hero media

15 must-visit markets in and around Cairns

Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland/Tourism Tropical North Queensland

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

Tropical North Queensland is packed with incredible experiences, but to really get a taste of the region, make time to explore its eclectic markets.

From stalls along the beachside promenade and out in the rustic country to indoor night markets and plenty more in between, here are 15 of the best markets Cairns has to offer.

In short

If you only visit one market in Cairns, make it Rusty’s Market. A Cairns institution, it’s the ultimate one-stop shop for fresh local produce, international eats and a buzzing weekend atmosphere. Come hungry and leave plenty of room in your bags.

Good to know: Most markets have free or nearby public parking, although city markets like Rusty’s and the Cairns Night Markets are easiest to visit on foot if you’re staying in the CBD.

Rusty’s Market

fruit tarts at Rusty’s Market, Cairns
Delight in sweet creations at Rusty’s Market. (Credit: 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 locals and visitors flock here from Friday to Sunday to browse the region’s best. You’ll find local produce – exotic fruit, artisan bread, samosas, coffee, smoothies, organic meats, and the like – as well as international foods, jewellery, clothing, and more.

  • Opening hours: Friday–Saturday 5am to 4pm and Sunday 5am to 3pm
  • Location: 57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns City
  • Distance from Cairns Centre: 1-minute drive

Cairns Night Markets

trinkets at Cairns Night Markets
Find unique gifts and trinkets at Cairns Night Markets. (Credit: 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 4.30–10.30pm
  • Location: 54-60 Abbott St, Cairns City
  • Distance from Cairns Centre: 1-minute drive

Tanks Markets

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

Each month features a free yoga class, live entertainment from local emerging musicians and the Far Northern Brass Band, and plenty more.

  • Opening hours: Held on the last Sunday of the month from 8am–1pm, between April and November (excluding August)
  • Location: Tanks Arts Centre, 46 Collins Ave, Edge Hill
  • Distance from Cairns Centre: 8-minute drive

Tanks Twilight Markets

If browsing market stalls with a drink in hand sounds more your style, make a beeline for the Tanks Twilight Markets. Held at the leafy Tanks Arts Centre, these evening markets bring together local artists, makers, food trucks and live music in one of Cairns’ most atmospheric settings. Wander between artisan stalls, grab dinner from a food truck and settle in for an evening of live music beneath the tropical trees.

  • Opening hours: Selected Friday evenings throughout the year, 5–10pm
  • Location: Tanks Arts Centre, 46 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill
  • Distance from Cairns Centre: 8-minute drive

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Carnival on Collins

A market and festival wrapped into 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 6 September 2026, 9am–2pm
  • Location: Tanks Arts Centre & Cairns Botanic Gardens, 46 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill
  • Distance from Cairns Centre: 8-minute drive

Clifton Beach Markets

Set among the palm-lined northern beaches, the Clifton Beach Markets are a relaxed community market where you’ll find handmade crafts, locally made gifts, fresh produce, plants and sweet treats. Grab a coffee afterwards and wander down to nearby Clifton Beach to round out the morning.

  • Opening hours: Held on the third Sunday of every month, 9am–2pm
  • Location: Clifton Village Shopping Centre, Captain Cook Highway, Clifton Beach
  • Distance from Cairns Centre: 25-minute drive

Gordonvale Cottage Markets

potted plants at Gordonvale Cottage Markets
Find an abundance of potted plants at Gordonvale Cottage Markets. (Credit: 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-minute drive

Palm Cove Markets

Palm Cove Markets, Cairns
Peruse the beachside stalls along Williams Esplanade.

Celebrating sustainable, locally made goods, 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, 9am – 2pm
  • Location: Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
  • Distance from Cairns Centre: 30-minute drive

Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets

Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets, Cairns
Meander around the stalls at Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland/Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Found high up in the famous mountain village of Kuranda, the Kuranda Original 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?

The neighbouring Kuranda Heritage Markets are also worth exploring, adding another collection of artisan goods, gifts, fashion and food to your day out.

  • Opening hours: Held every day 10am – 3pm
  • Location: 13 Therwine Street, Kuranda
  • Distance from Cairns Centre: 35-minute drive

Port Douglas Sunday Markets

Port Douglas Sunday Markets, Cairns
Spend your Sunday shopping at the esplanade. (Credit: 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 8am–1.30pm
  • Location: Rex Smeal Park, Macrossan Street, Port Douglas
  • Distance from Cairns Centre: 1-hour drive

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

Wednesday Market at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas

Wednesday Market at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas
Go shopping at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina on Wednesdays. (Credit: 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

Mareeba Markets

Mareeba Markets, Cairns
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, 7am–12.30pm
  • Location: 100 Park (Centenary Park), Byrnes Street, Mareeba
  • Distance from Cairns Centre: 1-hour drive

Yungaburra Markets

Yungaburra Markets, Cairns
Meander around the stalls selling fresh fruits at Yungaburra Markets. (Credit: 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 (January–November) from 7.30am–12.30pm
  • Location: 4 Maple Street, Yungaburra
  • Distance from Cairns Centre: 1-hour, 15-minute drive

Mossman Markets

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, 15-minute drive

Mission Beach Markets

Mission Beach Markets, Cairns
Look for handcrafted items at Mission Beach Markets. (Credit: 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 7am – 12.30pm
  • Location: Opposite Hideaway Holiday Village in Porter Promenade in the Mission Beach Village
  • Distance from Cairns Centre: 1-hour, 50-minute 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 this epic list of things to do in Cairns.

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Jemma Fletcher
Based in sun-kissed Brisbane, Jemma Fletcher is an accomplished writer, editor and content manager. Armed with a Bachelor of Journalism from The University of Queensland, as well as over a decade of tourism marketing experience, Jemma now specialises in freelance travel writing and has a soft spot for the beauty of Queensland. Her expertise has been honed through her previous roles as Chief Editor of Queensland.com and WeekendNotes.com and she is the passionate creator of High Cup of Tea, an online directory celebrating Australia's finest high tea experiences. After growing up in the UK (hence her love for tea and scones) and a delightful chapter in Sydney, Jemma loves to explore quaint towns with a rich history. Also high on her weekend list is tasting the local cafe scene, enjoying charming farm stays with her young family and deciding where her next travel adventure will be (half of the fun is in the planning!)
View profile and articles
a spa tub with ocean views at Drift Palm Cove
Cairns

The absolute best accommodation in Palm Cove for every kind of trip

Your go-to guide on where to find the best Palm Cove accommodation to suit all budgets.

Read more
scallops at Vivo Palm Cove
Cairns

Every Palm Cove restaurant you need to know about

For a taste of the tropics, add these Palm Cove restaurants to your must-eat list.

Read more
the ocean view room with a balcony at Mantra Trilogy Cairns
Cairns

10 hotels and resorts in Cairns you should know about

Your guide to the best hotels and resorts in Cairns for every style of stay.

Read more
Ellis Beach, Palm Cove
Cairns

12 of the most memorable things to do in Palm Cove

Discover the beaches, dining, wellness and outdoor adventures that make Palm Cove unforgettable.

Read more
hero media

Wine, dine and vintage gems: 8 things you didn’t know about Toowoomba

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
    Continue
    There’s more to Australia’s Garden City than meets the eye.

    With Victorian-era and traditional Queenslander buildings, an abundance of manicured gardens and the famous Carnival of Flowers painting the streets in vibrant colours each spring, Toowoomba is one of the most charming regional cities in Queensland Country.

    While its beauty alone is reason enough to visit, there are lesser-known sides to Toowoomba that locals love most, from its burgeoning culinary scene to its artistic flair. Located just a 90-minute drive from Brisbane (or a direct flight from Sydney), it’s all too easy to discover on a long weekend away.

    1. There’s an awesome local arts scene

    tour group walking in front of toowoomba street art
    Find incredible works of art around Toowoomba’s streets. (Credit: Nathan McNeil)

    Australia’s second largest inland city is a flourishing arts and culture hub waiting to be discovered. Over 100 vibrant street art murals and graffiti works decorate the city, and they’re best viewed along Bank Lane and Searles Walk.

    Regional Queensland’s oldest public art gallery can also be found in Toowoomba – it’s home to 20th-century Australian works created by Queensland artists and those connected to the Toowoomba region.

    2. It has world-class farm-to-table dining

    rosalie house aerial toowoomba secrets
    Stop into Rosalie House to wine and dine.

    As a regional city, Toowoomba has direct access to incredibly fresh produce that’s shaping its culinary scene. At sunset, head to the verandah at Rosalie House Cellar Door Restaurant for a grazing-style dining experience and to discover Queensland’s underrated wine scene. Indulge in dishes such as Warilba lamb rump and roasted pumpkin with ginger-roasted potatoes and lime yoghurt, paired with their delicious cool-climate wines.

    For a more relaxed affair, sweet tooths should make a beeline for award-winning The Baker’s Duck. Be sure to try their cult favourite strawberry cheesecake danish; you’ll learn why 35,000 of these treats are sold annually.

    3. Small bars are doing big work

    table spread at Uno Más small bar in toowoomba secrets
    Pop into small bars like Uno Más.

    Toowoomba doesn’t disappoint with fantastic pubs, but discerning drinkers can take happy hour to the next level at one of the city’s impressive small bars. Savour Spanish-style bites paired with a thoughtful line-up of wines at the newly opened Uno Más Tapas & Wine Bar. On Thursdays, head to Cork & Lever to tap your feet to live music over creative cocktails made with their all-Australian gin collection. And enjoy elevated toasties and premium drops at the cosy Press’d Coffee & Wine. Or try newly opened The Book Pour.

    4. There’s no shortage of fabulous stays

    Bunnyconnellen
    Chill out in beautiful surrounds at Bunnyconnellen. (Credit: Salt Media)

    Whether you prefer the buzz of the city centre or retreating to the hinterland, there are stylish stays aplenty to settle into in this idyllic corner of the world. Apartment-style living can be found at Quest Toowoomba; partly housed in a heritage church building in the city, it’s a comfortable and convenient base. And at The Arbour Boutique Apartments, spacious rooms are injected with old-world charm.

    In the hinterland, enjoy bucolic bliss at the boutique Bunnyconnellen, where an 1880s farmhouse and self-contained cottage are backdropped by rolling hills. And at the secluded Ravensbourne Escape, one-bedroom studios, two-bedroom chalets and three-bedroom holiday homes overlook Ravensbourne National Park and the Brisbane and Lockyer Valleys.

    5. It’s a nature-lovers paradise

    extinct volcanic peak Table Top Mountain
    Tackle Table Top Mountain. (Credit: Ariana Potamianakis)

    Toowoomba is hugged by national parks, making it a haven for nature lovers. On its doorstep you’ll find the extinct volcanic peak Table Top Mountain, where keen hikers can tackle the challenging two-kilometre return trail which rewards them with 360° views of the Lockyer Valley and surrounds.

    For a more gentle experience, Ravensbourne National Park offers peaceful walking trails within lush rainforest. It’s a top spot for bird watching as there are over 110 bird species that call the area home, including the paradise riflebird. Crows Nest National Park is home to platypus and koalas, and its refreshing natural swimming spots, like Kauyoo Pool, are a great place to beat the heat.

    6. Wellness enthusiasts are well looked after

    Toowoomba’s cool and calm energy lends itself to a wellness-focused getaway. Slated to open in August 2026, soak in the serenity at Vikasati Toowoomba, a bathhouse oasis with outdoor hot and cold magnesium pools, ice baths and Finnish saunas. Rest and recharge at City Cave Toowoomba, which offers float therapy, infrared sauna and massage services, or visit Kalm Springs for LED therapy, cryotherapy and float therapy.

    7. It’s preserved its 19th-century charm

    inside Queensland Museum Cobb + Co
    Learn all about the history of Cobb+Co.

    History buffs can step back in time at Toowoomba’s fascinating cultural and historical museums.

    Explore 50,000 years of Darling Downs and Toowoomba history at the Queensland Museum Cobb+Co; it’s known for its impressive National Carriage Collection of 47 restored horse-drawn vehicles, which were put to use for Queensland’s urban expansion. Visitors can also try their hand at blacksmithing or leadlighting in heritage workshops, refuelling with traditional scones at the onsite cafe.

    Train enthusiasts can celebrate the golden era of rail travel on a heritage steam locomotive thanks to the volunteer-driven, community-led organisation DownsSteam Toowoomba. Vintage train rides range from a two-hour journey between Toowoomba Station and DownsSteam Railway Museum to an overnight adventure from Toowoomba to the Southern Downs and Granite Belt

    8. There are vintage gems waiting to be found

    Whether it’s to pick up a unique piece for your home or a one-of-a-kind accessory for a loved one, you’re guaranteed to find something special in one of Toowoomba’s antique and vintage stores. Range Antiques sells everything from furniture, rugs and lamps to fine porcelain, jewellery and art, while Toowoomba Antiques & Collectables is a treasure trove of Art Deco, farmhouse, retro and mid-century modern pieces.

    Start planning your weekender of a lifetime in Queensland Country region at queenslandcountrytourism.com.au.