Blak Markets at Bare Island 2023

Overview

Spend a day immersed in Aboriginal culture and wander around the usually tour-only Bare Island at the latest edition of Blak Markets. Thanks to First Hands Solution Corporation and Randwick City Council, the single-day festival returns to Bidjigal Country for its next instalment on Sunday, August 6, which will feature the works of Indigenous artists, designers and small businesses.

Here, you'll find a variety of handcrafted items, alongside homemade baked goods showcasing Indigenous flavours and ingredients, and top-notch skincare products and native plants from IndigiGrow.

The lively markets will take over the island from 10am until 3pm — officially kicking off at 11am with a traditional welcome by Aunty Barb Simms and a smoking ceremony from First Hands Solutions CEO Peter Cooley.

Destination NSW

After that, you'll be treated to a cornucopia of bush tucker accompanied by performances from the likes of Cowra's Dinawan's Connection and Dubbo's Isaac Compton. Among the stalls, there'll be a plethora of Aboriginal art and design, as well as jewellery, woodwork and woven goods — plus, Indigenous treats and spices to trial or take home. And, you can opt to get hands-on by signing up to the weaving workshop that'll run throughout the day.

Access to Bare Island is usually restricted to tour groups, so this is also a special opportunity to wander around freely while supporting a great cause, shopping ethically and learning from Indigenous creators and sellers. Admission for adults sits at the low price of $2.50, and children under five can head along for free.

If you don't mind the cooler weather, take your snorkel — we reckon it's one of the prettiest underwater spots in Sydney.