Local produce heaven
The iconic Port Douglas Markets
A colourful display of arts, innovative crafts, clothing and exotic fruits. The Port Douglas Sunday Markets have been an icon for many years. But did you know that everything - and then I mean everything - at the markets is locally made?
From locally grown vegetables and famous doughnuts to eccentric home decorations, handmade bilum bags, and artistically hand crafted jewellery.
According to the Douglas Shire website, the Port Douglas Markets were established 35 years ago and have become famous for serving up a wide variety of hand-crafted goods, locally produced food and seasonal fresh produce.
Shoppers are guaranteed that each piece is a one-of-a-kind as the strict stipulations ensure that anything mass produced must not be sold
This ruling has proved its worth because in today's global economy the Port Douglas Markets are somewhere where you can still find genuine local businesses offering unique goods and services, all made by hand.
Cotters Market
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr explained to Newsport that all goods offered for sale must be handmade art and craft items or local produce.
“The sale of imported goods is strictly prohibited. Goods offered for sale must be handmade art and craft items,” Mayor Kerr said.
“As a Cotter’s Market, the Port Douglas Markets fit in perfectly with the seaside town’s vibe while supporting artisans and local food producers.
“Vendors come from Douglas Shire and across Far North Queensland to sell their products to inquisitive tourists and Port Douglas locals.
“A Grandfather Clause is in place for long-term stallholders who received ongoing approval in 1996 to sell products that fall outside of the criteria. Council is currently undertaking a review of its policy and practices.”
Proud icon of the region
With a wide variety of stallholders, the Sunday markets are a proud icon of the region.
“The markets offer a range of products such as beautiful handmade clothing, home-made sauces, First Nations art and unique jewellery, to name a few,” Mayor Kerr said.
“There is a stallholder who sells coconuts and has been coming to the markets for almost 25 years. People can drink the fresh juice from the coconut, then return to have it cracked open, shredded and filled up with filling. This particular stall has attracted many positive reviews and featured in international publications.
“The location of the markets are perfect, between the beautiful waterfront and bustling Macrossan Street. Walking through the markets on a Sunday morning has become a must-do activity for tourists, and a weekly ritual for Douglas locals.”
The markets are a favourite weekly gathering place for locals and a great place for tourists to submerge themselves in Tropical North Queensland culture.
And don’t forget the idyllic setting of shady palm trees and warm, caressing ocean breezes blowing in from the sparkling ocean. You might not want to leave…