I have a bit of a bone to pick the Finders Keepers Markets. WHY ARE THEY ONLY BIANNUAL? It's such a…read moretease! They move into the Old Museum twice a year, flaunt their gorgeous bits and pieces in our faces and then choof off until 6 months later. It's not fair. But I will forgive them. And no doubt I will spend all my pay at the next markets they bring up to our fine city. I've been lucky enough to go to these markets 3 times, the first time was the first market they've held in Brisbane. It's amazing how much the word has spread! This market is specifically for Australian made arts and crafts and I can't even cope with the overflow of gorgeous that Finders Keepers has to offer. Handmade jewelry and clothing, home wares, leather goods, stationery, art prints and more! The reason I keep coming back (despite the crowds) is not just to peruse the clever creators and the fun things they sell, it's because you can make a whole day out of it. The lawn at the back of the Old Museum gets filled with delicious food stalls, and local bands provide the entertainment when you need a reprieve from the stall-madness! I would definitely suggest preparing your wallet for the blow it may receive, because so much of the stock is hard to say no to. If you're organised enough, save your pennies and do your Christmas shopping at Finders Keepers. The Winter market is usually held around June/July and the Summer market in October/November.

Finders Keepers is like a fairy land for the arty and crafty. There's pom poms, bunting, jewellery,…read moreclothes, linen, books, stationary... anything a hipster/ nerd/ fashonista could need. It's a really good way to get some inspiration, pick up some unique gifts and meet some of our very talented Australian artists. Some of my favourite stalls included one that made bed linen that turned your bed into a block of chocolate, the Frankie stall (fairy floss and vintage pillow cases, hello), Pannikin (the cutest but not too girly accessories on earth) and Paper Boat Press. It's worth visiting the Finders Keepers website and looking up the stall-holders etsy shops to see the awesome stuff that was on display. If you make it in person next year, my top tips are to bring lots of cash (there is an ATM but the line and the fees are stupid high) and be prepared to take a while. There is lots to see and lots of people to try and see around.

The Collective Markets are touted as "the place" to find the perfect souvenir. I disagree. Not…read moremany handmade items. Lots of dresses and items purchased from South Asia --fast fashion. I bought nothing and had looked through every booth in 40 minutes. The location is superb. Gorgeous Southbank with nice ferry stops make it an easy place to access from other areas of the city. Markets are only held on certain weekends so check the calendar. If you miss it, no big deal because the same stuff is in several stores.

I love these markets, especially at night with all the glittery lights on the stalls. It's so nice…read moreto be able to walk around south bank and then wander through these markets at a leisurely pace. They have all your usual market stalls here, from knick knacks to food, art to iced tea. Plus you can't go wrong with a Choc centered banana for the kids or kid at heart. The fact that they are located in between all the shops is a plus for me because you can meander from shop to stall and back again. Some stalls are a little pricey compared to other markets so keep that in mind.

On Saturdays, the Pine Rivers Showground comes alive! A buzzing hive of activity as community…read moremembers gather from all over the region to trade their bric-a-brac and make a buck! This place is worth a visit. Definitely not your upper-class type of market the Strathpine Flea Market is full of all kinds of colourful characters selling all types of weird and wonderful things. You will find local farmers selling fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers (you can get beautiful gerbera's for 30c each!), exotic food stalls, farm equipment, clothing stalls, health and beauty services, and pets! There are loads of one off stalls to, it's just like going to 10 garage sales at one! The best thing is everyone is willing to barter so you are bound to pick up a bargain!

Starts at 4pm Live Music - major variety of food - Aussie,…read moreThai, Korean BBQ, Hungarian, Tibetan, Malay, Belgian Waffles- if you can think of it it's there. $2 per adult to enter It is just plain great. Great place for friends and also for family. Daughter had a birthday get together here for teen friends and had great fun - food, drink and entertainment - band was good. Luv it!!

From the owner: Fresh produce & hidden gems open very Sunday 6am-12pm…read moreParking is free. Market entry $2, children under 16 free. Sorry, no pets.

Best Popcorn Around, the Salted Caramel is Amazing!! Great customer service and free samples of all…read morethe flavours. Oh they are all gluten free too!!

NightQuarter is a Shipping Container City, open only on Friday or Saturday night from 4pm till…read more10pm. Entry is $3, free if you are under 12 years old. Over 120 specialty shops, lots of food stalls , live music also a playground for the children

If only I could own a house on this, the coolest lane in all of BrisVegas, I'd be blissfully…read morecontent residing amongst all the deeply stylish boutiques, and the laid back hipsters who hang out here. I love: the astro turf the vibe (easy going and relaxed with a community feel - everyone knows everyone else) the fact that it's clearly the new hub of creativity for Brisbane. the boutiques (Ash to Gold, Ruby and Prankster, EP, Sunday Social) Flamingo Cafe (any place where you can sit on a plastic corn on the cob is a winner with me) the laneway market on the first Saturday of every month. Winn Lane, I heart you hard.

Oh the whimsy of Winn Lane! What is not to love about this place? Made up of a selection of…read moreadorable shops, a great cafe, a new little salon and the back of one of the most celebrated music venues in Brisbane, Winn Lane basically kicks ass. I took a friend of mine from Melbourne to Winn Lane recently when she was visiting and, to my delight, she said it's one of her favourite spots in Brisbane. The food at Flamingo cafe offers some sustenance while you mill around the gorgeous shops and find the most unnecessary of items! The main thing I love about Winn Lane though is that it has gone from being one or two small businesses, to growing into a hub of tropical Brisbane goodness, and it's happened organically without the help of the Council or any third party. Winn Lane is a little hideaway and haven in what can be the pretty weird-tastic neighbourhood of Fortitude Valley. It's as close to a physical "happy place" as I've found. Cue animated blue birds and She & Him music!