bakers from the region give you a good feeling?
Do you enjoy a bit of live music outdoors on the weekend, and perhaps a cheeky food-truck visit?
If so, our little slice of paradise is the perfect place for you.
Our beach and river-side market sites are a great place to spend your weekend with friends and family, and the weekly fresh produce events will keep your fridge healthy – and you.
Not to mention twilight markets in summer.
Here’s our guide to Mid North Coast markets throughout the month of February so you can snag a second-hand bargain, introduce yet another plant to your home, and stock up on hand-made gifts.
Did we miss something? Reply to this email with the details.
🟡 Woolgoolga Beach Markets
This seaside community market organised by the local Marine Rescue is held every second Saturday. Stalls offer art, craft, fresh produce and street food, and you can enjoy live music by the beach.
🗓️ Saturday 14 and 28, February.
📍 Woolgoogla Beach Reserve
🟡 Coffs Coast Growers Markets
Held every week on Thursdays from 8am to 2:30pm, this market offers fresh local produce, artisanal foods, plants and more.
🗓️ 5, 12, 19 and 26 February.
📍 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour
🟡 Harbourside Markets, Coffs Harbour
Fashion, food vendors, homewares, art, crafts, plants and more, this market on the Jetty Foreshore supports local growers and makers and is held every Sunday.
🗓️ 1, 8, 15, and 22 February.
📍 Jetty Foreshore, Coffs Harbour
🟡 Sawtell Community Markets
Held on the fourth Saturday of the month, this outdoor market features stalls with arts, crafts, produce and food.
🗓️ Saturday 28, February
📍First Avenue Market Grounds, Sawtell
🟡 Dorrigo Community Markets
On the first Saturday of every month there’s a community market hosted at Dorrigo Showground.
🗓️Saturday 7, February
📍Dorrigo Showground
🟡 Bellingen Community Markets
Bellingen Community Markets is one of the region’s largest monthly markets. It’s held on the third Saturday of the month, focusing on handmade, recycled goods, crafts, food and produce, and includes live music.
🗓️ Saturday 21, February.
📍 Market Park, Church Street, Bellingen
🟡 Bellingen Growers Markets
Bellingen Growers Markets is held on the mornings of the first, second and fourth Saturdays of the month.
The growers market provides local produce, baked goods, plants, crafts, second-hand clothing and books, with live entertainment between 7.30am and 11.30am.
🗓️ 7, 14, and 28 February.
📍 Bellingen Showgrounds, Corner Black and Hammond Street.
🟡 Urunga Riverside Markets
This market happens every second Sunday beside the Kalang and Bellinger Rivers offering crafts, produce, food and live music between 8am and 1pm.
🗓️ 8 and 22 February.
📍 Morgo Street Reserve, Urunga
🟡 Valla Beach Community Markets
Valla Beach Community Markets are held on the first Saturday of February, April, June, August, October and December from 8am until 1pm.
The market is dog-friendly and includes live music. Stalls offer clothing, plants, local produce, art and craft, food vendors.
🗓️ Saturday 7, February.
📍 Ocean View Drive, Valla Beach
🟡 Bowra Country Market, Bowraville
These markets are held on the second Saturday of every month with plants, vegetables, flowers and bric-a-brac up for grabs.
🗓️ Satuday 14, February.
📍Pioneer Community Centre, Bowraville
🟡 Nambucca Heads Farmers Market
Held every Thursday between 4pm and 8pm, these farmers markets offer fresh produce and artisanal goods.
🗓️ 5, 12, 19 and 26 February.
📍Gordon Park, Nambucca Heads
🟡 Scotts Head Farmer Market
Held every second Sunday from 8am to 11am, find locally-grown organic produce, eggs, honey, jams and relish. Enjoy live music and taking home some sweet treats.
🗓️ 8 and 22 February.
📍Village Green, Scotts Head
🟡 Eungai Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning from 9am to noon you can find chemical-free fruit and veg, lots of baked goods, chutneys and more. Enjoy live music during the morning.
🗓️ 7, 14, 21 and 28 February.
📍Eungai Creek District Soldiers Memorial Hall
🟡 Funkya@Unkya Market, Eungai Creek
The market supports local and sustainable practices. It is a plastic bag free market and items sold at stalls must be locally produced or “quality recycled” items. On offer is food, hand-made products, arts and crafts. The market features live music and a kids playground on site.
Funkya@Unkya market is held on the last Sunday of the month in February, April, June, August and October, and the first Sunday in December, from 8am to 1pm.
🗓️ Sunday 22, February.
📍Unkya Reserve, Eungai Creek Road, Eungai Creek
🟡 Gladstone Quality Markets
These markets are held every third Sunday along the Macleay River, featuring local art, craft, produce, food, with live music and a kids playground.
🗓️ Sunday 15, February.
📍Kinchela St on the riverbank, Gladstone
The Gladstone markets are held on the third Sunday of every month.
🟡 Kempsey Riverside Markets
On the first Saturday of every month, this market on the banks of the Macleay River offers farm produce, plants, handmade crafts, and food vendors, as well as live entertainment and a kids playground on site.
🗓️ Saturday 7, February.
📍Riverside Park, Eden St, Kempsey
🟡 Sherwood Markets
Held at Sherwood Hall, from 8am to 1pm, this market happens three times a year. Check the Sherwood Hall Facebook page for upcoming dates.
🗓️ Sunday 22, February
📍Sherwood Hall, Sherwood
🟡 South West Rocks Beachside Markets
Every second Saturday of the month, these markets at Horseshoe Bay include local produce, homemade products, art and clothing. The market runs from 8am to 1pm and often has live music, with beaches and a playground across the road.
🗓️ Saturday 14, February
📍Reserve at Horseshoe Bay, South West Rocks
🟡 Crescent Head Community Markets
Held on the second Sunday of the month, these community markets on the foreshore at Crescent Head support local growers and makers, and offer second-hand goods. Close to the Holiday Park, with the playground and Surf Reserve across the road.
🗓️ Sunday 8, February
📍 Crescent Head Foreshore Reserve, Crescent Head
🟡 Port Macquarie Real Food Markets
Every Tuesday from noon to 5:30pm you can find locally grown fruit and vegetables, fresh eggs, plants and flowers, and baked goods outside Port Central shopping centre.
🗓️ 3, 10, 17 and 24 February
📍 Port Central forecourt, Hay St
Every Tuesday outside Port Central you’ll find the Real Food Markets in Port Macquarie.
🟡 Port Macquarie Foreshore Markets
On the second Saturday of the month, from 9am to 2pm, handmade arts, crafts, clothing and jewellery are all on offer at Westport Park, alongside gourmet food, locally grown produce, flowers, second-hand and vintage clothing.
🗓️ Saturday 14, February
📍Westport Park
🟡 Summer Twilight Market, Port Macquarie
The community is invited to an evening celebrating local makers and artists. Enjoy live music and food stalls, and support local business as the sun sets at Roto House.
🗓️Saturday, February 21, 5pm - 8pm
📍Roto House, Port Macquarie
🟡 Hastings Long Lunch & Markets
Gather with friends, family and community at the long communal tables. There will be food trucks, live music, market stalls and kids activities including face painting.
🗓️ Saturday 21, February, 11am - 4pm
📍Hastings St, Wauchope
🟡 Wauchope Farmers Market
On the fourth Saturday between 8am to 12pm, find organic produce, farm fresh eggs, homemade jams, honey, woodwork, plants and more at the Wauchope Showground.
🗓️ Saturday 28, February
📍Wauchope Showground, High St
🟡 Laurieton Riverwalk Market
Markets by the Camden Haven River are held on the third Sunday of the month.
Stalls sell local crafts, clothing, fresh produce, veggies, plants, bric-a-brac and collectibles. The markets often have live music.
🗓️ Sunday 15, February
📍Bruce Porter Reserve, Laurieton
🟡 Kendall Showground Markets
These showground markets in Kendall are held on the first Sunday of each month from 8am until noon. On offer are flowers, hand-made products, local honey, plants, jewellery and more.
🗓️ Sunday 8, February
📍23 Batar Creek Road , Kendall
🟡 Old Bar Community Markets
These community markets in Old Bar are held on the fourth Sunday of each month from 8am or 9am until noon or 1pm. The markets are pet-friendly, but must be on a lead. You will find fresh produce, baked goods, second-hand clothing, food trucks and more.
🗓️ Sunday 22, February
📍 Skatepark on Old Bar Rd, Old Bar
🟡 Wingham Farmers’ Markets
At these farmers’ markets you’ll find local producers selling what they have grown and made, plus great gift ideas and face painting.
🗓️ Saturday 7, February
📍Wingham Baptist Church Grounds
❓ Where is this on the Mid North Coast?
What do you think? Click on the video to include your guess.
That’s all for now
Thanks for reading! I’ll be back next week with more newsletters and local news.
Make sure you’re following along on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and our website to keep up to date.
Have a lovely weekend,
Ellie