On Friday September 13th, 1991, Hayden Redfern and Elise Warring set about to bring a contemporary Open Air Market venue to the Cairns area.

Inspired from similar international markets in Hawaii and South East Asia, the Cairns Night Markets were created as a way for local traders to promote their North Queensland souvenirs to the demanding tourist market.

Hayden and Elise only expected a temporary facility for the Night Markets, giving the venue a term of only 6 months, the Cairns Night Markets had a total of only 28 vendors. Unexpectedly, the Cairns Night Markets quickly flourished and within 6 months demand was so high that 100 retailers could now be supported full time.

Hayden & Elise continued managing and operating this now successful enterprise and tourist feature of Cairns for 7 more years until they eventually strata titled and sold the now permanent stalls.

Today the Night Markets is comprised of an available 130 stalls and has evolved from a temporary open air market into a permanent airconditioned centre at the base of the Royal Harbour Hotel.