- Duration
- about 1.5 km on foot through the centre (≈ 4 h 37 min: moving and stop time only)
- Who it suits
- Everyone
- Transport
- walk
- Start
- Rusty's Markets
- Finish
- Ochre Restaurant
- Pace
- relaxed pace
- Best time
- Friday or Saturday: Rusty's in the morning, dinner on the waterfront
Getting there
Cairns Airport is 10 minutes from the centre. From 23 November 2026 Translink bus 100 runs to Cairns City and the Lagoon every 30 minutes, 4am to 10:30pm, for 50 cents. Before that it is a taxi or a shuttle: taxis pay an airport access fee of A$4 (A$5 for an international terminal pick-up).
Stops in order
The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.
1. Rusty's Markets~1 h at the stop
The covered market between Grafton and Sheridan Streets: tropical fruit from Tablelands farms, coffee, juices and street food.
Worth knowing: The market began in 1975 with half a dozen stalls and is named after Emrys "Rusty" Rees, who built it up.
Tip: Open three days a week: Friday and Saturday 5am–4pm, Sunday 5am–3pm. Come before 10am, while it's still cool.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 9 min · 0.6 km
2. Cairns Night Markets~45 min at the stop
The night market at 54–60 Abbott Street, opening onto the Esplanade: 70 shops selling souvenirs, massage stalls and an Asian food court. Open every day of the year, Christmas Day included.
Tip: The food court opens daily 11am to 10:45pm, the shops from 4:30pm. By day it is a quick, cheap lunch.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 10 min · 0.6 km
3. Prawn Star~1 h at the stop
A restaurant on a boat in Marlin Marina: local prawns, oysters and fish served on deck.
Tip: E Finger, Berth 31, daily 11am to 9pm. Sunset tables go fast, book on the website.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 3 min · 0.1 km
4. Ochre Restaurant~1 h 30 min at the stop
A waterfront restaurant under Harbour Lights cooking with Australian native ingredients and regional produce.
Tip: Closed Sundays. Lunch 11:30am–3pm, tapas 3–5:30pm, dinner 5:30–9:30pm; there's a six-course degustation menu. 15% surcharge on public holidays.
Open on the map ↗
Before you go
- Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
- Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
- On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.