14 Cairns Markets to Add to the Calendar

Sharing the region’s incredibly diverse offerings, there’s a Cairns market out there to suit every taste, budget, and whim.

Tropical North Queensland offers a hefty number of unique experiences, but when it comes to tasting the unique flavours of this region, you have to head to the eclectic variety of Cairns markets.

From stalls along the beachside promenade and out in the rustic country to indoor night markets and plenty more in between, here are 14 of the best markets Cairns has to offer.

1. Rusty’s Market

desserts on display at Rusty’s Market, Cairns — Delight in sweet creations at Rusty’s Market. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Those in town for the weekend should set their sights (and stomachs) on the iconic Rusty’s Market . What began as a modest, community food market has now transformed into a bustling three-day event every week, showcasing over 180 stalls.

Both tourists and locals convene from Friday to Sunday to browse the region’s best. You’ll find local produce – exotic fruit, artisan bread, samosas, coffee, smoothie’s organic meats, and the like – as well as international foods, jewellery, clothing and more.

Opening hours: Friday – Saturday 5am to 6pm and Sunday 5am to 3pm.

Location: 57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns City
Distance from Cairns Centre: 1 minute drive

2. Cairns Night Markets

unique items at Cairns Night Markets — Find unique gifts and trinkets at Cairns Night Markets. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Each night when the sun sets, the Cairns Night Markets come alive and are famous for good reason.

With over 70 market shops to explore (including gifts, homeware, jewellery and more), as well as a varied food court and licensed restaurants, it’s the perfect place to grab dinner and hunt for a bargain. Oh, and it’s fully air-conditioned too, so if it’s a scorcher of a night, you know where to go.

Opening hours: Daily 4.30 – 11pm.

Location: 54-60 Abbott St, Cairns City
Distance from Cairns Centre: 1 minute drive

3. Carnival on Collins

guests exploring Cairns Botanic Gardens Conservatory — Wander through the lush Cairns Botanic Gardens. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

A market and festival wrapped up one? Yes Please. Join the annual Carnival on Collins Street party celebrating life in the tropics as you wander through the Tanks Arts Centre and Cairns Botanic Gardens precinct.

Be entertained in every direction, from pop-up dance acts and lively street performers to the multicultural rhythms coming from the main stage. Over 200 market stalls will feature on the day, with plants, arts, and crafts, alongside an extensive array of free workshops.

Opening hours: Sunday 7 September 2025, 9am – 3pm

Location: Tanks Arts Centre & Cairns Botanic Gardens, 46 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill.
Distance from Cairns Centre: 8 minutes drive

4. Tanks Monthly Markets

For a taste of the arts, the Tanks Monthly Markets showcase a blend of local art, craft, and vintage clothing, as well as produce, collectables, natural-health products, and food and drink stalls.

Everyone is invited to wander the leafy promenade and enjoy the local musicians and refreshments.

Opening hours: Held on the last Sunday of the month from 8am – 1pm (between April and November).

Location: Tanks Arts Centre, 46 Collins Ave, Edge Hill
Distance from Cairns Centre: 8 minutes drive

5. Gordonvale Cottage Markets

potted plants in a shopping cart — Find an abundance of potted plants at Gordonvale Cottage Markets. (Image: Getty/Ольга Симонова)

At the heart of the sugar farming township of Gordonvale is their monthly market with a happy country vibe, often with live music, and an enjoyable atmosphere. There are around 120 stalls to explore, including a wide variety of homemade crafts, locally grown produce, and delicious food.

Opening hours: Held on the first Saturday of every month (except in January).

Location: Norman Park, Gordonvale
Distance from Cairns Centre: 25 minutes drive

6. Palm Cove Markets

chakra coconut candles at Palm Cove Markets — Chakra coconut candles at Palm Cove Markets.

Heroing its sustainable, local, quality handmade products, the Palm Cove Markets have a reputation for being one of Tropical North Queensland’s best community markets. With over 130 stalls stretched across Williams Esplanade and entertainment alongside beachside scenery, it’s a market experience unlike anything you’re used to at home.

Opening hours: Held on the first Sunday of every month.

Location: Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
Distance from Cairns Centre: 30 minutes drive

7. Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets

two women strolling along Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets — Meander around the stalls at Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/ Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Found high up in the famous mountain village of Kuranda, the Kuranda Rainforest Markets showcase the area’s local arts, cuisine, culture, and history, and attract thousands of visitors annually.

With rustic yet charming outdoor stalls, a strong eco-conscious ethic, gourmet regional fare, tropical gardens to walk through, and even a mini golf course, why not enjoy a whole day trip here?

Opening hours: Held every day 10am – 3pm.

Location: 13 Therwine St, Kuranda
Distance from Cairns Centre: 35 minutes drive

8. Port Douglas Sunday Markets

market stalls at Port Douglas Sunday Markets — Spend your Sunday shopping at the esplanade. (Image: Port Douglas Sunday Markets)

Just a short stroll from the esplanade, the Port Douglas Sunday Markets have a little bit of everything, from freshly squeezed sugar cane juice, opened coconuts, chocolate-coated bananas, fresh tandoori, and ice creams, smoothies, and great coffee, as well as fashion, jewellery, art, music, local buskers and entertainers.

Opening hours: Held every Sunday from early morning to late afternoon.

Location: Rex Smeal Park, Macrossan Street, Port Douglas
Distance from Cairns Centre: 1 hour drive

9. Wednesday Market at Crystalbrook Superyach Marina in Port Douglas

boats moored at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas — Enjoy some shopping on Wednesdays at the marina. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Wednesday is a popular day for cruise ships to visit Port Douglas, so what better place to hold a market than at the Marina to greet visitors? It’s an easy way to hop off and connect with local products and services.

Opening hours: Held every Wednesday from 11am – 5pm (April to October) and every Wednesday over Christmas school holidays.

Location: 44 Wharf St, Port Douglas
Distance from Cairns Centre: 1 hour drive

10. Mareeba Markets

a stall selling plants and locally grown produce at Mareeba Markets — Shop locally grown produce at Mareeba Markets.

Browse up to 150 stalls at the Mareeba Markets showcasing locally grown produce, quality handmade products, food, drinks, live music and much more. Coordinated by the Lions Club of Mareeba, it’s a fantastic opportunity to support the area’s local sellers in the community.

Opening hours: Held every second and fifth Saturday of the month.

Location: 100 Park (Centenary Park), Byrnes Street, Mareeba
Distance from Cairns Centre: 1 hour drive

11. Yungaburra Markets

fruit stalls at Yungaburra Markets — Meander around the stalls selling fresh fruits at Yungaburra Markets. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Fancy a day trip to the Atherton Tablelands? With a relaxed family atmosphere and the philosophy of fostering the value of buying local, the Yungaburra Markets bring together around 260 local growers, producers, and artisans to display and sell their produce and handiwork in the middle of the historic village of Yungaburra.

Opening hours: Held every fourth Saturday of the month from 7.30am – 12.30pm.

Location: 4 Maple Street, Yungaburra
Distance from Cairns Centre: 1 hour 10 minutes drive

12. Mossman Markets

a woman walking through Mossman Markets — Browse your way around the stalls selling arts and crafts. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Described as the world’s most beautiful markets under the Mossman Raintrees, the Mossman Markets are a genuine country market where you can expect to find a lot of fresh produce, including exotic fruits, herbs and spices, and a wide range of vegetables.

As well as taste testing and browsing, take your pick of arts and crafts to take home as a unique handmade souvenir.

Opening hours: Held every Saturday from 7am – 1pm.

Location: 13 Foxton Ave, Mossman
Distance from Cairns Centre: 1 hour and 15 minutes drive

13. Mission Beach Markets

a woman browsing through the stalls at Mission Beach Markets — Look for handcrafted items at Mission Beach Markets. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Located in the shady Ulysses Day Park beside the beach on Porter Promenade, you’ll find something for everyone at the local Mission Beach Markets . Meander around 100 stall sites consisting of a wide range of goods from fruit and veg, takeaway food, plants, clothing, jewellery, books, second-hand items and handcrafted wares and more.

Opening hours: Held every first and third Sunday of the month from 8am – 1pm.

Location: Opposite Hideaway Holiday Village in Porter Promenade in the Mission Beach Village
Distance from Cairns Centre: 1 hour and 50 minutes drive

14. Mission Beach Monster Markets

Managed and promoted by the Mission Beach Rotary Club, the Wednesday Monster Markets are a much-loved sibling to the Sunday Mission Beach Markets, but held nearby on a grassed sports field at MARCS Park, where you can expect to find much the same — a huge variety of exciting stalls.

Opening hours: Held on the last Sunday of every month from 8am – 12.30pm (April to November)

Location: MARCS Park, Cassowary Drive, Mission Beach
Distance from Cairns Centre: 1 hour and 50 minutes drive

Stay up to date with openings, special market events, and local community markets via the Cairns Market Facebook page .

Ready for another adventure? Check out the most dreamy islands to visit off Cairns

This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.

White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.

pool at The Sundays Hamilton Island — Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.

Laid-back luxury

The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.

This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.

Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.

Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.

balcony view from room at The Sundays — Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views

Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.

Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.

Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.

inside a room at The Sundays — Stylish rooms feature natural, soothing tones. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Excellent activities and amenities

Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.

Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.

Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.

Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.

aerial shot of The Sundays pool and catseye beach — Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Delectable dining

What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .

Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.

“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.

table spread including a lobster dish from Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays — Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.

A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.

view from catseye pool club at The Sundays hamilton island — Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Exploring the island

While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.

Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .

Looking for more tasty treats? Visit one of the island’s restaurants – there are more than 20 to choose from.

Hikers on passage peak hike on hamilton island — Take on the beautiful hikes of Hamilton Island. (Image: Nick Leary)

Book your stay at The Sundays through hamiltonisland.com.au.

14 must-visit markets in and around Cairns