At a glance
- When
- Every Sunday, 6am to 11:30am
- Where
- HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
- Parking
- Free and unrestricted before 9am; 4 hours free from 9am if you enter your registration
- Ferry
- Hopo reaches HOTA from 9:23am; the early Sunday express ended 7 December 2025
- Walking
- About 20 minutes from Surfers Paradise via Chevron Island
- Help
- Translink 13 12 30
The HOTA Farmers & Artisan Markets run every Sunday from 6am to 11:30am at HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise. Parking is free and unrestricted before 9am, and HOTA says parking can be limited during the markets, so it suggests public transport or a ride-share.
The Hopo ferry now reaches HOTA at 9:23am at the earliest. The early Sunday HOTA Express ferry stopped on 7 December 2025, although some listings online still show it.
When and where are the HOTA Markets?
HOTA’s precinct page lists the markets every Sunday from 6am to 11:30am, coordinated by Goodwill Projects. It describes in-season farm-fresh produce, artisan food, boutique fashion and handcrafted wares beside the lake. The HOTA Café is open daily from early morning, and HOTA’s suggested morning itinerary has the Saturday Parkrun at 7am, a coffee at 8am and the markets at 8:30am. The Parkrun is a separate event held on Saturdays, not Sundays.
Where can I park for the markets?
| When you park | What the City of Gold Coast and HOTA say |
|---|---|
| Before 9am | Free and unrestricted |
| 9am to 7pm, up to 4 hours | Free, if you enter your vehicle registration at the parking meter on arrival |
| 9am to 7pm, over 4 hours | Flat day rate: $8.40 on the City’s page, $8.00 on HOTA’s page |
Because the markets run until 11:30am, anyone arriving after 9am should enter their registration to redeem the free 4 hours, since a vehicle may be fined if the registration is not entered on arrival, according to the City. The two sources differ on the day rate, and on whether parking is free on public holidays, so check the signs and the meter. Our HOTA parking guide explains the difference and how to pay.
HOTA says there are almost 900 spaces across the precinct, and that parking can be limited during major events, festivals and the HOTA Markets. In those cases it encourages public transport or ride-share.
Can I get there by tram, ferry or on foot?
- G:link: ride to Surfers Paradise and walk across Chevron Island. HOTA puts this at about a 20 minute walk. Timetables and fares are on ridetheg.com.au.
- Ride-share: HOTA suggests being dropped off on Chevron Island, then walking from Thomas Drive across the HOTA Green Bridge into the precinct. Drop-off points at HOTA are limited and can get busy around event times.
- Walking and cycling: the HOTA Green Bridge connects the precinct directly to Chevron Island. The City of Gold Coast has e-bikes for hire around the city.
- Buses: Translink connects HOTA to the rest of the Gold Coast; call 13 12 30 for ticket information.
Does the Hopo ferry run to the markets?
Yes, but not early. Hopo’s timetable shows two ferries running seven days a week from 9:15am to 6:05pm. The first Surfers Paradise departure is at 9:15am and reaches HOTA at 9:23am; the next arrivals at HOTA are at 10:23am and 11:23am. Return ferries leave HOTA for Surfers Paradise from 10:57am, then hourly. The early Sunday HOTA Express between 7am and 10am no longer runs, so Hopo’s own pages say normal HOTA services start at 9:15am daily.
HOTA’s Getting Here page still lists the ferry as an option, so use Hopo’s timetable rather than older listings, and check the times on the day. Fares are not listed on the timetable page.
What else is at HOTA on a Sunday morning?
HOTA lists a free self-guided outdoor sculpture walk through the precinct, and Evandale Lake, which is open 24 hours a day, with a 677 metre loop, showers and bathrooms. HOTA Gallery has its own opening hours, and HOTA describes the gallery as opening at 10am in its suggested itinerary. The shop is open daily from 10am to 4pm.
Where can I eat after the markets?
HOTA lists three places to eat and drink in the precinct. HOTA Cafe is open daily from early morning and serves coffee, fresh snacks and light meals. Palette Restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine made from local and seasonal produce, with views of the lake. The Exhibitionist Bar offers a wine list, craft cocktails and light bites overlooking the precinct. HOTA does not say whether Palette or the bar open on Sunday mornings, so check their pages before you plan brunch around them.
What is the HOTA Green Bridge and the Outdoor Stage?
The pedestrian and cycle bridge is 130 metres long and crosses the Nerang River to Chevron Island’s shops and restaurants. It has informal seating and, according to HOTA, space for a pop-up food cart or performers. The Outdoor Stage is an amphitheatre-style venue with a capacity of up to 5,000, and its green roof is a public Adventure Trail with views of the Surfers Paradise skyline. HOTA says the markets are held beside the lake.
More guides: Gold Coast parking guide
Sources
- HOTA — Local markets and precinct (checked 17 October 2026)
- HOTA — Getting here
- Hopo — Timetable
- Hopo — HOTA Express (service ended 7 December 2025)
- City of Gold Coast — HOTA Precinct Carpark
Featured image: HOTA Gallery entrance, Surfers Paradise (photo: Kgbo / CC BY-SA 4.0) (text added)
OZ Local Updates is an independent local guide and is not affiliated with HOTA, Goodwill Projects, Hopo, the City of Gold Coast or Translink. Times and conditions can change; check the official pages before you go.