Port Douglas Markets
If you're making a visit or staying in hotel accommodation in Port Douglas, be sure to drop by the Sunday markets. It's located in a grassy park, right on the waterfront overlooking the Great Barrier Reef. Vendors come from all over the Far North to sell their products to inquisitive tourists and Port Douglas locals. Here you'll find arts and crafts, jewellery, fruit and vegetables, glassware, books, coffee, boats, and more. For locals and tourists alike the Sunday Morning extravaganza in Market Park is well worth getting out of your hotel bed for. The lazy Sunday morning is actually promoted here, in the idyllic setting of shady palm trees and warm, caressing ocean breezes blowing in from the sparkling ocean. You might not want to leave...
When: Every Sunday from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Market Park, adjoining Anzac Park on the inlet at Wharf St Port Douglas. Just head west down Macrossan Street to the end and you have arrived.
Getting There: Port Douglas lies 1 hour north of Cairns, accessible via the Captain Cook Highway. This scenic coastal drive is ideal for those who appreciate self-drive tours, and showcases some of the finest tropical beaches and rainforest that Cairns and Far North Queensland has to offer.
Spend a day, or spend a night Port Douglas has so much to see and do so why not book a night or two staying in a self contained apartment so you can really get into the relaxed Port Douglas lifestyle.
After a morning at the markets why not experience Sunset Sailing as you unwind and settle into the relaxed tropical lifestyle, and enjoy a tropical getaway or go to the rainforests or the Great Barrier Reef for a half day tour.
Explore the Top 10 Things to do in Port Douglas from snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, exploring world heritage Rainforests of the Daintree to taking to the sky on a scenic helicopter flight from Port Douglas.
Our local holiday consultants can assist you with your Port Douglas Accommodation bookings within easy walking distance to the Port Douglas Sunday Markets.
There is a definite carnival feel to the Port Douglas Markets. Perhaps it's the cheery stallholders, keen to have a chat, or perhaps it's the dazzling blue ocean backdrop. The vivid array of arts, innovative crafts, clothing and exotic fruits seems so much brighter and appealing than your average market fare - they almost shout for your attention as you wander by.
Children run and play between the market stalls, local musicians busk and the scent of freshly picked flowers and ripe exotic fruit intermingles with the pure sea air. The Port Douglas Market stalls literally back onto the golden shores of Port Douglas beach, and the soft sands provide the perfect location to sit and be; to soak in the vibrant ambiance and breathtaking views. Visitors quickly realise there is more to Port Douglas Markets than just goods for sale. This is a lively public domain where people share ideas and company, where diversity reigns supreme; a true melting pot of people.
The Port Douglas Markets were established 20 years ago when the council decreed it a 'Cotter's Market' which ensured that all goods offered would be made or produced by the stallholder or their immediate family. This ruling has proved its worth because in today's global economy the Port Douglas Markets are somewhere where you can still find genuine 'local' businesses offering unique goods and services and all made by hand.
Where else can you find screen printed beach towels, colourful baby swings, classy cotton apparel and artistically hand crafted jewellery. For special gifts, the crafted local wood products make a genuine souvenir and the innovative 'flotsam and jetsam' stall sells recycled timbers fashioned into fantastic yet useful home goods. There are leather goods, all hand made, and even custom fitted sandals. Paintings, postcards and aboriginal artworks are all well priced and it's difficult to resist the glorious tropical colours of the beachwear.
As you browse you could try some of the exotic tropical fruits for sale, or some home made peanut brittle. Discover the carefully carved coconut faces, each displaying intriguing personalities and unique adornments. When your basket is full or your senses sated you can beat a retreat to the iconic Court House Hotel, just across the road, where the music will continue into the afternoon and where you can always find something sumptuous to eat.
If your inclinations lie in other directions, then within your view is the quaint little wooden church of St. Mary's by the Sea. It can accommodate a small congregation, a few interested visitors or a Wedding in Paradise. It certainly must have one of the best vistas you can imagine. Otherwise, wander through the quaint seaside village of Port Douglas and enjoy the many bookstores, cafes, art galleries and boutique shops.
