Who was Rusty?
The market is named after the late Emrys "Rusty" Rees, who grew it from a handful of stalls into the busy three-day event it is now. It's run today by the owners of Gilligan's, and it's firmly part of the Cairns weekend.
DaysFriday, Saturday, Sunday
Fri & Sat5am to 4pm
Sunday5am to 3pm
Stalls180+
Where57-89 Grafton Street
Since1975
In the CBD between Grafton and Sheridan Streets. Walkable from most city hotels.
Directions in Google MapsThe short answer
Three days a week, the city's kitchen
Rusty's started in 1975 with about half a dozen stalls. Today it's a three-day market of more than 180 stalls, filling a block between Grafton and Sheridan Streets in the Cairns CBD.
Think exotic fruit and vegetables, flowers, delis with fresh bread, dairy and seafood, international food stalls, coffee and chocolate, and a good dose of clothing, jewellery and bric-a-brac.
It's open Friday and Saturday from 5am to 4pm, and Sunday from 5am to 3pm.
Rusty's Markets opening hours
- Friday: 5am to 4pm
- Saturday: 5am to 4pm
- Sunday: 5am to 3pm
It's closed Monday to Thursday. Early is best for produce and for beating the heat.
What to buy at Rusty's
Start with the tropical fruit: this is the place to try what grows up here. Then work your way through the food and coffee stalls. Beyond the produce there are flowers, delicatessens with bread, dairy and seafood, chocolate, clothing and jewellery.
Rusty's supports REAP and OzHarvest food rescue, so leftover produce helps feed people in Far North Queensland.
Rusty's Markets: good to know
Go early
From 5am. The best produce and the coolest air.
Bring a bag
You'll buy more fruit than planned.
Easy to find
Between Grafton and Sheridan Streets, CBD.
Weekends only
Friday to Sunday. Closed Monday to Thursday.
Postcards
Rusty's in pictures
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Where Rusty's Markets is
57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns
In the CBD, between Grafton and Sheridan Streets. An easy walk from the Esplanade.
Open in Google MapsPlan the rest of your Cairns day
Rusty's on Saturday morning, the Lagoon in the afternoon, the Night Markets after dinner. Or keep Saturday for the reef.
Every night
Cairns Night Markets
Seventy shops, a food court and massages, open every night of the year.
See the guide →Free swim
Esplanade Lagoon
A free 4,800 m2 saltwater lagoon with lifeguards, right on the waterfront.
See the guide →Monthly market
Tanks Markets
Art, vintage and live music around old WWII fuel tanks, last Sunday of the month.
See the guide →Reef
Passions of Paradise
A full day of snorkelling on the outer reef.
From $275 adult
View Tour →Day tour
Kuranda Skyrail & Scenic Rail
Up by train, down by cableway, with time in Kuranda village in between.
From $145.50 adult
View Tour →Rusty's Markets FAQs
What days is Rusty's Markets open?
Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
What time does Rusty's Markets open?
5am. It closes at 4pm on Friday and Saturday, and 3pm on Sunday.
Where is Rusty's Markets?
57-89 Grafton Street in the Cairns CBD, between Grafton and Sheridan Streets.
How many stalls are at Rusty's?
More than 180.
Is Rusty's Markets open on weekdays?
Only on Friday. It's closed Monday to Thursday.
Where our facts come from. Rusty's Markets. Checked 19 October 2026. Conditions, hours and closures change, so we check them again when you book a tour with us.