It’s not just shopping — it’s a three-day design pilgrimage. The Big Design Market rolls into Sydney and Melbourne with a line-up that turns browsing into an art form. Imagine 230+ of Australia’s sharpest independent designers crammed under one roof, each stall overflowing with things you didn’t know you needed until you laid eyes on them: hand-thrown ceramics, bespoke jewellery, limited-run prints, textiles you’ll want to wrap yourself in, and tech accessories that make your current gear look prehistoric. Add food from cult local tastemakers, creative kids’ activities, and enough space to actually stop and chat without feeling like you’re in a mosh pit, and you’ve got a shopping event that’s more like a festival. Two cities, three days each, one unapologetically big design party.
Locations
Sydney / Gadigal
Venue: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh NSW 2015
Dates: Friday 19 September – Sunday 21 September 2025
Times: Fri 11am–8pm, Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 9am–5pm
Website: sydney.thebigdesignmarket.com
Melbourne / Naarm
Venue: Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton VIC 3053
Dates: Friday 28 November – Sunday 30 November 2025
Times: Fri 10am–9pm, Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 10am–5pm
Website: melbourne.thebigdesignmarket.com
Price
Adults: $8 + booking fee (cashless entry)
Kids 12 years & under: Free
Tickets available online and at the door (credit/debit card only).
The BioHax Take
Design markets are usually polite affairs: a handful of ceramicists, a cheese toastie truck, and someone weaving baskets in the corner. The Big Design Market is not that. This is the Olympics of independent design — sprawling aisles of curated talent where every stall feels like stumbling into an Etsy fever dream, but IRL and way cooler. It’s where Melbourne’s cult illustrators share space with Sydney’s homeware disruptors, and where “sustainable” isn’t a marketing pitch but baked into the DNA of the goods on offer. Come for the showbags (200 only, worth six times what you pay), stay for the chance to brag that you scored your Christmas presents before December. It’s design shopping without the snooze button.
Who It’s For
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Gift hunters who refuse to do the last-minute panic shop
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Design snobs who know their ceramics from their stoneware
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Parents who want to shop without dragging bored kids around
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Food lovers who treat shopping breaks as snacking opportunities
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Culture vultures chasing what’s next in Australian creativity
What’s On Offer
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230+ Designers & Makers — homewares, fashion, jewellery, ceramics, textiles, stationery, art prints, kids’ toys, and tech accessories.
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Unique Gifts — limited editions and one-of-a-kind designs for the hard-to-buy-for.
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Food & Drink — curated line-up of cult local food and beverage names serving up festival-worthy eats.
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Kids’ Activities — a dedicated play space with colouring-in, creative workshops, and calming activities.
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Showbags — $25 each, packed with $155+ of design pieces (limited release of 200).
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Prizes — giveaways totalling $1,300 from standout exhibitors.
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Guest Artist Installations — immersive large-scale artwork bringing the venue to life.
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All-Weather Event — fully indoors, so the design fever goes ahead rain, hail, or shine.
Sustainability Snapshot
The Big Design Market champions sustainable design and ethical production. Many exhibitors prioritise local manufacturing, recycled materials, and small-batch production. The event itself is cashless and streamlined for minimal waste, with exhibitors encouraged to use eco-friendly packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is The Big Design Market Sydney 2025?
Friday 19 to Sunday 21 September 2025 at Carriageworks, Eveleigh.
When is The Big Design Market Melbourne 2025?
Friday 28 to Sunday 30 November 2025 at the Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton.
What are the opening hours?
Sydney: Fri 11am–8pm, Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 9am–5pm. Melbourne: Fri 10am–9pm, Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 10am–5pm.
How much does entry cost?
Adults $8 including GST and booking fee. Kids 12 and under free.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Yes, but entry is cashless. Credit/debit cards only.
Do exhibitors take cash?
Most accept EFTPOS and credit cards. Some may choose to accept cash at their discretion.
Is The Big Design Market family-friendly?
Yes. Both venues have a dedicated kids’ area with creative activities, plus a Parents Lounge with feeding and change facilities.
What activities are available for kids?
Colouring-in, creative play tables, calm activities, and a dedicated play zone to keep kids occupied while parents shop.
Are food and drinks available?
Yes, a curated line-up of food and beverage stalls from local tastemakers is located near the kids’ area and in central dining zones.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, you can, but most people opt for the food vendors inside.
What’s in the showbags?
Limited-edition $25 showbags with $155+ worth of design products. Only 200 available, with a two-per-person limit.
When can I buy showbags?
Friday only, while stock lasts.
Are there competitions or prizes?
Yes, visitors can win over $1,300 in design prizes by scanning the event QR code on-site.
Is there a guest artist or installation this year?
Yes. Each year features a large-scale design installation. In 2025, Emma Morgan brings her vibrant watercolours celebrating native flora and fauna.
Are pets allowed?
No, as the events are indoors.
Is the event accessible?
Yes, both venues are fully wheelchair accessible with dedicated accessible toilets.
How do I get to Carriageworks (Sydney)?
By train: walk from Redfern (8 mins), Macdonaldtown (10 mins), or Newtown (15 mins). By bus: Routes 422, 423, 426, 428, 370, 352 stop nearby. Limited parking available, cycling encouraged.
How do I get to the Royal Exhibition Building (Melbourne)?
By tram: Route 86 or 96 to Museum stop. By train: Parliament or Melbourne Central stations within walking distance. Parking available at Melbourne Museum car park.
Is there bike parking?
Yes, bike racks are available at both venues.
Is The Big Design Market an all-weather event?
Yes, both Sydney and Melbourne are fully indoors.
Will there be queues?
Doors can have short queues at opening, but they move quickly thanks to multiple ticketing points.
What payment methods are accepted?
Cashless entry; exhibitors mostly accept cards. Some may accept cash, but it’s rare.
What types of products can I expect?
Homewares, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, stationery, kids’ toys, fashion, tech accessories, art prints, limited-edition design pieces, and more.
Is sustainability part of the market?
Yes, many exhibitors focus on sustainable production, small-batch runs, recycled materials, and eco packaging.
Can I apply as an exhibitor or food vendor?
Yes, exhibitor applications open annually. Check The Big Design Market’s official site for dates.
Can I leave and re-enter on the same day?
Yes, re-entry is permitted with a valid ticket/wristband.
Do I need to book kids’ activities in advance?
No, they’re free and available throughout the day.
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Article originally published: 18 September 2025, by Editor
