The Cairns Night Markets, Cairns (must see)

As the sun dips below the horizon, a lively transformation takes place in Cairns—the Cairns Night Markets burst to life, beckoning visitors and locals alike to indulge in an electrifying shopping and culinary experience. With over seventy retail outlets and a plethora of food options, the Cairns Night Markets offer an exciting evening escapade, where dinner and bargain hunting go hand in hand.

The origins of the Cairns Night Markets can be traced back to 1991 when visionary entrepreneurs Hayden Redfern and Elise Warring noticed a rising demand from tourists for locally made goods. Inspired by the charm of open-air markets in Hawaii and South East Asia, they embarked on creating a similar experience in Cairns. Little did they know that their creation would quickly become a beloved hotspot for both locals and visitors.

In its early days, the market humbly began with only 28 vendors and was granted a six-month term. However, its immense popularity soon surpassed all expectations. Word of mouth spread like wildfire, and soon enough, more than 100 vendors were eager to be a part of this dynamic market space. Exploring the market is an adventure in itself, as you discover treasures from local artisans and uncover one-of-a-kind finds.