Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets

Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets is a long-running market in the World Heritage Rainforest of Kuranda, at 7–11 Therwine Street. It brings together shopping, dining, local culture and activities in a setting the market describes as rustic and deeply connected to the area’s arts, cuisine and history. The market has been operating since 1978 and was renovated in 2005, while retaining its original atmosphere.

The stalls centre on locally made and selected goods, including handcrafted wares from local craftspeople, contemporary art, clothing, jewellery, homemade food products and organic, recycled, natural, holistic and remedial products. The market also promotes gourmet regional fare made with local produce and ingredients. For visitors looking to browse rather than follow a set itinerary, the mix of shopping and food makes it easy to spend time exploring at your own pace.

Dining options include a range of cuisines and food products, with featured eateries offering Japanese, Latin American, French, Vietnamese and other choices. The market’s listed food businesses include Japanese sweets and cuisine, a Japanese teahouse, a gelato and vegan sorbet producer, a café, and a Latin American café and juice bar. The site also notes vegan and gluten-free options at one Japanese venue, although individual availability may vary between traders.

There is more to the market than stalls and food. A nine-hole mini golf course has been built in the rainforest, and the Big Shed is used for social events, art exhibitions, fashion parades and other functions. Live entertainment from local musicians is usually part of the offering. The market’s history is closely tied to Kuranda’s development as a visitor destination, with local artists, craftspeople and long-standing stallholders continuing to shape its character. It suits visitors wanting a relaxed browse, a meal or snack, a small activity for the family, or a place to discover local makers while visiting Kuranda.