Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets
A market founded in 1978 by hippie artists on land bought by a beekeeper, born from the flower-power communes of the late 1960s.
About this market
Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets trace their roots to the late 1960s, when Kuranda became a hub for hippie communes during the flower-power movement, a form of passive resistance to the Vietnam War that drew people seeking a simple, self-sufficient life close to nature. Artists and musicians followed through the 1970s, and in 1978 a group of local hippie artists and craftspeople formally founded the original markets on land bought by beekeeper James T. Mealing, known locally as the Honey House.
Built from used materials by local artists
The founding story is genuinely hands-on: Mealing and his construction friends built the original stalls from used materials, enlisting the help of the many artisans and craftspeople already living in the area. What started as a grassroots gathering of local makers has since become world-famous, drawing visitors from well beyond Far North Queensland while still keeping the same rainforest setting and community feel it started with.
Market at a glance
Reviewers consistently describe a quirky, spiritual atmosphere that's genuinely rare among Australian markets, unique gifts, arts and crafts, and cafes with outdoor tables set right among the rainforest, though some note a handful of stalls have closed permanently over recent years.
The land the Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets still trade on was purchased in 1977 by a beekeeper known locally as the Honey House, whose property became the founding site for the market's hippie-artist community the following year.
Good to know before you go
Trading seven days a week gives more flexibility than most Australian markets that stick to weekends only. The rainforest setting means a hat and water are worth carrying even on an overcast day, given Far North Queensland's humidity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the trading hours?
- 10am to 3pm, seven days a week, at 13 Therwine Street, Kuranda.
- How did the markets start?
- In 1978, a group of local hippie artists and craftspeople founded the original Kuranda markets on land bought by James T. Mealing, known as the Honey House, building stalls from used materials with the help of construction friends and fellow artisans.
- Why did hippies settle in Kuranda?
- Kuranda became a destination for hippie communes in the late 1960s during the flower-power movement, its laid-back atmosphere, connection with nature and agreeable climate drawing people seeking to live simply and self-sufficiently, with artists and musicians following through the 1970s.