Cheapest Way to Taste the Tropics at Rusty’s Markets Cairns

Filled with exotic fruits, tropical-tasting plates, and plenty of banter, Rusty’s Markets Cairns is the ultimate destination for anyone seeking a budget-friendly way to experience the flavours of Tropical North Queensland. This vibrant farmers market is where local growers proudly sell their fresh produce, and stallholders invite you to taste the unusual and unexpected delights of the tropics.

Be there early, and you might spot some of Cairns’ best chefs as they select prized ingredients for their restaurants, making this market a hotspot for food lovers and culinary explorers alike.

A Market with History: From Rusty’s Beginnings to Cairns’ Favourite Foodie Spot

Way back in 1975, when Rusty Rees started this food market in Cairns, he probably didn’t anticipate its longevity. Now, 45 years later, Rusty’s Markets boasts over 180 stalls and is a must-do for both locals and visitors. It’s not only the cheapest way to taste the tropics but also a place where you can stock up on pantry essentials, discover unique international foods, and even refresh your wardrobe.

Photo above: Kerry Heaney and Shelley Winkel enjoy a coconut shave treat at Rusty’s Markets, Cairns.

Rusty’s Markets is the cheapest way to get a taste the tropics like this shaved coconut and fruit treat.

Insider Tips for Rusty’s Markets from Local Foodies

Liz Inglis: Early Birds Catch the Best Produce

Local foodie Liz Inglis advises heading to Rusty’s Markets Cairns before 7 am on a Friday to catch the freshest produce and follow the chefs as they shop for ingredients.

“I was thrilled to find myself shopping for Asian greens at the same stall as Nick Holloway from Nu Nu,” says Liz. “My dinner plans were guaranteed to succeed!”

Her favourite finds? Phillip’s Happy Tomatoes stall, known for its heirloom Black Russian tomatoes, Italian zucchinis, and low-acid eggplants. Liz also raves about the vegetarian arancini balls from Gyorgyi’s stall, paired with a lavish serving of sauerkraut—so good she always takes a jar home! Next door is her go-to coffee spot, the Barista Sista, where she grabs a cup for the journey home.

Joel Gordan: A Vietnamese Coffee Start

Joel Gordan, Area Manager for Crystalbrook Collection, always begins his Rusty’s Markets Cairns trip with a stop at Annee’s Caphê Sua Da.

“Their Vietnamese iced coffee is unbeatable,” Joel says. “I also grab fresh green Asian vegetables from the Tablelands and locally grown avocados. We’re lucky in Cairns—they’re always in season!”

Homegrown produce straight from the farm is what you’ll find at Rusty’s Market in Cairns.

​Straight from the farm to market at Rusty’s Market in Cairns.

Love it like a local with a tour

Georgia Babatsikos runs Cairns Urban Walking Tours. Here Rusty’s Market Food Lover’s Tour gives visitors an insider’s scoop on the market’s best food with seven tastings.

She says Friday morning is definitely the time to find the freshest produce and best supply of everything at all food stalls. Some stallholders like, the vegan donuts stand, only attend on Fridays.

“My favourite stalls? Oh my, that is hard! It’s like saying who is your favourite child!” says Georgia. “All three coffee places at the market – Annees Caphe (Vietnamese iced coffee), Barista Sistas, and Billy’s) – are popular and excellent.

“I guess because I am so food-obsessed,  I appreciate the effort of world-class chefs cooking for me at such affordable prices. I would say chef Luca’s Italian arancini balls at Mamma Mia’s, chef Gyorgi’s Hungarian arancini balls, and Frenchie’s patisserie are all mind-blowing.

“The Hare Krishna spinach samosas and Cecil’s Sri Lankan goat or vegie samosas are amazing too. See, I couldn’t pick just one! Sugar cane juice and fresh coconut juice are great drinks to finish off with but start with a coffee!”

Of course, there are the fresh produce stallholders, who are of many nationalities, such as Italian, Hmong and Filipino. Many of these grown much of the food themselves. I always start my produce buying at Real Foods because it’s all local, organic or biodynamic, and picked within 72 hours of getting to markets. I work my way out from there.”

​Top traveller’s tips

When Australia’s top travel writers hit the town for their annual conference, Rusty’s Markets was one of the must-see destinations.

Here are some top tips from the Australian Society of Travel Writers members.

• Amanda Kendle from Not a Ballerina  says she had been daydreaming about the pastry shop in Rusty’s Markets for days.“I’d carefully noted it on my phone when it was highly recommended to me by the manager at Fitzroy Island. I finally got there mere hours before I was due to leave Cairns and although strictly speaking, I should have been eating lunch, I opted for an almond croissant because they looked amazing. It tasted even better!”
• Carmen Jenner rates the French patisserie (I tried the chicken quiche) and the coffee stand opposite where she had one of the best coffees on her trip.
• Amanda Kendle bought a packet of dried mango from a stall that faced the street (Sheridan St), and it was scrumptious.
• Food writer Carla Grossetti says Rusty’s has ruined her in terms of farmers’ markets. She did her weekly shop there for years, and nothing else lives up to the promise.

Amanda Kendle’s dreams came true with this almond croissant.

​Top Tips for Rusty’s Markets Cairns

• Bring cash: Most stallholders prefer it, although an ATM is available at the entrance.
• Pack reusable bags: Help the planet by bringing your own shopping bags.
• Carry a reusable coffee cup: A market favourite!
• No waste: Food leftover on Sundays is donated to OzHarvest, helping to rescue food and reduce waste.

Ed+bK’s Top Picks from Rusty’s Markets

Having visited Rusty’s Markets Cairns many times over the years, I’m always inspired by its incredible fresh produce and exotic finds.

This time, I spotted fresh tamarind pods and Asian eggplants, perfect for my Thai Chicken Curry recipe. I also shared a delightful treat with Shelley Winkel: grated coconut fresh from the shell mixed with berries and a touch of honey. It’s amazing how simple ingredients can create such magic.

Other treasures I’ve discovered over the years include heliconia flowers, which I’ve even managed to fly home with, and authentic Thai dishes praised by my friends for their vibrant flavours.

You never know what you’ll find at Rusty’s Markets, but one thing is certain: it’s always a fascinating wander through Cairns’ local food culture.

​Asian eggplants perfect for my favourite Thai Green Chicken Curry at Rusty’s Market in Cairns.

Where to Find Rusty’s Markets

Rusty’s Markets Cairns is centrally located between Grafton and Sheridan Streets in the CBD, with entrances on both streets. Ask a local, and they’ll gladly point you in the right direction.

The market is undercover but not air-conditioned, so dress for the tropical climate. It opens from 5 am on Friday and Saturday and closes at 6 pm. On Sundays, the market winds down at 3 pm.

For your convenience, visitors can enjoy two hours of free parking in the carpark above Rusty’s on Sheridan Street.

​My room at Riley, a new hotel by Crystalbrook in Cairns.

Where to stay in Cairns

Cairns has three Crystalbrook Collection hotels.  I stayed at Crystalbook Riley for the conference.  Each morning I woke to a beautiful water view (I slept with the curtains open) over the Cairns’ esplanade. Riley’s décor was close to my heart with its beautiful, restful blues and grey cockatoo cushions on the king-sized bed.  The matching bathrobe is definitely something you should think about purchasing during your stay.

Good news for the earth! There are many good sustainability features incorporated into the hotel, from a hotel iPad compendium to paper hangers and water in paper cartons.

Disclaimer: Eat drink and be Kerry stayed at Riley while attending the Australian Society of Travel Writers Annual Conference.