Guide to Cairns' local markets
Is there any better way to spend your weekend than meandering through a local market? Discovering tropical fruits you’ve never even heard of, knick knacks, exotic plants, and delicious food stalls to fuel your day of exploration.
Motel Nomad bring you the ULTIMATE guide to local markets in Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Tablelands.
Image credit: @blutosbananabread
CAIRNS
Palm Cove Markets
Palm Cove is a vibe, period. But if you want a little more beachside hustle and bustle with a side of craft and creations – hit the markets. You’ll have the esplanade to peruse a bevy of stalls showcasing jewellery, skincare, clothing, food, spices, pottery, and whatever else you can think of. You’ll need to get there early to nab a park, but wherever you end up the walk will be worth it.
WHEN: Apr - Nov, first Sunday 8am - 2pm
WHERE: Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
Image credit: Night Markets
Night Markets
The Night Markets are a Cairns must see, not because it’s super spectacular, but because it has a little something for everyone. You’ve got cheap massages, token touristy tee’s, croc feet keychains, leathery goods, country hats, crystals with all sorts of energy, and of course a food court. It’s a shambles, but in the best way. Running between Abbot St and the Esplanade, it’s a sweet spot to start your night.
WHEN: Daily 4.30pm - 10.30pm
WHERE: 71-75 The Esplanade, Cairns
Image credit: @bounce_cairns
Tanks Markets
The perfect way to spend a Sunday morning. These markets showcase a medley of creations including jewellery, woodcraft, clothing, food, and obviously there’s coffee. Located amongst the Botanic Gardens, it’s a prime spot to browse, grab a snack, then wander around and check out the giant tropical tree’s. The butterfly sanctuary and boardwalk are also a Cairns must see.
WHEN: Apr - Nov, last Sunday 9am - 2pm
WHERE: 46 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill
Image credit: @plentyofdust
Rusty’s Markets
A Cairns icon, Rusty’s Market is the go-to for locals and tourists looking for local produce, flowers, coffee, and food. If you’re after some classic market vibes, this is the place to go. And if you really want, there’s a few crafty souvenir type stalls around too. If we had to pick a fav, this could be it.
WHEN: Fri - Sat, 5am - 6pm, Sundays 5am - 3pm
WHERE: 57-89 Grafton St, Cairns
Image credit: Tourism Port Douglas
PORT DOUGLAS
Port Douglas Markets
Head up the coast and check out Port Douglas Markets. These markets are all about local produce and crafts, with plenty of opportunities to grab a feed and a bevvy. Plus, the drive from Cairns boasts some of the greatest views FNQ has to offer.
WHEN: Sundays 8am - 2pm
WHERE: Market Park, Port Douglas
Image credit: Marina Markets
Marina Markets
If you’re north for long enough, it may be worth the splurge to get a little midweek market action. Marina Markets overlook the Dickson Inlet and are often accompanied by live music. Even if nothing takes you fancy, the views and vibes will be worth it.
WHEN: Apr - Jan, Wednesdays 11am - 5pm
WHERE: Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, Port Douglas
Image credit: Tourism Port Douglas
Mossman Markets
Mossman markets offer an insight into small town living, with locally grown produce, creations, and naturally – baked goods. Located under giant rain trees, it’s worth the drive to visit, especially if you’re heading north for the day or need snacks for trekking Mossman Gorge. As farm life goes though, the early bird gets the worm, so you’ll need to be early to make the most of it.
WHEN: Saturdays 7am - 1pm
WHERE: Foxton Avenue, Mossman
Image credit: Yungaburra markets
TABLELANDS
Yungaburra Markets
Yungaburra is a quaint little (tiny) town that on market days offers a great range of local produce, arts and crafts, homewares, jewellery, gems, and baked goods. If you’re heading up those ways, it’s worth the stop, and there’s a few touristy activities to get amongst while there. Plus, the Tablelands offer a bit of a reprieve from the heat - in case you need it.
WHEN: Monthly, fourth Saturday 7.30am - 12.30pm
WHERE: Main St, Yungaburra
Image credit: Mareeba Markets
Mareeba Markets
For more of a country vibe, check out the Mareeba Markets. A regular go to for locals for fresh produce and pies, these markets offer more of a family friendly vibe with a playground onsite.
WHEN: Monthly, second and fifth Saturday, 7.30am - 12.30pm
WHERE: Centenary Park, Mareeba
Image credit: Malanda Markets
Malanda Markets
Malanda is not unlike a few other spots on the Tablelands, there’s lots to explore in the surrounds, so if you’re there, you may as well check out the Malanda Markets. There’s a range of stalls selling the all the usual goods including local fruits and veggies, freshly baked cakes and pickled jams, plants, books, arts and crafts, clothing, and even tools – you never know.
WHEN: Monthly, third Saturday 7.30am - 12.30pm
WHERE: Showgrounds, Malanda
There’s plenty of local producers and creators up these ways, so don’t forget to check out other markets in Kuranda, Atherton, Herberton, and Ravenshoe.