Cairns Shopping

I arrived into Cairns on a Saturday afternoon and while looking for my accommodation for the evening, I ran across this nice little Fruit and Vege market called Rusty's, which is located just next to Gilligan's hostel.

I was impressed with this little market, which gets most of its produce from the local Atherton Tablelands. It had many varieties of international fruit, and most of them I had never even heard of!

It is only open on Friday and Saturdays, so make sure you stock up when you can!!

What to buy: Fruits and Vege!!!

What to pay: $1 a kilo and higher

If you're looking for boomerangs that truly work and were painted by Aborigines, don't bother looking downtown. I looked for a couple hours and couldn't find any (most were the decorational, made-in-China type). I decided to stop at Tjapukai, the cultural center about 10 minutes out of town, and was a lot more pleased with the quality and variety of goods. The boomerangs I found were flyable, and they had a huge selection of didgeridoos, emu callers, and the like. There is also a booth at Kuranda's market that sells boomerangs from Tjapukai, if you make it up there.

What to pay: Boomerangs run about $20

The overwhelming majority of souvenir shops in Cairns are filled with the same, poor-quality souvenirs that were all made in China. If you are looking for something better to take home for yourself or loved ones, check out the Cairns Esplanade Market, which is open every Saturday. Local artists bring their wares for sale, ranging from jewelry to clocks made from beer bottles to leather and more. The market is located near the public pool on the Esplanade.

Of course if you are into serious shopping, then Cairns Central Shops are for you!

Located near the Railway Station, Cairns Central Shops has everything from big department stores to discount shops, electrical, fashion, services and much more.

.....and more shopping!!

Cairns Night Markets are open every night from 5pm onwards. We strolled through them looking for a cheap feed. I had to shut my eyes as I already spent beyond the budget ;o)

No problem there.... Zig was leading the way...and I was not allowed to stop for a browse... Zig was on a food mission!! :o)

Hive of activity though and a fun place to start your night adventure in Cairns.

Shopping...Shopping :o)

Cairns day Markets - Rusty Markets is opened from Friday to Sunday. It has everything from gifts to fresh fruit & flowers. I bought some nice costume jewlrey under $10.

The Night Owl is open 24/7 and there are a number of these, including one in the city centre.
They have a small array of groceries, fruit, drinks, chocolate, phone cards, ATM's and pretty well anything you need at the last minute. They also have snacks for when you have been out and about and need some more fuel to keep going:) Just ask all the backapackers that you see here ordering the little pizza's at 1am in the morning:)

The Cairns Night Markets is/are located right on the Esplanade. I am not sure what time it opens (I believe around 4 PM), but it definitely closes at 11 PM at night. It is very similar to a swap meet but everything being sold is new. The shops in the Night Markets cater to tourists, selling all kinds of souvenirs, from t-shirts and magnets, to boomerangs and digeridoos. There are a few other unique stalls, such as a stall where they have 10 minute massages, and one selling Bush gear like Akkubra hats and Drizabone coats. The stall there where I purchased the most items was the "Gift from Australia" stall. I recognized them since I saw one of their stores at the Queen St. Mall in Brisbane. There is also a food court at one end of the Nigh Markets.

What to buy: What to buy? Cairns souvenirs...