Port Markets are the pick of the bunch

Stall holders at the Port Douglas Sunday Markets have sung its praises, reporting strong sales and some naming it the “pick of the Queensland markets”.

The hugely popular markets, which boast 250 stalls and provide work for more than 500 people each Sunday in Rex Smeal Park, exist with a really strong and supportive community of stall holders, “Mrs Mango” Maggie Sheehan said.

“I personally think this is the best market in Queensland,’’ she said.

“It is a tourist market and a tourist attraction and it is a lot of fun.

“I get along with everyone and it is a fantastic community. It is a great day out, and not just for the tourists that come.’’

Dianne Wolff has attended the markets since 2000, her partner selling there for 33 years.

“There’s a good mix of people that come, both tourists and locals,’’ she said.

“There’s a good mix of stalls. It is a brilliant market. We do the Cairns market as well and we would say that this is the pick of the markets.’’

Kel Williams said he’d been happy with how the markets returned to strength after closing for six months in line with Covid-19 protocols. His Indigenous art and items attract mostly international tourists and he said their numbers were now on the rise.

“Most of my customers would be internationals and we are seeing them come through again in more numbers,’’ Mr Williams said.

Cheryl and Ken Ison said they had their second busiest trading month in 12 years in September selling their Ken Ison Pottery.

“We do pretty well here and come every Sunday,’’ said Cheryl.

The couple live in Mareeba and have attended the Port Markets for 25 years.

Cheryl Hopkins also says the waterfront markets are a good place for her colourful, reef and rainforest inspired clothing range.

“This range was made for this market, with tourists keen on the reef and rainforest prints given they may have been out on the reef or up the Daintree and see a creature they like,’’ she said.

Perrin Clarke has attracted interest at the market by offering something “a bit different”. He does Iris Photography to produce stunning, unique artwork and said the markets had been good for him and a good promotion for his Macrossan Street business too.

Luigi Scomazzon is always on the go with his fresh fruit and vegetable stall.

“I can’t complain about this year,’’ he said.

“It’s been pretty fair.’’