Stall Classifications & Fee Changes
From the 1st of July 2026 we are making some changes to site classifications and fees. This is off the back of discussions and feedback across the almost 12-months we have been managing the markets.
Where do fees go?
- Whitsunday Regional Council Licence Fee and Turf Tax.
- Airlie Events market management fee.
- Advertising to land-based visitors and locals and related activities to increase non-cruise ship foot traffic.
- Sourcing additional opportunities for vendors.
- Chamber operational costs (signage, market promotional collateral, insurance, CRM, website), regular liaison with Council, and weekly vendor communications.
- Giving back to our community, with per-market contributions to the Great Barrier Reef Festival and the Chamber’s Community Fund (see below)
Site Classifications
Our markets operate across multiple frontages, and to help ensure a fair and balanced allocation of sites, Coconut Grove locations have been designated as premium sites. These sites naturally attract higher visibility due to their exposure to passing vehicle and pedestrian traffic along the Esplanade and Foreshore, as well as direct access to cruise ship visitors.
Premium Sites from 1 July are:
- A1-12, B1, D1-3, E1-3 (plus others added in the future along the E lots)
- F1-4 – Food/Coffee van sites
Standard Sites are:
- B2-32
- C1-30
New Fees
From 1 July, we will be increasing stall fees across all sites, below are the new prices and also the Market Vendor Members prices.
As a stallholder, if you join up for the Market Vendor Chamber Subscription ($99), and you attend markets regularly, you will save $600 (assuming 60 markets across the year) and your membership will pay for itself in 10 markets – that’s only three weeks of markets in high season!
PREMIUM SITE FEES
|
Stall Size |
Price (inclusive of Council’s turf tax) |
Chamber Market Vendor Member Rate |
|
3 x 3m |
$45 |
$35 |
|
3 x 6m |
$60 |
$50 |
|
6 x 3m |
$75 |
$65 |
|
6 x 6m |
$115 |
$105 |
STANDARD SITE FEES
|
Stall Size |
Price (inclusive of Council’s turf tax) |
Chamber Market Vendor Member Rate |
|
3 x 3m |
$40 |
$30 |
|
3 x 6m |
$55 |
$45 |
|
6 x 3m |
$65 |
$55 |
|
6 x 6m |
$100 |
$90 |
New Chamber Subscription
As discussed at the Town Hall meeting, we have introduced a dedicated Market Vendor Chamber Subscription to better support stallholders and strengthen connection with the wider business community.
Priced at $99 per year, this membership gives you access to business tools, resources, and education plus additional market benefits — including discounted stall fees and priority placement on Market social media and website.
If you choose to join the Chamber at a higher membership level, you will also continue to receive all Market Vendor benefits, plus expanded Chamber access, networking, and promotional opportunities.
Confirm and pay your membership preference by 30 June and you will automatically go into the draw to win a two-week advertising package on the Airlie Hill Billboard (landscape sign facing Airlie Beach).
Whitsundays Chamber Community Fund
We’ve been working behind the scenes to establish a dedicated Chamber initiative that ensures funds generated through our markets are reinvested back into the Whitsunday community.
Our markets are a major contributor to this fund, and something the sector can be genuinely proud of — directly enabling support for local groups, projects, and initiatives.
To ensure the fund is robust, fair, and transparent, we have focused on three key foundations:
-
Structure – A simple, accessible application process for community groups that also ensures legitimacy and clarity of purpose.
-
Screening – A dedicated Chamber sub-committee will assess applications based on clear criteria and merit, ensuring fairness and consistency.
-
Reporting – Transparent reporting mechanisms will be in place so the community can clearly see how funds are distributed and the impact they create.
We’re pleased to share that this work is now in its final stages, with the Whitsundays Chamber Community Fund soon to be formally launched.
In the coming weeks, we will unveil a dedicated webpage, branding, and full public launch details.
As key contributors to this fund, we wanted to provide you with this early update and acknowledge the important role markets play in making this initiative possible.