Yungaburra Markets

Stallholders gather on the commons in the middle of the heritage listed Village of Yungaburra, and have done so once a month for the last 30 years. The markets ooze quaint country charm, featuring a selection of market stalls which boast traditional country fare - cakes, biscuits, scones - and country crafts. This is intermingled with the distinctive taste of the tropics; exotic fruits and fresh organic produce is in abundance.

Gourmet foods, locally grown coffee and tea and freshly squeezed juices are on offer. Yungaburra is an ethnically diverse region, and European overtones feature throughout the markets. Nick's German Sausages are easily found by following the sounds of yodelers. European migrants took advantage of the Cairns Highlands temperate climate to establish a range of farms including dairy, cattle, coffee, tea, along with a variety of fruit and vegetable. A large variety of the freshest seasonal produce is showcased at the Yungaburra Markets, and there is nothing better than buying produce direct from the farmer!

The Yungaburra Markets operate from 7:30am - 12:30pm the fourth Saturday of each month, and we humbly recommend you arrive as early as possible. Visitors come from far away to browse the 320+ stores. It is possible to spend hours at the markets, perusing the many market stalls. And while you are browsing through all the knick-knacks, the kids can play in the children's centre and get their faces painted.

The Yungaburra Cottage Markets have a unique North Queensland flair, and you'll find many stores with products made in the area, and from materials found in the area. Organic beauty products, oil paintings, macramé creations, rainforest soap, candles, incense, pot plants, second hand books and hand-made clothing feature at the markets. It is interesting that such a long running market has retained its country market feel, and could not be considered a commercial market by any stretch of the imagination.

The Yungaburra State Primary School P&C run the Yungaburra Markets and any enquiries with regard to dates or store-holding can be made through them. The Yungaburra Markets have relied on the generosity of volunteers, adding a relaxed and friendly flavour to these country markets.

With all the visitors in town, other businesses in the area are bustling with life. Adjacent to the markets are cafes and restaurants that serve Devonshire tea and meals; however there is an abundance of food to be found at the markets including Nick's famous German hot dogs. Just across the road from the markets is the Whistle Stop Café serving sumptuous home-made cuisine which features herbs fresh from the garden. In the cooler months a wood-burning fire warms the inside of the Whistle Stop, the perfect end to a day at the Yungaburra Markets.

Yungaburra Village adds an old-world charm to the markets. Yungaburra has remained relatively unchanged for the last 100 years. The Village streets are lined with traditional cottages that are still in use today. This distinctive Village has attracted a range of artists and musicians from the all over the country, creating a dynamic environment in the heart of this rural country.

After browsing around the markets it's a great idea to use the rest of your day to explore the Atherton Tablelands. There is an abundance of things to do in the area, and you'll find Yungaburra is a great place to start from.

Getting There

Yungaburra is in the heart of the Atherton Tablelands, a one-hour drive from Cairns via the scenic Gillies Highway. From Cairns, head south on Highway 1 (Bruce Highway), and turn right up the Gillies Highway at Gordonvale. The markets are held on the commons in the middle of Yungaburra Village. If you are coming from the Cairns Northern beaches area you can drive up the Kuranda range to make it a full day's journey.

Be sure to pack water, nibbles, walking shoes, hats and sunscreen and insect repellant.

Opening Hours

The Yungaburra Markets operate on the fourth Saturday of each month between 7:30 am to 12:30 pm. It is advisable to arrive early.

After the Yungaburra Markets

Now that you're considering going to the markets... what else should you do on your day on the Tablelands? We suggest you visit some of the following

Lake Eacham

A crater lake, Lake Eacham just a 10 minute drive from Yungaburra Village. Lake Eacham is surrounded by dense rainforest, and many people enjoy the leisurely 4.5km lake circuit walk through the rainforest. Lucky walkers encounter the Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo or the Musky Rat Kangaroo on the Lake Eacham circuit walk.

The lake is quite safe and suitable for swimming and very popular in the warmer summer months. The calm waters are refreshing, and home to a variety of fish and turtles. BBQ and toilet facilities are also available, making it an ideal spot for a family picnic.

Curtain Fig Tree

A very special tree, the Curtain Fig Tree is well worth a photograph! This is one of the largest and most unusual trees in Far North Queensland and just a short drive from Yungaburra.

Lake Barrine

Lake Barrine lies 15 minutes out of the village of Yungaburra. Like Lake Eacham, Lake Barrine is a crater lake surrounded by gorgeous wilderness. The Lake Barrine Teahouse offers the best Devonshire tea on the Tablelands, with award winning home baked scones served with country-fresh jam and cream.

A lake cruise operates at regular intervals daily, the ideal way to appreciate the abundance of natural beauty of Lake Barrine. Spot ducks, turtles and eels in the water, and if you look closely enough you might be able to catch sight of pythons baking on rocks and a variety of forest birds. Before you leave, follow the easy rainforest trail for five minutes and discover the 1,000 year old giant Kauri Trees.