Far North Queensland & Cairns Markets Guide – 2023
Far North Queensland & Cairns Markets Guide
The Cairns markets and the markets in the area attract both locals and tourists looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant hues, enticing aromas, and sounds that create an awesome atmosphere full of excitement.
While shoppers relish exploring market stalls to discover bargains and unique pieces, markets cater to more than just shopping. Eaters, gardeners, recyclers, and upcyclers are likely to find something of interest too.
Cairns Night Markets
Cairns Night Markets is a popular evening spot for both tourists and locals, offering a wide range of souvenirs, food, and massages. The Cairns Night Markets is a great place to find souvenirs and gifts and there are many retail outlets catering to tourists.
The market is also known for its diverse food options, with many reviewers praising the street food, especially the chicken on a stick, mango shake, and mango ice cream.
The food court at the entrance is said to be very efficient and offers a variety of cuisines, including Thai, Chinese, and Asian foods. Many reviewers recommend the market as a great place to spend the evening, especially since it has air conditioning to help with the Cairns heat.
There are also many massage and holistic businesses in the market for a quick recharge. Parking can be a challenge, but there is paid to park available above the market, and parking is free after 6 pm. Overall, the Cairns Night Markets are highly recommended for those looking for a fun and unique shopping and dining experience in Cairns.
Cairns Night Markets Opening Times – Daily from 5 pm-11 pm
Rusty’s Market Cairns
Rusty’s Markets is a local tropical and permanent market located in the center of Cairns, Australia. The market is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and offers a wide range of items including fresh produce, baked goods, tourist gifts, and hot food from different cuisines.
The market is large, undercover, and provides street parking, as well as a car park with two hours of free parking.
The market is similar to Sydney Paddy’s markets but on a smaller scale. The fruits and vegetables available are fresh, and there are many tropical fruits available all for affordable prices.
Visitors can try different kinds of salads, such as Thai salads and Paw Paw salads. They can also enjoy fresh coconut juice or fresh sugarcane drinks. Vietnamese coffee and Danish pastries are also recommended by some visitors.
There are stalls that offer vegan desserts and cakes. Visitors can also find a variety of Asian greens and tropical fruits, including jackfruit. Some stalls sell crystals, jewelry, and bric-a-brac.
There are also stalls selling tools and offering massages. The market is described as lively and exotic and gives a feeling of being in Asia. Visitors are advised to carry cash, as not all stalls accept card payments. Keep an eye on parking signs and note that some stalls offer only cash payments.
Rusty’s Market Cairns Opening Times – Fri to Sat 5am – 6pm, Sun 5am – 3pm
Kuranda Rainforest Markets
The Kuranda Rainforest Markets have been praised by visitors for their unique and quirky atmosphere. The market stalls are home to an array of unique gifts and handcrafted items, with many vendors proudly displaying their ‘made in Australia’ products.
The Easy Tiger Tapas restaurant and Panda Kuranda sourdough pizza slice outlet are highly recommended by visitors. The market is situated in Kuranda village and is just a short walk from the Skyrail Terminal.
Despite some stalls being closed during the week, visitors have described the market as a great place to visit, with a lovely vibe and friendly shop owners. The market is particularly popular with tourists, especially those looking for aboriginal souvenirs. The markets are also dog-friendly, with water bowls provided for furry friends.
Kuranda Rainforest Markets Opening Times – Thurs to Sun 10 am – 3 pm
Yungaburra Markets
The Yungaburra Markets are held on the fourth Saturday morning of every month, except in December when it’s held on the third Sunday of the month. These markets are quite popular, and parking can be an issue.
However, visitors can expect a great selection of stalls, including local woodworkers, coffee stalls, fresh produce, food vans, and more. Visitors can also enjoy listening to buskers, both young and old, singing and playing music to lift the vibe. Some Christian crusaders can also be found among the stalls.
Visitors can explore the region from Yungaburra, which is a reasonable-sized little town. After visiting the markets, a walk along the western bank of Peterson Creek, which can be accessed under the bridge next to the platypus viewing platform, is a must-try. Some people have reported not seeing any platypus, however.
The market is one of the biggest in Far North Queensland, with a variety of stalls offering food, handicrafts, woodwork, bric-a-brac, fresh produce, tropical fruit, and more.
Visitors can enjoy fresh juices, clothing, hand-made jewelry, art and craft, local honey, skincare, unique beers, and drinks, and even vegan and gluten-free treats
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The drive from Cairns is worth it, as it offers lovely views, and visitors can have a great day out at the market. Visitors have commended the market’s community atmosphere, variety of goods, and quality of stallholders, among other things.
Yungaburra Markets Opening Times – The Fourth Saturday of the month From January to November. 3rd Sunday in December 7.30 am – 12:30 pm
Palm Cove Markets
Palm Cove markets are a beautiful experience with a peaceful beach location. It’s recommended to get there early to fully appreciate the location and the market stalls.
The main street is closed off, allowing for a casual stroll through the market shaded by the iconic palm trees. There is a great variety of local products available, and most of the money spent goes back into the community, as the market is managed by the local Rotary club.
Visitors have also praised the atmosphere and the friendly people at the market.
Palm Cove Markets Opening Times – First Sunday of every month, 8 am – 2 pm
Port Douglas Markets
The Port Douglas Sunday Markets are a vibrant and colorful event that takes place every Sunday from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm. Located in Market Park, adjoining Anzac Park on the inlet at Wharf St Port Douglas, the markets offer a diverse range of goods including arts and crafts, jewelry, fruit and vegetables, glassware, books, coffee, boats, and more.
The location of the markets is a grassy park right on the waterfront overlooking the Coral Sea, offering visitors an idyllic setting with shady palm trees and warm, caressing ocean breezes.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely morning at the markets and then head off to explore the rest of Port Douglas, which offers a range of activities, including self-drive tours along the scenic coastal drive of Captain Cook Highway, luxury hotel or resort accommodations, and self-contained apartments. One popular activity is Sunset Sailing, which allows visitors to unwind and settle into the relaxed tropical lifestyle.
Established 20 years ago as a ‘Cotter’s Market’, the Port Douglas Markets offer genuine ‘local’ businesses selling unique goods and services, all made by hand. Visitors can find a range of items, from screen-printed beach towels, colorful baby swings, and classy cotton apparel to artistically handcrafted jewelry and crafted local wood products.
The markets also sell recycled timbers fashioned into fantastic yet useful home goods, leather goods, custom-fitted sandals, paintings, postcards, and aboriginal artworks.
The Port Douglas Markets are more than just a place to shop; they offer a lively public domain where people share ideas and company, where diversity reigns supreme.
Children run and play between the market stalls, local musicians busk, and the scent of freshly picked flowers and ripe exotic fruit intermingles with the pure sea air.
The stalls literally back onto the golden shores of Port Douglas beach, providing the perfect location to sit and soak in the vibrant ambiance and breathtaking views.
After a visit to the markets, visitors can head across the road to the iconic Court House Hotel, where they can continue to enjoy music and find something sumptuous to eat.
Alternatively, they can wander through the quaint seaside village of Port Douglas and enjoy the many bookstores, cafes, art galleries, and boutique shops.
The quaint little wooden church of St. Mary’s by the Sea is also nearby and offers an ideal location for a small congregation, a few interested visitors, or a Wedding in Paradise with one of the best vistas imaginable.
Port Douglas Markets Opening Times – Sun 8 am – 1.30 pm
Holloways Beach Markets
Holloways Beach Markets, located in Cairns, Australia, has received overwhelmingly positive reviews. The markets are held along the parkland at Holloways beachfront and provide a great mix of stalls selling locally made crafts, plants, clothing, fresh produce, and unique gifts. Many reviewers have appreciated the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the market and the fact that it is not overly corporate.
The market has lots of varied stalls and is a great place to pick up presents for those at home. There is also a food van that sells the best fish tacos ever, although the name of the van is unfortunately not remembered. The market is more locally-oriented, with plants being more readily available here than at other nearby markets.
The market is situated under shady trees along the beach and often features buskers and local entertainment.
The market for its variety of goods, with stalls offering clothing, books, homemade sauces and jams, and tarot readings.
Overall, the Holloways Beach Markets is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, providing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and a great selection of locally made goods.
Holloways Beach Markets Opening Times – Second Sun of the month 8 am – 1 pm
Mission Beach Markets
Mission Beach Markets offer a wide variety of items for sale with the markets well-attended by both locals and tourists and offering everything from jewelry and textiles to food and plants.
Visitors praise the quality of the items for sale, including the sourdough bread made from rye and herbs, which is said to be some of the best in Australia.
The markets have a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and vendors are generally happy and helpful. Visitors recommend the jungle curry and chai latte, and note that there is a good selection of Thai food available.
The market is located in a park with rainforest trees and has a casual beach vibe that reflects the laid-back North Queensland lifestyle.
Some visitors note that there could be more food stalls, but overall the Mission Beach Markets are considered to be an excellent destination for those seeking fresh produce, hand-made crafts, and unique souvenirs.
Mission Beach Markets Opening Times – First & third Sunday of each month, 7 am – 12 pm
Mossman Markets
The Mossman Markets is a must-visit place for anyone looking for a fantastic community experience and fresh foods, according to various reviews. The market offers a range of local products, including tropical fruits and veggies, and visitors can enjoy drinks such as coconut water. The location under the shade of magnificent fig trees adds to the wonderful atmosphere of the market.
The Mossman Markets is also a natural stop for tourists heading to nearby attractions, such as the Mossman Gorge and Daintree National Park. While some reviewers note that there are a few kitschy tourist-oriented offerings, the market is mostly geared towards locals, with fresh produce, plants, and even livestock for sale.
Reviewers also note the creative and supportive community at the Mossman Markets, with some fantastic stalls, although some suggest adding more food options. Visitors can also find arts, crafts, clothes, and other interesting stalls at the market.
Overall, the Mossman Markets offer good prices, friendly people, and a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors are encouraged to support their locals and combine a visit to the market with nearby attractions for an excellent morning’s excursion. However, visitors should beware of the market’s early start and close time.
Mossman Markets Opening Times – Sat 8 am – 1.30 pm
Cooktown Markets
The local markets in Cooktown, Rossville, and Bloomfield offer an excellent opportunity for tourists to mingle with the locals and experience the fresh produce of the region. Every Saturday morning, the Cooktown Markets take place in a serene parkland along the Endeavour River.
The market features some of the Cape York Peninsula’s finest fresh produce, including locally grown passion fruits, bananas, mangoes, and more. Organic growers offer a variety of fresh farm and garden produce, such as jams, honey, dried fruit, and chutneys. In addition to fresh produce, the market also showcases locally made handicrafts, natural soaps, creams, jewelry, trinkets, and second-hand goods.
Rossville, a small rainforest community, holds its community market every second Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm at the Hatfield Market Place.
The market showcases interesting local products and tasty fruit and vegetables. The Bloomfield markets, held on the last Saturday of each month, are a focal point for this small rainforest community.
Cooktown Markets Opening Times – Sat 7.30 am – 12 pm
Far North Queensland and Cairns Markets Summary
The Far North Queensland and Cairns markets offer an opportunity for both locals and tourists to explore a diverse range of stalls, food, and handcrafted items. Rusty’s Markets in Cairns offer fresh tropical produce and unique items, while the Kuranda Rainforest Markets have a quirky atmosphere and offer locally-made gifts.
The Cairns Night Markets provide an excellent evening experience, with an array of food, souvenirs, and massages. Yungaburra Markets are popular for their variety of goods, and visitors can have a great day out exploring the town.
Finally, the Palm Cove Markets offer a relaxed, beachside experience, with a range of stalls and items, perfect for those seeking a slower pace. Overall, the markets in the Cairns and FNQ areas offer a unique and exciting shopping and dining experience.
