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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

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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

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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.

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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!)
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How to spend three romantic days on Hamilton Island

(Image: Sharyn Cairns)

    Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
    Continue
    From barefoot beach walks to moonlit dinners, this three-day Hamilton Island itinerary will have lovebirds swooning.

    Few Aussie destinations do romance quite like Hamilton Island. Set in the dreamy Whitsunday Islands, this popular honeymoon destination combines luxury retreats, palm-fringed reefs and spectacular dining with the easy rhythm of tropical living. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary or spontaneous couples’ weekend, here’s how to spend a loved-up three days on Hamilton Island.

    Day 1

    Morning

    A serene ocean-view room overlooking endless blue horizons.
    Let picturesque ocean views welcome you the moment you check in. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Nothing kills the holiday buzz faster than waiting at the baggage carousel. Luckily, our arrival couldn’t have been smoother. Staying at the boutique, adults-only Beach Club Hotel means VIP transfers are included, so the moment we land, a staff member greets us and whisks our bags straight from the baggage claim to our room. We don’t have to lift a finger.

    Occupying a prime piece of real estate on Catseye Beach, Beach Club is a peaceful retreat just steps from sugar-white sand and a turquoise lagoon. Within 10 minutes of stepping off the plane, we’ve arrived and are switched into holiday mode.

    We check into our room, immediately delighted by the sight of several wallabies grazing in the garden just in front of our private terrace. Beyond, picturesque ocean vistas stretch across the horizon. The room’s mini bar is stocked with bespoke sweet treats; the bathroom with premium Aesop amenities that add to the luxury.

    After we’ve checked out the resort’s beachside infinity pool – plotting the lounge chairs we’ll no doubt return to later – we head out to explore the island. Families glide by on hire bikes and chirping rainbow lorikeets dot the foliage. We decide to hike up to Passage Peak – one of the most scenic walks on Hamilton Island – which takes about 40 minutes one way and boasts panoramic Whitsundays views that will stick with you for long after you leave.

    Afternoon

    A romantic beachside lunch as champagne is served.
    Recharge with a laid-back lunch at Beach Club Restaurant. (Image: Nikki To)

    After working up an appetite, Beach Club Restaurant is the perfect place to snap up a light lunch. Think barramundi, nourish bowls, Wagyu beef burgers, brown butter toasties and Queensland chilli prawns. For those who don’t want to move from their prime perch on the beach or by the pool, there’s also the option to order bites via QR code from the resort’s lounge chairs.

    After our fill, we plunge into the hotel’s incredible infinity pool, its surface blending near seamlessly into the blues of Catseye Beach. Quiet and tucked away from the island’s hum, it feels illegal to do anything but relax here.

    Evening

    A curated flatlay of dishes from Catseye Pool Club.
    Celebrate your first evening over beautifully plated coral trout. (Image: Nikki To)

    There’s truly nothing more satisfying than a little R&R (rest & robe) time in your hotel room after spending the day in the sun. Fresh from a shower, we watch the ripe tangerine sun slowly dip below the palm-framed horizon from our plush terrace daybed. Two wallabies are still grazing on the grass. It’s a magical setting; I find it hard to believe I am only a few hours away from home.

    Come dinnertime, we zip over to nearby Catseye Pool Club, which is a short buggy ride from the hotel or a five-minute walk. A chic new haunt from Sydney-based pair Josh and Julie Niland, the restaurant is all about reconnecting over flavour-rich share plates using high-quality Aussie ingredients.

    We sit in a corner overlooking Catseye Beach – arguably the best seat in the house – with mini table lamps casting a soft glow about the contemporary indoor-outdoor setting. What comes next is pure delight; grilled prawns served with tumeric and lemongrass marinade, macadamia satay sauce and a Thai-leaning sour green mango salad. Then, elegantly plated coral trout served with kasundi and zucchini. We savour it all slowly, the conversation flowing easily between bites and sips while the moonlight transforms the ocean into molten silver.

    Day 2

    Morning

    An 18-hole golf course set against sweeping ocean views.
    Tee off side by side against a backdrop of sweeping ocean views. (Image: Andrea Francolini)

    A la carte breakfast is complimentary for guests of Beach Club, and we take full advantage of the fact. Barista-quality coffee and pressed juice – today it’s carrot, melon, orange and pineapple – arrive alongside pastries baked fresh this morning. For the larger meal, I treat myself to the buttermilk pancakes with praline butter.

    If you prefer an active start to the morning rather than lying in, you’ll find plenty of options. Perhaps tee off at the 18-hole golf course, where the views are as much of a drawcard as the sport itself. Designed by five-time British Open winner Peter Thomson, the course is integrated into the ridged landscape of Dent Island.

    Afternoon

    Artfully paired wines and bites from the Talk & Taste experience.
    Uncover new favourite wines together. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

    For wine-curious couples, Beach Club’s new Talk & Taste experience is a must. Held several times a week for up to eight guests, it’s an intimate tasting of Aussie drops paired with curated bites – all guided by Bommie Assistant Manager and wine enthusiast Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher.

    We opt for the white wine and seafood option, enjoying pours from Eden Valley to Launceston while Courtenay shares her knowledge and passion for the intricacies of wine making.

    Later, we drive our golf buggy up to One Tree Hill. This is one of the most popular spots on the island for sunset, but we chose to come a little earlier so we have more space to ourselves. We enjoy afternoon wine and cheese, admiring the 360-degree views of the island and its impossibly blue waters.

    Evening

    The moody, atmospheric interiors of Bommie Deck.
    Dress up for a romantic evening at Bommie Restaurant. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Since we are, after all, on holiday, we continue the tipples at Bommie Deck. Suspended above Hamilton Island’s marina, this architectural monument is a fabulous place for a sunset spritz.

    Just a few steps inside is Bommie Restaurant, the contemporary Australian fine dining establishment headed by chef Ryan Locke. Of anywhere on the island, this is the place to frock up and celebrate a special occasion – especially if theatrical culinary experiences take your fancy. The tasting set menu is a whirlwind of native Australian flavours and creative plating – with highlights including the cured venison wrapped in wattle seed seasoning. For dessert, a clever take on white chocolate and lemonade ends the night on a high.

    Day 3

    Morning

    A couple gliding across calm waters on SUP boards together.
    Ease into the morning with a paddleboarding adventure. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Another low-key morning means another blissful breakfast at Beach Club. This time, it’s smashed avo toast topped with Persian fetta, dukkah and poached eggs – a deliciously fueling start to the day.

    The weather today is perfect for a paddle, so we walk straight from our room onto the sand of Catseye Beach to pick up some SUP boards. Guests of Beach Club receive complimentary non-motorised water sports equipment, spanning everything from mini catamarans to snorkel gear and kayaks. Finding our balance on the boards is a fun challenge at first, but before long, we’re gliding across the glassy water like naturals.

    Afternoon

    A helicopter soaring above the iconic Heart Reef.
    Add the ultimate highlight with a Heart Reef flight together. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    No couples’ retreat is complete without a touch of pampering. Located in the resort area, Spa Wumurdaylin offers everything from body wraps and facials to de-stress massages using natural Australian products. The Soul Temple treatment begins with a heavenly feeling sugar scrub, followed by a Vichy vertical shower and underwater massage. I leave in a daze.

    If you prefer adventure to relaxation, there is an abundance of day trips from Hamilton Island, from snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef to Whitsundays helicopter tours – all of which make for unforgettable experiences that will bring you and your partner closer.

    Evening

    A couple standing at qualia, gazing out over the endless ocean horizon.
    Close your journey over a beautiful dinner by the sea. (Image: Sharyn Cains)

    Enjoy an elevated evening at qualia’s tranquil Pebble Beach restaurant, where a private beach setting complements the thoughtful, seasonal menu. Or perhaps continue relaxing at Beach Club, feasting on roast lamb and seafood at the poolside restaurant or soaking in ocean views from your room with in-house room delivery. And don’t forget the champagne – a weekend of love, fun and restoration is worth toasting.

    Getting there

    Hamilton Island has its own airport called the Great Barrier Reef Airport, which makes it fuss-free to get to. Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar offer short, direct flights from most major Australian cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns. This means you’ll spend less time travelling and more time enjoying each other’s company.

    Visit hamitlonisland.com.au for more couples’ retreat ideas.