TNQ Writer
Soak up the colour and the character, the smells and the sounds clunk and clash in a cacophony of the excitement of these 11 great markets.
Everyone loves a market don’t they? The colour and the character, the smells and the sounds clunk and clash in a cacophony of excitement. Shoppers, of course, know the thrill of perusing market stalls, their noses sniffing out a bargain here, a one-off piece there. But markets are not just for shoppers, they’re good for eaters too! Gardeners, re-cyclers, and up-cyclers will also likely find something of interest.
But one of the best reasons for visiting the markets is for the people-watching value. There’s no need to dress up, in fact dressing down is recommended to ensure you don’t stand out too much. Pull up a deck chair, slurp on a freshly cracked coconut and soak in the tropical atmosphere – you’re sure to be entertained.
Whatever your interest, here’s 12 markets to kick-start your market hopping in Tropical North Queensland.
Rusty's Market
Rusty's Markets
When: Fri to Sat 5am – 6pm, Sun 5am – 3pm
Where: Grafton St Cairns
Why: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Cairns at the markets in the heart of the city. There’s fresh local produce, artisan breads, organic meat, spices, tropical flowers, locally produced cheeses and charcuterie plus an eclectic mix of handicrafts.
Kuranda Rainforest Markets
The Kuranda Original Markets
The Kuranda Original Markets
Crepe at Petit Cafe in the Original Markets
Crepe at Petit Cafe in the Original Markets
Shopping at the Original Markets
Shopping at the Original Markets
When: Thurs to Sun 10am – 3pm
Where: Therwine St and Heritage Markets, Kuranda
Why: A little bit kitchsy, a little bit commercial and a whole lot of quirkiness, Kuranda is famous for its markets. Add to your Kuranda day with an immersive rainforest experience with unrivalled views of the spectacular Barron Falls and Gorge on board Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
Yungaburra Markets
Stalls at Yungaburra Markets
Stalls at Yungaburra Markets
Yungaburra Markets
Yungaburra Markets
Stores in Yungaburra
Stores in Yungaburra
When: Fourth Sat of the month Jan to Nov and 3rd Sunday in Dec 7.30am – 12:30pm
Where: Main St Yungaburra
Why: Yungaburra Markets are typical of the Tablelands, where market day is used an excuse by locals to catch up with friends, neighbours and anyone else within earshot. Historic Yungaburra Markets are a terrific place to pick up fabulous fresh produce that the Atherton Tablelands are famous for.
Palm Cove Markets
The market day during Palm Cove Reef Feast is the biggest of the year
When: First Sunday of every month, 8am – 2pm
Where: William’s Esplanade, Palm Cove
Why: Set on a beach-front esplanade lined with 500-year-old Melaleuca trees, the Palm Cove markets are popular with visitors and locals alike. Browse around 140 stalls of homemade goods, fashion, art, gifts and more.
Port Douglas Markets
Port Douglas Sunday Market
Port Douglas Sunday Market
Browse everything from fashion to food
Browse everything from fashion to food
Enjoy an abundance of culinary delights
Enjoy an abundance of culinary delights
When: Sun 8am – 1.30pm
Where: Anzac Park, Port Douglas
Why: Probably the best markets in north Queensland. Food, fresh produce, art, crafts, fashion, jewellery, the cute and the quirky it’s all here. If you leave Port Douglas Markets having purchased nothing you’re really not trying!
Tanks Art Centre Markets
The Tanks Markets are held under beautiful big trees at the Tanks Art Centre
The Tanks Markets are held under beautiful big trees at the Tanks Art Centre
Stalls line the pathways at the Tanks Art Centre
Stalls line the pathways at the Tanks Art Centre
Handmade wares at one of the many stalls
Handmade wares at one of the many stalls
When: last Sun of the month 9am – 2pm (Apr – Nov)
Where: Collins Ave, Edge Hill, Cairns
Why: Arts and crafts, coffee and cake, it’s all here in one of Cairns prettiest tree-lined streets in the Botanic Gardens precinct tucked within the rainforest.
Mossman Markets
The Mossman Markets are held under the gigantic Raintrees in the centre of town
When: Sat 8am – 1.30pm
Where: Under the raintrees, downtown Mossman
Why: Didn’t you read the address? These markets are worth a visit if only to enjoy this gorgeous little town as a teaser for a trip to the Daintree Rainforest a little further north.
Cooktown Markets
Cooktown Markets
When: Sat 7.30am – Noon
Where: Lions Park, Cooktown
Why: Much like Cooktown itself, the Cooktown Markets are full of hidden pleasures. Expect an oddball mix of stalls offering trash, treasure, fresh squeezed juices, home baked cakes manned by the odd hippy or far north Queensland ‘character’. Cooktown’s full of them!
Mission Beach Markets
The beachfront at Mission Beach where markets are held each month
When: First & third Sun of each month, 7am – noon
Where: Ulysses Park, opposite Hideaway Caravan Park
Why: Close enough to the dreamy beach that the town is famous for to taste the salt in the air, the markets offer a good mix of art, fashion, plants and home-baked food. There always seems to be someone selling mangos here no matter what time of the year!
Don’t miss: Monster Markets on the last Sun of each month 7am – 12pm from Easter Sunday to the end of November.
Cairns Night Markets
Didgeridoo Shopping
Didgeridoo Shopping
Indigenous Art
Indigenous Art
Shopping at Cairns Night Markets
Shopping at Cairns Night Markets
When: Open daily from 5pm-11pm
Where: 71-75 The Esplanade, Cairns
Why: The night markets allows you have have a walk on the Esplanade and grab dinner before launching a quest for bargains at the Market. Here, you’ll find food stalls, clothing, arts, crafts, accessories, jewellery and even a massage and beauty sector.
