5 Best Places to Shop in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

Local growers and artisans gather on Sunday mornings in Port Douglas's waterfront park to sell fresh tropical produce and gourmet goodies, arts and crafts, handmade garments, precious-stone jewelry, books, and souvenirs. The atmosphere is relaxed, the crowd is colorful, and there's plenty of variety.

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.