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

8 reasons to book a stay at the reimagined Reefworld now

    Imogen Eveson Imogen Eveson
    Continue
    Cruise Whitsundays’ famous Reefworld has undergone a complete transformation – here’s why it has become one of Australia’s most extraordinary places to spend the night.

    Imagine sleeping under the stars or beneath the sea, snorkelling vibrant coral gardens, and enjoying a dining experience that wouldn’t feel out of place at a top restaurant – all from a pontoon moored on the Great Barrier Reef. In a country that excels at extraordinary, immersive travel experiences, the reimagined Reefworld in Queensland’s Whitsundays has joined the upper echelons.

    Cruise Whitsundays has unveiled an extensive transformation of Reefworld, its pontoon permanently moored at Hardy Reef on the outer Great Barrier Reef.

    First opened in 2019, Reefworld is home to the famous underwater Reefsuites – Australia’s first underwater hotel – and was originally designed as a dual-purpose pontoon for both day visitors and overnight guests.

    Now, it has been transformed into an overnight-only experience, giving guests exclusive access to the pontoon and the reef, with more space, greater comfort and a more immersive way to experience this unique environment.

    The transformation forms part of Journey Beyond’s $40 million investment in responsible reef tourism in the region.

    Read on for eight reasons to book a stay at the reimagined Reefworld now.

    1. A scenic cruise through the Whitsundays

    cruise whitsundays boat on Great Barrier Reef Adventure tour
    Start with a cruise of the gorgeous Whitsundays.

    Your journey to Reefworld begins with a scenic cruise through the Whitsundays: dark-green islands daubed on an endless expanse of blue. Welcome to Ngaro Sea Country.

    Departing Port of Airlie, Daydream Island or Hamilton Island, a high-speed catamaran with priority boarding for Reefworld guests will whisk you across the Coral Sea to the outer reef.

    From next year, a new 35-metre catamaran will join the Cruise Whitsundays fleet, featuring an exclusive-use lounge area reserved for Reefworld guests. Snacks and refreshments are available onboard.

    Depending on the time of year, migrating humpback whales may pass you on your journey.

    2. A sense of arrival

    aerial view of new cruise whitsunday reefworld pontoon
    Watch as your home on the reef rolls into view.

    Around two hours after leaving Hamilton Island, the Reefworld pontoon shimmers into view on the horizon.

    As you sail closer towards Hardy Reef – where the pontoon is permanently moored – your home for the next 27 hours comes into focus, including the plush new beds where Reefsleep guests will spend the night. Anticipation builds for the unique experience to come.

    The everyday world slips away as you alight the catamaran and step onto the pontoon. Now exclusively reserved for up to 36 overnight guests at a time, it has undergone an extensive transformation.

    The sense of space, peace and quiet is palpable as you’re welcomed with a cold non-alcoholic drink. Dab your brow with a refreshing cold towel and take in the stillness – interrupted only by the sound of flying fish slapping the water’s surface.

    From the moment you arrive in the late morning, the whole place is yours to enjoy. Reefworld has been redeveloped with considered spaces designed to help you make the most of your downtime.

    On the lower deck, you’ll find a bar serving tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, alongside comfy lounge areas where you can sit back and take in mesmerising reef views.

    Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxed in the knowledge that you don’t have to leave again until tomorrow afternoon.

    3. Elevated food and beverage (including quality coffee!)

    cruise whitsunday reefworld food offering
    Indulge in an elevated food and beverage offering onboard.

    Elevated food and drink is central to the new Reefworld experience. The all-inclusive offering focuses on high-quality regional dining.

    A seafood buffet lunch might include Hervey Bay scallops grilled in shell with garlic and herb butter or line-caught reef fish baked with lemon thyme oil.

    A signature three-course dinner paired with premium Australian wines might dish up an entrée of Whitsunday blue swimmer crab wontons with smoked salmon caviar in a butter sauce, a main of Queensland grass-fed beef-eye fillet, and a tropical coconut and pineapple confection for dessert. Dietary requirements are catered for (notify team at time of booking).

    A hot breakfast buffet offers a selection of cooked favourites, smoked salmon, cheeses, and yoghurts, fresh fruit, toast and cereals.

    All-inclusive beverages include bottled beer and cider, soft drinks and Australian wine including sparkling. Or choose from a range of premium spirits and cocktails such as the 74 Islands Limoncello Spritz, made with a liqueur crafted right here in the Whitsundays.

    Perhaps the biggest boon of all? Barista-made coffee, available from 6.30 am. Only in Australia could you order an oat flat white in the middle of a coral reef.

    4. Snorkel one of the GBR’s most diverse reefs

    guests snorkelling the great barrier reef at cruise whitsunday reefworld
    Dive into the Great Barrier Reef.

    Reefworld sits above Hardy Reef, one of the most biologically diverse outer reef systems in the Great Barrier Reef. Exploring it is a simple matter of popping on a mask, snorkel and flippers and slipping into the water straight from the pontoon.

    Being in the outer reef means the water is clear, and marine life is abundant: here you could spot giant trevally, Māori wrasse, clownfish, parrotfish, nudibranch and giant clams, as well as vibrant coral gardens.

    Snorkel at your leisure over two days. Prefer to stay above the water level? Head to the underwater observatory or join an optional semi-submersible guided tour, and you might still spot the resident two-metre-long Queensland grouper, George, doing the rounds. Or Crush, one of 12 resident green sea turtles.

    5. A luxurious sleep under the stars

    cruise whitsunday reefworld pontoon reefsleep beds
    Spend the night in one of 16 spacious, four-poster beds.

    At the heart of the reimagined Reefworld is its elevated Reefsleep experience. On the upper deck are 16 spacious, four-poster beds, replacing the earlier swag-inspired accommodation and giving up to 32 guests the chance to sleep under the stars with increased privacy and added comfort.

    With names like Parrot Fish and Spotted Ray, each Reefbed is of its place and has everything you need: not least a queen-size bed with premium linens, decked out in coastal shades befitting the location. USB charging ports, reading lights and fans provide extra convenience and comfort. The beds are set up as daybeds in the afternoon, then turned down in time for sleep.

    Double-layer canvas and mesh flaps allow you to customise your experience and exposure to the elements: zip up for maximum privacy and shelter or leave wide open to stargaze as you drift off to sleep.

    Come morning, enjoy the luxury of watching the sun rise over the reef from the comfort of the covers (if facing east).

    6. Refreshed underwater Reefsuites

    Reefsuites room at reefworld
    Let the locals form your bedroom view.

    Reefsuites is Australia’s first underwater hotel and remains among the most unique stays in the country – if not the world. Its two suites have had a glow-up as part of Reefworld’s transformation, but the floor-to-ceiling underwater views of the Great Barrier Reef remain unchanged.

    Choose between king double or twin single sleeping configurations, with premium bedding and a glass-walled en suite in each suite. This is your front-row seat to the marine life of the reef in all its nocturnal glory.

    7. A sensational sunset and canapés session

    cruise whitsunday reefworld guests enjooying sunset canapes
    Wait for sunset at Australia’s best bar.

    There’s even a designated new spot for sunset canapés. Could this be Australia’s best bar? That’s what you will be asking come evening, as you gather on the upper deck for a Sunset Canapés session.

    Reefworld’s refreshed design includes a designated space for this very ritual. Grab a drink at the bar – bubbles, perhaps, or a G&T with locally produced gin – and pull up a stool to settle in for one of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever see.

    Nibble on a chef’s selection of light bites as the sun puddles into the molten Coral Sea, bathing the entire pontoon in a glorious glow. It doesn’t get more golden hour than this.

    8. Extras: the adventure continues

    tour leader preparing scua diving gear at cruise whitsunday reefworld
    Choose from a range of extra activities to help you keep exploring.

    And that’s not where the adventure ends. Your Reefworld stay also includes access to the underwater observatory and a guided semi-submarine tour, plus a complimentary guided snorkel safari led by expert reef guides. For those looking to do even more, add-ons include scuba diving and scenic flights over Heart Reef, available at an additional cost.

    As part of Cruise Whitsundays’ investment in reef tourism, nearby permanent Heart Pontoon has also undergone a significant refurbishment, further enhancing the visitor experience.

    The details

    Reefworld is open now as an overnight‑only pontoon, exclusively for Reefsleep and Reefsuite guests. Stays start from $895 per person for Reefsleep and $1495 per person for a Reefsuite, based on double occupancy.

    Book an unforgettable sleep out on the Great Barrier Reef at cruisewhitsundays.com.