Intelligent, Informed, Independent and (occasionally) Irreverent

Tropical North Queensland
- Coral Sea
Port Douglas
Festivals
- things to do
Meet the locals
Farmers' markets
- fresh produce
Comprehensive listing
Open days
- historic houses
Dates and times
;

Skip Navigation LinksHome > Queensland > Queensland Regions > Tropical North Queensland

The White Hat Guide to

Tropical North Queensland

Tropical North Queensland

Scroll down for full information, or jump straight to:
Overview
Places to visit
Things to do
Markets
Places to stay

Tropical North Queensland

Tropical North Queensland

Overview


Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter 'Great Things to do in Melbourne - the White Hat guide'

You can find a comprehensive guide to markets around Australia at The White Hat Guide to Markets in Australia.

Places to visit

Tropical North Queensland

Places to visit


Cairns Skyrail & Kuranda Train

Cairns Skyrail - cable car and train

Glide above the canopy of the ancient rainforest in purpose built gondolas that offer a sustainable birds-eye view of North Queensland’s living natural wonder whose prehistoric ancestry is some 60 million years older than the Amazon. Alternatively take the railway journey through the same landscape. You may choose to mix and match the two for a round trip. This tourism experience has won and continues to win numerous international awards. Details at Skyrail


___________________  White Hat  ___________________
Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter 'Great Things to do in Melbourne - the White Hat guide'

Things to do

Tropical North Queensland

Things to do


Some forthcoming events in Tropical North Queensland:

Innisfail Shire Hall Tours

Innisfail Shire Hall

The Innisfail Shire Hall is a heritage-listed building and the jewel in the crown of the Art Deco Capital of Australia.

White Hat can recommend this one hour tour to anyone interested in Art Deco architecture as it
takes you inside the parts of the building not normally accessible to the public outside special events.



___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Greek Festival Cairns

The Greek festival is about sharing culture and community where people feel a sense of belonging through music, tradition, and the sharing of Greek food. The festival has become an exciting community event in the Cairns Community in Redlynch since 2012.

The cultural performances showcase a wide array of performances and local talent.
The centre stage will include the Cypriot dance group, belly dancing, Latin American Folklore, Japanese dancers, and inspiring drumming just to name a few.

The festival’s activity program boasts Zorba dancing, Honey Puff Eating and Olive Spitting competitions, Greek cooking demonstrations, informative church tours, traditional plate smashing and interactive traditional dancing opportunities throughout the day.

The Greek Festival is a vibrant family affair that also caters to children with an alluring jumping castle, children’s performances, popular treasure hunts, lucky dip prizes, day care stall, clown entertainment and ‘zoo to you’ performances with a delicious variety of hot and cold foods to suit the younger palate.

A woodworking stall that has been developed through the “Hammertime” disability program.
There will be delicious Greek sweets and market stalls, raffle tickets tables, and an information and craft stall.



___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Cairns Show

Cairns Show

The Cairns Show is one of the largest regional shows in Australia and is always a highlight on on the Tropical North Queensland calendar. Many events at the show are free once you have purchased an entry ticket. Animals on show include Cattle, Horses, Poultry, Birds, Goats, Guinea Pigs and Goats. In the main arena are many equestrian events together with entertainment into the night. Headlining this year's music is Justice Crew who will be performing twice a day. There are showbags, sideshow alley, carnival rides and fireworks. However what White Hat most looks forward to is just wandering around and watching and chatting to the various people of the region relaxing and celebrating. Full details on the Cairns Show website.



___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Cairns Festival - Grand Parade & Fireworks

Watch the Grand Parade and be entertained by roving performers, then catch the spectacular fireworks display and free family concert.

Afternoon entertainment starts from 3pm, Grand Parade starts at 5pm and then Fireworks and free music from 7.30pm.



___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair

Australia's Premier Indigenous Art Fair. Full details at CIAF.

Our rating - 5 Hats

Hat Hat Hat Hat Hat


___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Carnival on Collins

White Hat suggests that if you are looking for a way to celebrate Father's Day in Cairns, you should seek out the Carnival on Collins.

It is hard to miss because it regularly attracts 25,000 to the City's Botanic Gardens and Tanks Arts Centre precinct for a big day of family activities There is free entertainment and a market with 200+ stalls offering local art and craft, produce, plants, food and refreshments.



___________________  White Hat  ___________________
City Lights

As part of the Cairns Festival, the Cairns City Library will be illuminated with detailed projections. This year's offering transforms the paintings of local artist Hayley Gillespie and weaves them into an animated story.

..
Torimba Festival

High on the Tablelands of North Queensland, the township of Ravenshoe has been celebrating the “Torimba Festival” since 1969. This community event is a celebration of Tourism and Timber with events running over two weeks. This year's festival featres:

Festival of the Forest - Timber craft exhibition. Talented craftsmen from around the nation enter their best work to be judged and viewed by festival goers. This showcases Ravenshoe’s heritage as a former timber town.

Torimba Mardi Gras Parade - A highlight of the Festival. Locals and visitors alike celebrate and participate in old fashioned games and activities, Truck Pull, Woodchop, amusement rides, and market stalls all on the Main Street of Ravenshoe.

Torimba Ball - The culmination of the festival, this is the Queen Entrants night of nights with the crowning of the Torimba Queen, Charity Queen and Miss Personality. It is a great opportunity for entrants, volunteers and locals to glam up and party the night away to live music and dancing.

The Torimba Festival also has an array of events from a golf ambrose, barefoot bowls, hoedown, cake stalls, poetry reading, bingo and more.

White Hat suggests that if you are thinking of visiting the highest town in Queensland, Ravenshoe, then during the Torimba Festival is the best time to do so. Full details at Torimba Festival website

..
Free Guided Bird Tour

Volunteers from Friends of the Botanic Gardens Cairns conduct a free guided bird tour on Tuesdays at 7.30am. Details at Friends of the Botanic Gardens

..
Free Guided Walk In the Botanic Gardens

Volunteers from Friends of the Botanic Gardens Cairns conduct free guided walks, Monday to Friday, most weeks of the year. These walks commence at 10am from Friends’ House, near the Gardens Café, and are designed to meet the needs of casual visitors to the Gardens.

The walks last for about 60 to 90 minutes and showcase a number of different areas of the Gardens including the Conservatory, the Aboriginal Plant Use section and any plants that are putting on a particularly good display at the time. Details at Friends of the Botanic Gardens

..
Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter 'Great Things to do in Melbourne - the White Hat guide'

Markets

Tropical North Queensland

Markets


Rusty's Market

A bustling produce market that also offers a variety clothing, jewellery and bric-a-brac. Anyone inteersted in tropical fruits and vegetables is likely to be delighted with this market and White Hat particularly suggests you search out the PNG stalls and talk to the stallholders about how they use the food they have on offer.



___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Port Douglas Markets

This picturesque market has the mountains and the Coral Sea as a backdrop offers local fresh produce and hand crafted goods. White Hat advises that his market is officially a ‘Cotters Market’, thereby ensuring that goods offered for sale are made by the stallholder.



___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Palm Cove Markets

This large waterfront market is about half an hour's drive from Cairns and White Hat suggests it is well worth the trip if you want to experience a busy community market in a tropical atmosphere. There are local handmade goods including jewelry, clothing, pottery, plants, food and skincare products together with family entertainment.



___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Cairns Men's Shed Garage / Car Boot Sale

Bargains for all at the huge Garage / Car Boot Sale. Doors open at 7.30 AM. 38 Stall holders, sausage sizzle, money wheel, toys, books, lots of tools, kitchen ware, plants, seedlings and even a wheel chair. Plenty of parking next door at Roos. Music by the "Bad Boys OF UKE" who are returning by popular demand.



___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Cairns Cruise Liner Markets

This market is primarily provided for visitors arriving on cruise liners but locals and other visitors are welcome. The market has tourism items, local produce and gifts such as jewelry, leather goods and souvenirs.

Market dates depend on the cruise ship schedule. White Hat suggests that the following are possible 2019 dates since cruise ships will be in port on those days:

9th, 14th, 25th, 27th & 28th January
8th, 11th, 20th, 23rd, 24th & 28th February
7th, 9th, 10th, 17th, 18th & 21st March
2nd, 3rd & 14th April
12th & 24th May
21st & 26th July
2nd & 11th September
10th, 15th, 22nd, 28th & 30th October
19th, 21st, 24th, 27th & 29th November
2nd, 3rd, 11th, 16th & 20th December



___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Tanks Markets

Showcasing locally created arts and crafts, the markets are a relaxing way to spend a Sunday morning.
This market lines Tanks promenade on Collins Avenue, with live entertainment provided by local musicians. Stalls feature a blend of local art, craft, produce, vintage clothing, collectibles and local natural health products. White Hat suggests this venue as a pleasant way to spend a Sunday morning. You may then want to wander on to relax in the nearby Botanic Gardens.



___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Cairns Night Markets

With over 70 stalls and a range of food court options, the Cairns Night Markets are a major tourist shopping hub in Cairns. The market is under cover and operates every day of the year.



___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Holloways Beach Markets

Currently the Holloways Beach Market is being held in the Syd & Jane Granville Park in Cassia Street while the upgrade to the Esplanade is under way. White Hat suggests that these community markets, about 15 minutes drive from central Cairns, make for a pleasant Sunday outing where you can combine a visit to the market with a barbecue and a swim or a stroll along the beach



___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Cooktown Markets

White Hat recommends a visit to this relaxed market situated in the wonderful surrounds of a shady park next to the Endeavour River. Mix with a colouful mix of locals and enjoy fresh local produce as well as locally made handicrafts and random bric-a-brac.



___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Atherton Markets

The Atherton Markets (previously Platypus Park Markets) is a large market selling fruit and vegetables, plants, and arts and crafts.



___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Sunset Markets at The Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina

Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina

This waterfront market has a backdrop of palm trees and luxury yachts which White Hat suggests may offer a clue to the products on sale. Handmade jewelry, clothing and souvenirs are well to the fore. If you want to continue into the evening, there are plenty of quality restaurants nearby overlooking the water.

As well as Wednesdays, this market functions when cruise ships are moored off Port Douglas. Those currently scheduled dates are as follows (but may change):

  • 2018 - 13th Dec
  • 2019 - 23rd Jan, 21st Feb, 1st & 31st March, 15th & 24th April, 22nd May, 19th June, 17th July, 2nd Aug, 11th, 23rd & 24th Sept, 9th, 22nd & 28th Oct, 19th & 20th Nov, 3rd & 4th Dec


___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Malanda Markets

Malanda Markets

The Malanda Markets offer fresh local produce, local crafts and a range of other goods. It is managed by the local Lions Club which White Hat usually finds is a good indicator of a community-oriented event.



___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Kuranda Rainforest Markets

 

Known by a number of names - Kuranda Original Markets, Original Kuranda Rainforest Market, etc - Kuranda is definitely a market town, and the markets are definitely aimed at tourists. If this is your cup of tea, White Hat suggests you allow yourself a few hours to take in what is on offer.



___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Mission Beach Markets

 

The Mission Beach Markets offer a wide range of goods and are held under the trees on the scenic beachfront. It is always worth a visit to Mission Beach and the market offers a good excuse. White Hat reminds you that the beach markets are different from the Monster Markets Mission Beach which are also organised by Rotary.



___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Mission Beach Monster Market

 

The Monster Markets Mission Beach ia held in pleasant parkland with a range of stalls and has an emphasis on family-friendly activities. White Hat reminds you that the Monster Market is different from the beach markets which are held on the first and third Sunday of each month throughout the year which are also organised by Rotary.



___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Yungaburra Markets

Yungaburra Markets

The Yungaburra Markets is the main fundraiser for the Yungaburra State School Parents and Citizens Association and is a pleasant hour and a half's drive from Cairns. There are plenty of stalls to choose from and you can find full information at Yungaburra Markets. White Hat can particularly recommend the Christmas Market on the third Sunday in December.



___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Redlynch Community Markets

A a lazy Sunday morning with great people, coffee, food, market stalls and conversations in gorgeous parklands. The bi-monthly markets which are alternated between the Redlynch Valley along Freshwater Creek on Gamburra Drive and Regis Aged Care Facility, in Short Street Redlynch.

___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Mount Sheridan Plaza Community Markets

The Community Markets is a celebration of the community and local producers, growers and artists all under the one roof. Peruse the stalls to find a diverse and unique range of quality handmade artworks, antiques, plants, pottery, hats, bric’n’brac, clothing, books, bags, toys, jewellery, candles, soaps, beauty, alternative products and so much more.

___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Gordonvale Cottage Markets

A general market in a pleasant parkland setting.



___________________  White Hat  ___________________

Mossman Markets

Mossman Markets

Located under the huge raintrees near historic St David’s Church, this market offers fresh local produce and local crafts. White Hat suggests that visitors may choose to combine a visit to the market with a swim in the nearby Mossman Gorge.



___________________  White Hat  ___________________
Archers Creek Markets

White Hat has yet to visit this market, but surely any event organised by the Malanda Lions Billycart Committee must be worthy of support.

..
Bloomfield Markets

As with many small communities, this monthly market provides an opportunity for the locals to get together and for visitors to sample some of the local produce and wares.

..
Rossville Market

A small community market featuring local produce and other goods.

..

Places to stay

Tropical North Queensland

Places to stay


Selected places to stay in Tropical North Queensland:

Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter 'Great Things to do in Melbourne - the White Hat guide'

You can find a comprehensive guide to markets around Australia at The White Hat Guide to Markets in Australia.

Top