Yungaburra Markets, Queensland: Location and opening times

The Yungaburra Markets in the Atherton Tableland near Cairns open between 7.30am and 12.30pm on the fourth Saturday of every month.

The Yungaburra Markets in the Atherton Tableland near Cairns are never going to compete with some of Australia’s more famous markets. The Eumundi Markets, South Melbourne Market, Mindil Beach Night Market or Rocks Market, this is not.

But if you’re in far north Queensland and fancy a market experience within a reasonable drive of Cairns, the Yungaburra Markets are probably your best bet.

These Atherton Tableland markets take place in the town of Yungaburra. Ordinarily, Yungaburra is best known for the platypus that hang out in Peterson Creek. You can look for a Yungaburra platypus from the bridge over the creek.

Yungaburra Markets opening days

The Yungaburra Markets are a reasonable size, with around 250 stalls. The problem is that you have to strike lucky and be in the Atherton Tableland region at the right time. The Yungaburra Markets are only open on the fourth Saturday of every month. The market opens at 7.30am and closes at 12.30pm.

If you just so happen to be around on the fourth Saturday of the month for these Atherton Tableland markets, then great. The Yungaburra Markets bring together local food producers, plus craftspeople and artists from around the Atherton Tableland. It’s the sort of place where you can get a good Mother’s Day or Father’s Day present.

The stallholders are a hardy bunch, so the markets don’t close for inclement weather. If it’s raining, the show must go on. However, the Yungaburra Markets do finally bite the bullet and close if there is a cyclone warning.

Beware: the Yungaburra Markets don’t have an ATM. The closest source of cash is the ATM at Yungaburra Foodworks.

Yungaburra Markets location: Bruce Jones Market Grounds

The markets take place on the Bruce Jones Market Grounds in the middle of Yungaburra. There is free parking on nearby streets.

The drive from Cairns to Yungaburra along the Gillies Range Road takes about an hour and 15 minutes. Worthwhile stops on the way back to Cairns include the Cathedral Fig in the Danbulla National Park and Windin Falls or Mount Bartle Frere in the Wooroonooran National Park.