Soak Up Some Summer Lovin at the Torquay Nightjar Market

Sometimes I feel like the Storm Hunter of markets. But if you ask me, hunting markets is much more entertaining than chasing storms...because you can buy shit. And you definitely don't get as wet. Most of my market discoveries are usually situated in some Brunswick laneway, a Northcote hall or an undercover car park in the city, however my recent explorations took me out of Melbourne to the singlet and thong wearing (I didn't say this Market-Hunting business was easy) town of Torquay. Perhaps the last place on Earth (After Frankston) that one would expect to find a cool night market filled with stalls, bustling with people and bursting with enough food vendours to feed everyone at the Australian Open.

Welcome to the Nightjar Market, located on the Spring Creek Reserve in the beachside town of Torquay. In it's third year, this market runs every Thursday night in January from 4 to 10 pm and offers the chance to enjoy the talents of local artists, crafters and live bands while soaking up the beautiful natural surrounds. Upon entering the market, I felt as though I was walking into some beach-side hippy-ster (a cross between hippy and hipster) convent. But in a good way, not in a 'no shower and must be vegan' kind of way. The place was packed with people covered in tattos and sporting dreadlocks, right through to families and dogs (note:very good location for cute baby and dog watching) and there were large groups of people spread out on the lawn chowing down on offerings of paella, vegetarian burgers and Turkish Gozleme. And, gee, wouldn't it be great to get a large plastic cup of cold and satisfying sangria on this hot night! What's that, The Nightjar Market has that too? I myself sampled the delicious Momos (no, that's not a Pokemon character), which are Tibetan steamed dumplings filled with either potato or a cheese and vegetable mixture. Man were they some moorish Momos....I think I just like saying that word. Momo.

There is lots of talent to be found amongst the vendors as you take a walk down Australia Made Lane and Artists Way (the market is broken up into separate and appropriately named streets), or perhaps you would prefer a meander up Designers Alley or Fair Trade Road. It's interesting that the location of a market can determine so much what's on display, for at The Nightjar, there is a slight movement for selling objects that are either recycled, organic and maybe just a little bit hippy. Henna anyone? There were a few stalls that particularly caught my attention. A jewellery stall (naturally) selling beautiful and elaborate feathered earrings from the brand Eye of Gaia, who specializes in unique and handcrafted feather accessories and hair extensions, which she will weave into your hair right at the market. Also of interest were the designs from Victoria Edgas, who creates amazing ethereal sterling silver jewellery (think Arwen from Lord of the Rings), as well as small and beautiful sculptures. There were stalls selling things from leather bound books and recycled home wares through to soy candles and old books that had been transformed into paper creations.

The amazing creations from Eye of Gaia

 The sculptures and jewellery by Victoria Edgars

With the mercury finally climbing, chances are you'll be wanting to head down beach way at some point, so why not make it to the lovely town of Torquay, where you can add a little culture to your sun baking schedule. The Nightjar Market really captures the feeling of Summer and the beach with it's chilled out music, laid back food and stalls selling hand crafted goods. If this is as good as it gets this summer, I will be a very happy (and dry) Market Hunter...even if people there were wearing thongs.