Port Douglas

Port Douglas Carnivale is a spectacular long weekend of arts and culture, foodie and family events all set in North Queensland’s tropical paradise.

From a long decadent lunch, world class wines and famous live acts in the century old Belgian troubador tent under the palms, to a twilight street parade and Saturday beach party, container art exhibition to a Fisherman’s Village seafood and music festival, the Port Douglas Carnivale is jam-packed with events that are worth travelling for.

Friday May 20

Paradise on a Plate - The Carnivale kicks off with this long lunch - a 4 course dining event held within the opulent surrounds of the historic Belgian troubadour tent and al fresco under the palm trees. The lunch is set to be a land and seafood lover’s gourmet delight, with award-winning wines matched to each course.

Carnivale Wonders of the Tropics Street Parade -  After a quick post-lunch siesta, head along to Macrossan St (Port Douglas’s ‘High Street’) for the signature Carnivale event – an extravaganza of festooned floats, fire twirlers, jugglers, stilt walkers, street performers and a few special surprises.

Saturday May 21st

Family Beach Day Party –  Head to gorgeous Four Mile Beach for a day of frolicking and family fun by the tropical sea, with  Sandcastle and Sand Sculpting Competition, a Kite Festival, games of beach volleyball and cricket, giant puppets, market stalls, kids activities and and entertainment from Bosco and Honey (Australia’s Got Talent 2016 contestants).

Kransky Sisters – A Piece of cake - Iconic oddball Queensland comedy trio the Kransky Sisters will be venturing from their home in Esk to bring their latest hilarious show A Piece of Cake for just one night to the Wonderland Spiegeltent Under the Palms. 6.30pm Buy tickets here.

Port on a Fork Food, Music and Wine Festival - The inaugural foodie festival is a fabulous portside melee of wining, dining and dancing in the moonlight to the sounds of legendary singer and saxophonist Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows. Guests get to feast on an assortment of tropically-inspired dishes made from the best local produce and ingredients while a variety of regional providores and food artisans will be on hand to offer tastings of their handcrafted goodies.

Sunday May 22nd

Port Douglas Fisherman’s Village Seafood & Music Festival - Finish the weekend in true Port Douglas style with this extravaganza of non-stop live music on 4 stages and fresh seafood straight off the trawlers. Diners can indulge in a feast of barramundi, oysters and buckets of just caught prawns while being entertained by the likes of Desert Blues Cartel and Dream Boogie, before meandering down to picturesque Rex Smeal Park at sunset to farewell the Carnivale with fish and chips (packs available) on a picnic blanket as night falls.

Fri May 20- Sun May 22

Container Art Park - The debut of this art exhibition, happening throughout the whole long weekend, sees local and renowned artists come together in an industrial shipping container gallery space to exhibit their works, which will showcase a whole range of visual arts styles and mediums. All artworks will be on sale to take home – a perfect memento of the Port Douglas Carnivale.

*Need to know – In the lead-up to the Carnivale long weekend, from May 12th the Wonderland Spiegeltent under the Palms will be hosting renowned comedy, circus, musical and cabaret acts such as Jimeoin (Thu 19th), Limbo circus troupe (May 12th-15th, 19th-21) and Blues superstars Lloyd Spiegel and Big Daddy Wilson (May 15th)

FULL PROGRAM AND TICKETS HERE

Port Douglas Carnivale is a valued sponsor of Must Do Brisbane.com