Street Scams in Cairns

Counterfeit Aboriginal Art at Markets

Vendors at Cairns Night Markets and Rusty's Market sell mass-produced souvenirs falsely marketed as authentic Aboriginal artwork made by Indigenous artists. These items are typically manufactured overseas and carry none of the cultural significance or legal protections of genuine pieces. Prices are inflated to match what authentic art would command, and sellers rely on buyers having no way to verify authenticity on the spot. Australia's Indigenous Art Code exists to protect buyers but is widely ignored by opportunistic market stalls.