Shop and savour at the best markets in Cairns

Aisles overflowing with exotic tropical fruits you’ve probably never heard of, the smell of freshly roasted coffee brewing, and sizzling sounds coming from nearby food stalls: a traipse through Rusty’s Markets is a rite of passage for every visitor to Cairns – but it’s a local’s haunt, too.

Operating since 1975, this vibrant marketplace is home to over 180 stalls ranging from local produce to bread, spices, tropical flowers, local cheese and dairy products, along with handicrafts and souvenirs of all kinds. Come hungry and peruse slowly, in addition to taking home bundles of goodies you can settle in for a feast: banh mi, acai bowls and Vietnamese coffee is just the start of the popular spots in this hawker-style market. 

Where: 57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns.

When: Friday and Saturday 5am-6pm; Sunday 5am-3pm.

Cairns Night Markets

When the sun goes down, don’t venture too far off Cairns Esplanade – the evening is just getting started. Whether you’re after a special souvenir or an affordable bite to eat, Cairns Night Market serves up everything from spicy noodles to knick-knacks. With more than 100 stalls to hop between, you’ll find food, fashion, arts, accessories, and even get a massage.

Where: 71-75 The Esplanade, Cairns

When:  Open daily from 4:30pm - 11pm

Tanks Markets, Cairns

Contemporary art lovers should add Tanks Arts Centre – a regional hub for live performances, art exhibitions, workshops and more – to their Cairns itinerary. Time your visit for when the monthly markets set up in the leafy gardens outside and you can pair your art indulgence with more locally made produce, vintage clothing, food and refreshments and live music. Afterwards, stroll the lakefront in the Botanic Gardens.

Where: Tanks Arts Centre, Edge Hill

When: Last Sunday of the month, April to November, 9am - 2pm 

Kuranda Markets

Head for the cool mountains just outside of Cairns and you’ll discover Kuranda, a little village tucked into the rainforest. There’s so much to do here you could easily spend a day or more exploring, so after you’ve taken in the views from Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or the scenic railway, take a spin around the two popular markets to discover Aussie treasures of all kinds, from Indigenous artwork to opals and Queensland macadamias.

Where: Therwine St and Heritage Markets, Kuranda

When: Heritage Markets – Wednesday to Sunday, 10am  – 3:30pm / Original Rainforest Market – Wednesday to Sunday, 9:30am – 3pm

Palm Cove Markets

The perfect Palm Cove day is spent by the beach, and you barely have to leave the sand to explore Palm Cove Markets. One of the most popular markets in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, Palm Cove Markets focuses on sustainable, local and high-quality handmade products, so you can be sure anything you pick up here is authentic.

Bask in the sunshine as you wander between the 130+ stalls that stretch along William Esplanade, surrounded by the town’s iconic palm trees that sway gently in the breeze. There’s local arts and crafts, gifts and souvenirs, plants and produce, wellness products and plenty to snack on, too.  

Where: Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

When: The first Sunday of selected months, 8am - 2pm.  Note: the markets do not run in September.

Mission Beach Markets

A slice of paradise that still feels like a local secret, Mission Beach is the place to have a relaxed beach getaway – and you can still enjoy the beachfront views as you shop at Mission Beach Markets. There’s a great mix of produce, plants, arts, fashion and locally-made goodies. Once you’ve finished exploring, grab a bite to eat and find a spot to throw your towel down on the 14km of golden sand that waits just steps away.

Where: Ulysses Park, Mission Beach

When: Mission Beach Markets are on 1st & 3rd Sunday every month all year round. In addition, Mission Beach’s Monster Markets are held on the last Sunday of each month 8am – 2pm at Mars Park (Apr – Nov).

Port Douglas Markets

Running for over 20 years, the Sunday Markets in Port Douglas are an institution. Held in a leafy local park overlooking the Coral Sea, expect to find some of the finest vendors from around our tropical north – spanning arts and crafts, jewellery, fruit and vegetables, glassware, books, coffee, boats, and more. Just one of the reasons this marketplace is filled with as many locals as travellers.

Where: Market Park, Wharf St Port Douglas.

When: Every Sunday from 8am - 1:30 pm.

Redlynch Twilight Markets

A Cairns market with a distinctly local vibe, Redlynch Twilight Markets are well worth the short drive out of the city to attend. The event is a haven for buskers, so grab a bite to eat and settle in for an evening of entertainment and people watching – after you’ve browsed the bric-a-brac, arts and crafts, of course.

Where: Xavier Herbert Park, Redlynch

When: Bi-monthly, with the next markets on Friday 13 October 5pm – 8pm, and Saturday 2 December 5pm – 8pm.

Yungaburra Markets

The rolling hills and verdant countryside of Atherton Tablelands is perhaps North Queensland’s most vibrant and diverse food bowl, so if you’re heading out to explore the farm gates, waterfalls and national parks, pay a visit to the Yungaburra Markets. Set in the historic township, around 250 local growers, producers and artisans set up shop here each market day.

Where: Main St, Yungaburra

When: Fourth Saturday of the month 7.30am – 12:30pm (January – November), and the third Sunday of December due to Christmas holidays.

Cooktown Markets

If you’re venturing north into Cape York, call in at Cooktown Markets to chat with the locals and pick up the freshest produce from the region. You’ll find freshly picked and ripe-to-eat tropical fruit from mangoes to passionfruit, along with locally made honey, chutneys, jewellery, handicrafts and so much more.

Where: Lions Park, Cooktown

When: Every Saturday, 7:30am – 12pm.

Seeking more flavour in the tropics? Discover the region's best food trails and tasty hotspots.