Rusty's Markets

Rusty's Markets is the weekend heart of Cairns food life, a covered market in the CBD between Grafton and Sheridan Streets at 57-89 Grafton Street. It opens on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 5am to 6pm on Friday and Saturday and from 5am to 3pm on Sunday, according to the market's website. The stalls sell locally grown fruits and vegetables, exotic spices, aromatic herbs and tropical delicacies, plus gourmet treats and multicultural cuisines, and there are artisanal crafts and handmade goods including jewellery, clothing, accessories, artwork and gifts. Entry is free, and the market is an easy walk from most central hotels. It suits food lovers, early risers, budget travellers, families and anyone wanting to see how locals shop. The stalls change over time and the exact mix is up to the traders, so go with curiosity rather than a shopping list.

Make a plan for the morning. The market opens early, at 5am, and the best produce and the quietest aisles are in the first couple of hours, while the middle of the day brings the biggest crowds. Because Cairns is hot, go before the sun is high, bring a reusable bag and carry small change for stalls that prefer cash. Try the tropical fruit that is hard to find at home, such as whatever is in season, and ask stallholders for suggestions, since most are happy to explain how to eat what they sell.

Food is a big part of the appeal. Street-food stalls and cafes give breakfast and lunch options, and the market is a good place to put together a picnic for a day trip to Green Island, Fitzroy Island or the Tablelands. Remember that quarantine rules apply when moving fresh produce between regions and when leaving Australia, so do not buy more than you can eat unless you know the rules.

Opening days and hours are set by the market operator and can change, especially on public holidays, so check the market's page before you go. Weekdays have no market, so schedule it for a Friday, Saturday or Sunday morning and pair it with the Botanic Gardens, the Cairns Aquarium or a stroll on the Esplanade. If you have time for only one local experience on a weekend, this is a good candidate: it is free, lively and easy to fit around a reef or rainforest day.

One more reason to go is value. A market breakfast and a bag of tropical fruit cost far less than a restaurant meal, and sharing a few dishes among friends is a good way to try different things. Look for seasonal fruit that is unfamiliar, ask for tasting, and take your time browsing the craft stalls, which are a good source of small, local gifts. If you are travelling with a small child, a stroller can be difficult in crowded aisles, so consider a carrier.

Finally, if you are catching an early boat, remember that the market opens at 5am, which can fit around a morning reef departure if you only want a coffee and a snack. Because Rusty's is a short walk from the city's hotels and the Reef Fleet Terminal, a quick lap before a boat day is realistic for early risers.