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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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Can’t handle the cold? Hamilton Island serves a slice of summer in winter

(Image: Hamilton Island)

    Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
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    When the winter chill settles in, an escape to Hamilton Island’s year-round tropical shores is the only acceptable coping mechanism.

    As a heliophile with the cold tolerance of a Mediterranean house cat, the arrival of winter tends to spark a particular panic. How will I survive? Must I really start layering? What do you mean, Aperol season is over? But there are far better ways to spend the cooler months than sulking in the depths of your doona.

    Enter, Hamilton Island. With its year-round sunshine and permanent on-holiday atmosphere, this Whitsundays favourite promises a veritable slice of summer in winter.

    Think salt-stiff hair and the smug pleasure of devouring seafood beside the water while friends back home are defogging their windscreens. Here’s why Hamilton Island should figure into your winter plans.

    1. Year-round summer weather

    A woman hiking along the Passage Peak trail on Hamilton Island.
    Hike under sunny winter skies on Hamilton Island. (Image: Andrew Caitens)

    In the crisper months, Hamilton Island offers perfectly mild, sunny weather (17-24°C) that lends itself to morning swims and afternoon spritzes. Better still, you can enjoy the island’s outdoor adventures – from hiking to mountain biking – without the humidity or rain you’ll often find in summertime. With direct flights from most major Australian cities offering ease of access, Hamilton Island is the ideal place to flee the cold.

    2. Getting active without the humidity

    A buggy parked overlooking Hamilton Island’s golf course, with sweeping views of the sea at Whitsundays in winter.
    Zip around Hamilton Island by buggy. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Whether you’re hiking up to Passage Peak or exploring the island by buggy, tropical Queensland humidity is nobody’s friend. The one way to guarantee you will avoid the inevitable stickiness and fluffy hair? Visit during winter. There’s plenty to be enjoyed, from sunrise yoga at The Sundays (exclusive to guests of The Sundays) to playing golf on Dent Island.

    3. Hamilton Island Race Week

    Yachts racing across the sparkling Whitsundays during Hamilton Island Race Week.
    Feel the thrill of Hamilton Island Race Week. (Image: Salty Dingo)

    Taking place in August, Hamilton Island Race Week is a destination in its own right that attracts spectators and racers from around the globe. Boating enthusiasts and thrill-seeking holidaymakers flock to the island, which is palpably energetic as the first yachts set off for Dent Passage from Hamilton Island Yacht Club. The annual action-packed week, taking place from 15 to 22 August in 2026, offers an exciting calendar of on- and off-water events – spanning everything from celebrity chef dinners to golfing comps and wine tastings.

    4. Best time for snorkelling

    A woman snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
    Explore Hamilton Island’s winter waters. (Image: Andrew Caitens)

    While the crowds on Hamilton Island may disperse with the cooler weather, the marine life certainly doesn’t. Winter is widely considered one of the best times to snorkel and dive in the Whitsundays.

    It’s down to a number of reasons: excellent water visibility, higher chances of seeing whales as they migrate north and – best of all – no nasty stingers. This means no need to wear those notoriously unflattering full-body wetsuits visitors have to wear in warmer months. On top of all this, you’ll find calm seas ideal for sailing and Great Barrier Reef tours.

    5. Fewer crowds

    People kayaking.
    Experience a quieter Hamilton Island on a kayaking adventure. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Winter is often the quietest time to visit Hamilton Island, with the peak season crowds thinned to a relaxed trickle. You can snorkel or dive straight off the reef-laced waters of Catseye Beach, then swap fins for a buggy and zip between One Tree Hill, the marina and sunset cocktails without the usual summer queues. Active days stretch from kayaking, sailing and jet skiing to hopping over to famous Whitehaven Beach to witness those breathtaking white swirls of silica sand. You won’t have to elbow your way to the front of the crowd to get a good snap.

    6. Delicious dining

    The interiors of Bommie Restaurant, featuring modern coastal design with warm lighting and elegant detailing.
    Treat yourself to Bommie Restaurant’s fine dining featuring fresh, seasonal Aussie produce. (Image: Nikki To)

    The food on Hamilton Island tastes just as good any time of year, and winter is still perfect weather for sundowners. Start with an iced tea Negroni at harbourside Bommie Deck, before transitioning to Bommie Restaurant for a fine-dining feast centering on seasonal Aussie ingredients. Or perhaps enjoy a more casual poolside evening at Sails Restaurant, where plates of chermoula chicken skewers, baked cauliflower steak and crispy sumac squid come served with ocean views. From family-friendly pub meals to elevated wine tastings, there’s something for everyone.

    5. Clear skies for idyllic views

    The golden hour across the Whitsundays in winter.
    End your day with golden Hamilton Island sunsets over the water. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Never let a cloud rain on the parade of Hamilton Island’s spectacular scenery. Winter brings clearer skies and more stable weather to the Whitsundays, meaning your picture-perfect sunset at One Tree Hill is likely to remain that way. And after putting in the legwork to hike to a scenic lookout, the last thing you want is a vista hidden behind low cloud and haze.

    To learn more about travelling to the Whitsundays in winter, visit hamitlonisland.com.au.