6 Markets To Check Out When You’re In Cairns

Cairns Night Markets

Established in 1991, Cairns open air Night Markets features more than 70 retail outlets, including a wide array of food stalls that source local produce. Sample a deliciously brewed coffee from one of several coffee stalls, after enjoying a Thai, Japanese, Chinese, or Italian meal, or a delicious frozen treat from the ice creamery. The hugely popular markets feature arts and crafts, silver, opals, souvenirs, t-shirts and massage oils. Located at The Esplanade, the markets are open from 5 – 11 pm daily.

Farm gate Market

Held every Saturday at the Pier on the Marina between 7:30 am and 2 pm, Farm gate Markets have a fabulous policy that demands each stall holder must source their produce from a local farmer – produce transport to the market must be short and during transport, less greenhouse emissions have been released than for goods that would be transported from further away. As a result, you’ll find some of the finest and freshest produce at this market, that includes Sulphur free seafood, native conserves and pickles, organic cakes and bread, sugar cane juice, fruit and vegetables, chocolate, coconut and herbs.

Rusty’s Markets

Along with Farm gate Market, Rusty’s is hugely popular with locals and tourists alike for the wide range of fresh and delicious local produce. With an eclectic twist, Rusty’s offers exotic fruits, vegetables, seeds and berries from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island stallholders, as well as produce and artifacts from a mix of nationalities, including Indian, Italian, Chinese, Australian and Papua New Guinean. Rusty’s offers everything from handmade pasta, cheese, infused oil, fresh flowers, biscuits and cakes, to organic foods, clothing, jewellery, herbs, spices and bric a brac. With more than 180 stalls, second hand merchants and local musicians adding to the carnival-like atmosphere, Rusty’s is a great day out. Located on Sheridan Street in the heart of Cairns, Rusty’s is open 5 am – 6 pm Friday, 6 am – 3 pm Saturday and 6 am – 2 pm Sunday.

Cairns Esplanade Markets

The Esplanade Markets operate every Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm by the Lagoon on the Cairns waterfront. With free BBQ’s, children’s playgrounds and exercise equipment set against the stunning backdrop of the Lagoon, a day at the Esplanade Markets is a fun day out for the whole family. Stalls containing quality arts and crafts, clothing, jewellery, pottery, skincare and leatherwork are well worth a browse.

Holloways Beach Markets

Holloways community markets are situated on the Casuarina Street foreshore, a delightful area where you can combine your market visit with an afternoon picnic, free BBQ and a swim. Operating on the second Sunday of each month from 8 am to 1 pm, the markets offer a fabulous range of fresh local produce, arts and crafts, second hand goods, clothes, plants and food stalls.

Tanks Markets

Operating from 9 am to 2 pm in Collins Avenue, Edge Hill, last Sunday of the month from April to November, Tanks Markets offer an eclectic collection of vintage clothing, locally made health products, art and craft, fresh produce, beauty treatments and collectibles. Well worth a visit, you will be entertained by local musicians as you wander around the stalls.