very disappointing experience. Few stalls that offer fresh produce, more frustratingly is that we have a local organic grower on our doorstep who travels to Melbourne to sell their produce instead. Overall it is a sad affair and desperately in need of a lift.

Stawell Farmers Market is held on the last Sunday in the month 9am – 1 pm, except December by Stawell Agricultural Society Inc.
If you know to leave the Western Highway and drive into Stawell on London Road the venue is relatively easy to find although it is not well sign posted.

Like other farmers markets I have visited the concept of local seems a bit stretchy, apparently encompassing anywhere in Victoria. Be that as it may, this particular market fails to attract stallholders. There is a deficiency of variety and number which always disappoints me.

I would like to support local farmers but often there has been no point driving all the way to Stawell. There are reliable honey producers who are reasonably priced and the organic food stall, but they alone aren't enough, especially when I was ripped off by someone who sold me a “dormant” fig tree – it proved to be dead. With a normal shop I would have the option to go back and complain in the spring when my tree did not grow but with no knowledge of even the name of the person who sold me the dud, I am sunk. So, buyer beware.

And, don't arrive a quarter hour before closing time because like me you might find most sellers have packed, or are in the process of packing, to leave.
I got the impression their hearts are just not in it. Even the glossy advertising flyers available at the tourist information centre Ararat are last year's.