Things to do
Shopping & Markets
How to spend your pocket money
Shopping is a relaxed affair in Tropical North Queensland. Put on some comfortable shoes and spend the day visiting Cairns’ shopping centres, discount outlets and souvenir shops, or slip something over your swimmers and browse the boutique stores in the beachside villages of Port Douglas and Palm Cove.
If you’re a lover of antiques or retro, you’ll often find both special pieces and quirky finds in the vintage shops and second-hand stores in Cairns and many of the region’s towns. Put one of Tropical North Queensland markets on your visit list, too; from the well-established Rusty’s in Cairns where you can shop for dinner, buy a new outfit and have a massage all under one roof, to the eclectic Port Douglas Markets, set beneath the shady trees of Anzac Park. There are dozens of other regular markets to discover, each with its own distinct local flavour. If you’re shopping for gifts or something to take home, keep an eye out for unique artisan food products such as chocolate made from locally grown cocoa, tropical fruit liqueurs and vanilla and tea grown in the Daintree. Looking for a more lasting memento? The region’s many galleries
If you’re shopping for gifts or something to take home, keep an eye out for unique artisan food products such as chocolate made from locally grown cocoa, tropical fruit liqueurs and vanilla and tea grown in the Daintree. Looking for a more lasting memento? The region’s many galleries specialise in world-class art including Indigenous rainforest art at all budgets – from a simple print to an investment piece.
Check out the locally-owned shops in Cairns CBD
Check out the locally-owned shops in Cairns CBD
Wander Macrossan Street in Port Douglas to see all the boutiques available
Wander Macrossan Street in Port Douglas to see all the boutiques available
Rusty's Market in Cairns is the biggest farmers market in Tropical North Queensland
Rusty's Market in Cairns is the biggest farmers market in Tropical North Queensland
Coffee Works in Cairns makes a gift for someone back home
Coffee Works in Cairns makes a gift for someone back home
Shop and go
Hit the shops and markets for everything from international brands to local crafts.
Where to shop local in Cairns City
Step away from the mainstream chain stores and hit the city streets to browse an array of local Cairns shops.
Guide to Kuranda Markets
The bumper sticker catchphrase ‘Magic Happens’ was surely created after a visit to the picturesque village of Kuranda, a rainforest township where the outside world seemingly does not exist.
Market Day
Celebrated Palm Cove chef Nick Holloway adores iconic Rusty’s Markets in Cairns. Kerry Heaney joined him for a tour of the stalls.
11 Best markets near Cairns
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.
48 hours in Palm Cove
A couple of days wasted in Palm Cove is a wonderful way to bring life back to a steady pace.
The ultimate Kuranda shopping guide
In addition to the bounty of scenery nature has provided, there are plenty of shopping opportunities in the village courtesy of a vibrant arts-and-crafts community and strong Indigenous heritage.
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