4 Best Shopping in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

Adjacent to Cairns Railway Station, Cairns Central houses 180-plus specialty stores, a supermarket, department stores, a food court, several coffee shops, and a cinema complex. Strollers are available to rent. It also has the only free parking in Cairns CBD: three hours free.

If you're looking for bargain beachwear, local jewelry, art and crafts, a massage, a meal, a coffee, or souvenirs, the Cairns Night Markets, open daily 4:30 to 10:30 pm, are the place to go. Bring cash—several of the 70-plus merchants charge additional fees for credit cards.

Cairns's iconic weekend "street" market, Rusty's attracts 180-plus stallholders, who peddle everything from fresh tropical produce to art and crafts, jewelry, clothing, natural health and skin-care products, and food. The market is covered, offering a pleasant respite from the sun. Take advantage of two hours' free parking in Gilligan’s/Rusty's carpark, above Rusty’s on Sheridan Street.

This store stocks a wide range of big-name dive gear as well as stinger and wet suits, swimwear, kids' gear, and accessories such as snorkels and sunscreen.