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

City buzz, gourmet trails, surf breaks and art scenes are all at your fingertips.

When it comes to planning a trip, picking a holiday destination is the easy part. The real dilemma is where to set yourself up for the night. Do you go coastal, city, or countryside? Somewhere remote and rugged, or right in the action? Luckily, the Sunshine Coast, and huge number of amazing Sunshine Coast day trips, have kindly made the choice for you.

Ditch the hotel-hopping and suitcase-lugging. Instead, base yourself at Novotel Sunshine Coast or Mantra Mooloolaba , where big-city culture, vine-covered valleys, and theme parks are all within a two-hour drive.

1. Sunshine Coast to Brisbane

Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes (105km)

Shake off the sand from your sandals and swap the beach for the throb of the Queensland capital. Ease in gently with a bougainvillea-filled stroll through South Bank, iced latte in hand, before cooling off at Streets Beach lagoon – Brisbane’s answer to the coast (but without the waves).

Once firmly in big-city mode, hit up the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) , home to Australia’s largest collection of modern and contemporary artworks. Dive into the past at the Queensland Museum, where prehistoric fossils of Australian dinosaurs and megafauna collide with First Nations cultural collections and interactive science exhibits.

All this learning got you hungry? Howard Smith Wharves calls. Here, riverside dining delivers breweries with meat-forward menus, Japanese fine dining and overwater bars. If you’ve got room for more, Fortitude Valley’s shopping boutiques await you and your wallet.

woman walking around Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) — Wander the Gallery of Modern Art. (Image: TEQ)

2. Sunshine Coast to the Scenic Rim

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (170km)

Make your way inland to the Scenic Rim for the state’s best vineyards and age-old volcanic slopes. Start your day early (like, sparrow’s breakfast early) at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park . Here, take a treetop walk through the canopy and hand-feed the wild birds who flock here.

Next, it’s your turn to eat. Here, the food scene operates where locally sourced produce is an expectation, not an exception. Order a picnic basket crammed with regional wine and cheese to devour next to the creek at Canungra Valley Vineyards . Or perhaps a grazing platter of vegan and non-vegan cheeses at Witches Falls Winery .

Feeling bold? Tackle the Twin Falls circuit in Springbrook National Park. Or keep the gourmet life going with a Scenic Rim Brewery tasting paddle, best enjoyed while taking in the rise of the Great Dividing Range.

woman with cheese and wine at Witches Falls Winery — Enjoy a cheese platter at Witches Falls Winery. (Image: TEQ)

3. Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast

Drive time: 2 hours (180km)

Surf, sand and sparkling skylines might be the Gold Coast’s MO, but there’s more to Surfers Paradise and beyond. Kick things off with a beachfront coffee at Burleigh Heads, then hike through Burleigh Head National Park to look over the ocean and whale sightings (dependent on the season, of course).

Cool off in the calm waters of Tallebudgera Creek before chowing down on the famously buttery Moreton Bay bug rolls at Rick Shores . Travelling with the kids? Then you can’t miss Australia’s theme park capital, with Dreamworld ’s big rides and Warner Bros. Movie World ’s Hollywood treatment at hand to keep the family entertained.

aerial view of Tallebudgera Creek — Dive into Tallebudgera Creek. (Image: TEQ)

4. Sunshine Coast to Tweed Heads

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (200km)

Dare to cross enemy lines? Then welcome to New South Wales. Tweed Heads blends the laid-back attitude of the Northern Rivers with high-quality dining, experimental art, and farm-fresh indulgence – a combo worth the drive.

Start strong with a long, lazy brunch at Tweed River House , then swing by Tropical Fruit World for exotic finds like red dragon fruit, handfuls of lychees and black sapote. Next, hit M|Arts Precinct – an art deco hub of micro galleries, artist workshops and one-off boutiques.

Round off the day with sunset drinks at Husk Distillers among the glowing cane fields, and order one with their famous Ink Gin. You’ll thank us later.

exterior of Husk Distillers — Taste the famous Ink Gin at Husk Distillers. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Drive time: 1 hour (70km)

Strap on those hiking boots and make tracks inland, where volcanic peaks, misty rainforest and hinterland townships beckon. Ease in with the Glass House Mountains Lookout Walk, or, if you have energy to burn, tackle the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk for a 360-degree sight of the surrounding summits.

Next: Montville. This township delivers European-style architecture and old-world appeal. Nearby, settle in at Flame Hill Vineyard, where a large pour of estate-grown wine comes with encompassing views of the countryside.

Not ready to leave the hinterland villages just yet? Of course not. Meander past art galleries and indie shops at Maleny. Nab some fudge from Sweets on Maple for a sweet fix. Or go salty at Maleny Dairies with a farm tour and a chunky wedge of their deliciously creamy cheese.

End the day among the eucalypts and rainforests of Kondalilla National Park. Here, the Kondalilla Falls Circuit winds down through trees humming with life to a rock pool beneath a waterfall – as if designed for soaking tired feet before heading back to the coast.

view of Mount Ngungun on the scenic rim queensland — Take on the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your Sunshine home base at all.com.

14 must-visit markets in and around Cairns