Originally held to commemorate the start of the sugar cane harvesting season, Port Douglas Carnivale is now considered the official opening of the tourism high season in Far North Queensland. Attracting tens of thousands of keen local, interstate and international guests to the idyllic paradise of Port Douglas, Carnivale is a must-do for anyone who loves food, fun and sun!
Come and stay for Carnivale and enjoy all the other amazing attractions that make Port Douglas such a popular destination with Australians and international guests alike. Tropical Far North Queensland is known as the place where the reef meets the rainforest, and with a wide variety of tour options for every budget Port Douglas is the perfect base to explore the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest.
With an abundance of accommodation choices, from five-star absolute beachfront resorts to private holiday houses for families or groups, to adults-only retreats perfect for couples, you are sure to find something to suit your stay in Port Douglas.
Contact us for the best rates on accommodation and tours, and make the most of your Port Douglas Carnivale experience in 2017!
Key Events
Paradise on a Plate – The Longest Lunch
The name says it all – come and experience a true taste of paradise with four courses that celebrate the rich bounty of produce from the region. Set in the picturesque Rex Smeal Park with views over the Coral Sea, the long table style lunch features a different unique entertainer for each course that will keep all your senses buzzing.
The Longest Lunch is held on Friday 26th May from 11:30am to 3:00pm under the palms at Rex Smeal Park.
La Soiree
After shows in New York, Montreal, London, Paris and Hong Kong, this award-winning international variety spectacular show is coming to Port Douglas Carnivale in 2017. An eclectic mix of cabaret, new burlesque, circus sideshow and contemporary variety, this theatrical phenomenon will have you amazed, amused, aroused, shocked, stirred and shaken.
La Soiree is on 19th-28th May 2017 in the Wonderland Spiegeltent, Dixie Park, Port Douglas.
Click here for more information.
Estrella Port on a Fork – Food, Music and Wine
Get a taste of the tropics and experience amazing entertainment at the same time! This showcase of food from the land, sea and rainforest is not to be missed. Give your taste buds a treat with signature dishes inspired by the regions fresh produce and ingredients, of course accompanied with a beer, wine or tropical cocktail. Fire twirling, live burlesque acts, dancing and live music will fill the air with performances from Ben Lee, DJ Pierro, Night Grooves and the Hillbilly Goats.
Come and enjoy this party in paradise filled with the best food and entertainment around on Saturday 27th May from 5pm to 11pm at Rex Smeal Park.
Click here for more information.
Carnivale Street Parade
Port Douglas will come alive when the dazzling Street Parade makes its way down Macrossan Street – this years theme is the Wonders of the Reef. Come and join thousands of other excited guests to watch the sights and sounds of live music and amazing street performers as they sing, dance, skip, hula-hoop and cartwheel down the main street. An array of market food stalls will keep you well fed and the kids will love the amusement rides.
The parade kicks off at 6:30pm ending with a spectacular fireworks show at 9pm. For adults, the fun continues late into the night at Port Douglas’ many lively restaurants and bars.
Fisherman’s Village Music Festival
Rex Smeal Park comes alive again on Sunday for the Fisherman’s Village Music Festival – an amazing event for all ages featuring art, circus acts and of course amazing live music. Featuring a great line-up including local favourites The Hillbilly Goats, a guest appearance by Ben Lee, Vaudeville Smash, Lenna-Maria Moxie, The Montgomery Brothers and Omar – the stage will be pumping out awesome tunes all day and into the night.
There will also be food trucks, a pop-up milk bar, ferris wheel, free activities and workshops for the kids and much more.
Click here for more information.
Full Event Lineup:
Friday 26th May 2017
- Carlotta Cabaret
- Wonders of the Reef Street Parade
- Paradise on a Plate – The Longest Lunch
- La Soiree (19th-28th May 2017)
- Tropical Destinations Photographic Exhibition (22nd-28th May 2017)
- Audrey Cuttlebuttle & The Great Bally Hooley Escape (Live outdoor theatre - 18th-20th & 25th-27th May 2017)
Saturday 27th May 2017
- Estella Pork on a Fork – Food, Music and Wine
- Carnivale Sensualé
- Family Beach Day
- Port Douglas AFL Indigenous Round
- La Soiree (19th-28th May 2017)
- Tropical Destinations Photographic Exhibition (22nd-28th May 2017)
- Audrey Cuttlebuttle & The Great Bally Hooley Escape (Live outdoor theatre - 18th-20th & 25th-27th May 2017)
Sunday 28th May 2017
- Fisherman’s Village Music Festival
- La Soiree (19th-28th May 2017)
- Tropical Destinations Photographic Exhibition (22nd-28th May 2017)