Cairns Night Markets — Attraction in Cairns City

I’ve visited the Cairns Night Markets several times now across different trips. I went I n December 2022 and 2023 with my family and partner, and again in November 2024 while travelling with my university group. It’s really well located, tucked right in the centre of Cairns CBD along the foreshore shopping strip, and accessible from both the main road and the street behind. There’s usually plenty of parking around the city, but like most places, it can get a little tricky on weekends. That said, Cairns is compact enough that no matter where you park in the CBD, you’re only a short walk away. We parked nearby on a weekend and still managed to find a spot pretty easily.

As someone who loves coastal markets, this one has a different charm. It’s fully indoors, which is handy in the Cairns heat and tropical weather. Inside, the market is packed with a wide mix of stalls, including two food court areas, one at each end. You’ll find everything from touristy souvenir shops to local businesses selling handmade perfumes, hats, trinkets, and art. There’s even a psychic reader and several massage booths lined up along one wall. Prices are definitely on the touristy side, but if you enjoy browsing, there are bargains to be found. I had a great time wandering through and discovering fun spots like the lolly shop and a stall selling poster prints and home decor. The atmosphere is always lively, and the vendors are lovely, helpful, friendly, and cheerful even with the constant foot traffic.

One highlight was a visit to the psychic who was a kind older man tucked away in a corner booth. While nothing he said really stuck with me years later, he was such a warm presence and made for a memorable part of our trip. We’ve also saw they were offering massages, and my advice is to compare a few stalls before choosing, as there are plenty of options and each vendor tries to bring you in.

There’s also a good variety of food on offer. I’ve tried a few stalls over different visits. I’d say fish and chips is a standout, but there’s everything from Asian street food to sweet treats. If shopping isn’t your thing, you could easily do a food tour here instead. Outside the market, you’ve got quick eats like Subway, McDonald’s, and pizza joints lining the nearby streets, making it a good central spot to refuel.

Even though the building itself is a bit run down, the inside stays vibrant and full of life. It can get messy during peak hours, but it’s clearly well maintained and cleaned up each night, ready for the next day’s crowd. The whole area (especially on weekends) is buzzing with energy, including out near the lagoon just across the road. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and it’s easy to see why. Accessibility is also worth mentioning. We visited with both a pram and a wheelchair in the group, and it was no trouble at all. There are toilets nearby and inside, and the layout makes it easy to move through even when it’s busy.

All up, I’d definitely recommend the Cairns Night Markets to anyone visiting the area. Whether you’re on the hunt for a bargain, picking up some novelty gifts for friends, or just keen to try a few local bites, it’s a fun place to start. Bring a curious attitude, and you’re bound to find something you...

I recently had the chance to explore the Cairns Night Market, and overall, it was a delightful experience! Let me share the highlights and my thoughts on this bustling marketplace.

Cairns Night Market is a spacious and lively destination that truly captures the essence of a vibrant night market. The moment you step inside, you're greeted with a vibrant atmosphere, buzzing with colorful stalls and an array of products.

One of the things I appreciated about Cairns Night Market was its size. It's pretty big, offering ample space for visitors to roam around and explore the various stalls. You won't feel crowded or overwhelmed, which adds to the relaxed and enjoyable vibe.

The market boasts an impressive selection of stalls selling a wide range of goods, from local handicrafts and artwork to clothing and souvenirs. It's a treasure trove for those seeking unique gifts or mementos from their trip to Cairns. I particularly enjoyed browsing through the stalls, discovering beautifully handcrafted items that truly showcased the local talent.

However, if I had one minor suggestion for improvement, it would be to have more food sections. While there are a few food stalls available, I felt that the options were somewhat limited. It would have been great to see a wider variety of culinary delights, both local and international, to cater to different tastes and preferences.

Despite that small drawback, Cairns Night Market remains an exciting place to visit, whether you're a tourist or a local. The vibrant ambiance, friendly vendors, and the chance to support local businesses make it a must-visit spot.

In conclusion, I had an overall positive experience at Cairns Night Market. The spacious layout, diverse range of stalls, and the opportunity to immerse oneself in the vibrant market atmosphere make it a worthwhile visit. With a few more food sections, it could become an even more irresistible destination for locals and tourists alike.

If you're in Cairns and looking for a lively night market experience, don't miss out on visiting Cairns Night Market. You're bound to find something special and enjoy the unique...

Still not sure what to think about the Cairns night Markets, it looks as though it's stuck in the 80's but not entirely in a good way. Maybe I expected a bit more, when people describe it as a 'Hawker-style' market I was picturing a bustling food hall like that you'd have in Singapore or Malaysia, and I think that's what they were going for but looks more like unrenovated shopping center food court with lots of fried Bain Marie food on display. One place had fish and chips and apparently, they were terrible and not the freshest. I decided to order something that had to be cooked so found the Pho place at the other end past all the souvenir shops and hole in the wall massage places divided by bedsheet material. Unfortunately, the Pho place was packed and decided maybe a strawberry crepe will do but that was packed too with a sign saying, '20-minute wait time'. I was a bit over it by this stage so decided to risk it and get a pho at the Thai place near the front entrance. That too had a sign saying 'Unavailable' so I went the next best thing Tom Yum soup, I asked for egg noodles, they gave me Hokkien noodles. It was all soggy before I even started eating it and the broth was pretty one dimensional in flavor, it was quite bland but extremely spicy. Like if it had a good balance of sour, sweet and salty notes I would power through that excess chili and pay for it later on the toilet later, but I was not firing up my IBS for an unenjoyable bowl of spicy water. Overall, my initial experience was unpleasant, I don't understand the hype. To make matters worse on the way out the Churros shop at the...