Port Douglas Carnivale
The Port Douglas Carnivale is an annual celebration of the amazing lifestyle, food, people and culture of Tropical Far North Queensland, and is home to an exciting range of events and activities for all ages!
Held around May each year, Port Douglas will be packed to the rafters during Carnivale week with the annual celebration of food, wine, friendship, fun and frivolity with a few sporting events thrown in for good measure!
Carnivale kicks off with a weekend of gourmandising and indulging at several key locations around Port Douglas, Port Douglas Carnivale organisers say keeping the yearly program fresh will result in added attendance numbers year upon year.
The Port Douglas Carnival committee put together a grand opening weekend comprising all the core cuisine events so people who travel up from distance places can plan their visit to attend all these key events and then stay on afterwards for a relaxing holiday and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds Port Douglas and Tropical North Queensland.
Click the tabs below to read about past events, and click 'Tours' and 'Accommodation' to explore the amazing range of experiences and lodging options available in the beautiful tropical seaside town of Port Douglas.
Port Douglas Carnivale 2016
Port Douglas Carnivale 2016 Events
Wednesday 18th May
- 2016 Port Douglas Golf Challenge - Wed 11am at Mirage Country Club, Thursday 12:30 at Palmer Sea Reef
Friday 20th May
- Container Art Park 10am -9pm
- Paradise on a Plate (Longest Lunch) 11:30am - 3pm
- Carnivale "Wonders of the Tropics" Street Parade from 5pm
Saturday 21st May
- Family Beach Day 9am - 3pm with Pink Stumps Beach Cricket, WindSwell Kitesurfing
- Cyle for Hope - 6am
- Port on a Fork - Food, Music & Wine 5pm - 11pm featuring Joe Camilleri & the Black Sorrows
- The Kransky Sisters - Piece of Cake 6:30
Sunday 22nd May
- Fishermen's Village Seafood Music Festival from 11am
2016 Port Douglas Carnivale event information and to purchase tickets.
Previous Carnivale 2012
The committee chairman Mr Dobbs said the Port Douglas community had prompted this year's Macrossan Street Parade theme of 'Heavenly Bodies', inspired by the much anticipated astrological event of the solar eclipse on 14 November 2012
"Our Macrossan Street street parade is a signature event and one of the best in Queensland. This year we aim to take it to a higher level and make it THE best street parade in Queensland so this year our theme of 'Heavenly Bodies' encompass the moon, the stars, signs of the Zodiac, and the Eclipse when heavenly bodies move around the sun," he said.
Throughout the festival, The Carnivale Club will be located at the heritage-listed Sugar Wharf just next to Rex Smeal Park will be an exciting venue to catch some high quality entertainment, comedy, cabaret, art, and fashion events.
If you're adventurous and love to socialise and have some fun for yourself or your family then, Carnivale's 2012 program will satisfy both participants and spectators.
There will be exhibition cricket matches with the QLD Rail Bulls Masters, tennis and a golf tournament, blue water sailing regatta challenge from the Port Douglas Yacht Club, outriggers and kite surfing, and a bull ride spectacular.
Arts, crafts and culture are all represented with a songwriter's competition, fashion events, art and craft exhibitions and free and ticketed concerts.
Finally, Port Douglas Carnivale showcases the beauty of the region, using stunning venues like the Sugar Wharf contrasted with the waterfront parks, spectacular Four Mile Beach, and the waterfront Marina.
Port Douglas Carnivale attracts over 20,000 visitors, with the vibrant mix of tourists and visitors really making the region shine at its very best. To view a full program of events, please visit www.carnivale.com.au
Port Douglas Carnivale 2011
It's on again - The famous wine and wine event of the Port Douglas Carnivale.
Port Douglas Carnivale started in 1994 when the mischievous locals created a Carnivale fiesta around a yacht race amongst buddies. Today, it's an event on the Australian must do calendar. A popular festival held in the balmy sunshine of the Cairns Great Barrier reef region over the last 10 days of May in and around the tropical seaside village of Port Douglas Queensland Australia. There's music, arts, sports, food, wine, culture and all styles of live entertainment - every reason you need to head to Port Douglas for a 'taste of paradise'.
Port Douglas Carnivale is held over two weekends with an action packed program that caters to both locals and visitors. Every Carnivale should begin with a grand parade, and the Macrossan Street Port Douglas Parade is a delightful showcase of the local community entering 50 floats in the street procession and attracting 10,000 spectators to watch the fun and frivolity. This year's Carnivale parade theme is 'Wonderland' and the event is followed by the Port Douglas festival's Opening Gala party at the Sugar Wharf next to Rex Smeal park in Port Douglas central.
Port Douglas Carnivales first weekend also features the Sheraton Mirage Longest Lunch - an excellent excuse for a very very long lunch - the food and wine festival, Food, Wine and A Taste of Port, which is held each year outdoors under the swaying palms (not sure who is swaying the trees or you) at Rex Smeal Park and the Seafood Extravaganza which is a traditional highlight of the whole event. Families gather and watch the Exemplar Clipper Cup from Four Mile Beach or the Bulls Masters T20 cricketers playing beach cricket, check out the creatures at the Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat during Wildlife Wonderland Day, or see arts and crafts at the Airing of the Quilts and visit the ever popular Port Douglas Sunday Markets. On Sunday evening, families and friends locals and tourists alike gather beachfront and listen to the popular Stories and Songs around the Campfire in the grounds of the Port Douglas Life Saving Club.
The following week, sports lovers can engage in the Port Douglas Golf Challenge, while fashionistas will enjoy the retailers showcase and more of the food and wine-tasting at the Sugar Wharf. For entertainment, Neil Murray and the Theatre Sports Competition play live at the Clink Theatre and the finale of the Port Douglas Songwriters competition is a highly anticipated event. Pick a winner at the Daintree Station Bullride Spectacular or in the final race of the Exemplar Clipper Cup! Don't miss the wonderful, family friendly Four Mile Beach Day held on the second Saturday - super entertainment, beach cricket, sand-building competitions and more.
The second weekend of the Port Douglas Carnivale program sees the return of popular gourmet events. Fine dining al fresco style and an 8 course degustation wine and more wine menu are a feature of Palates of Port, while the local chefs vie for the title of Port's best during the Carnivale Food Fight and prepare succulent fare for the Food Fair - a new event in 2011. This year, diners will vote for their favourite eatery during Carnivale in the new Which Restaurant Rocks? competition.
If you're adventurous by nature or just a couch slouch then the Port Douglas Carnivale's program of sports will satisfy both players and spectators. As well as the competition events, there's kitesurfing and outriggers to watch. During the last day of Carnivale, USM Events will present the Port Douglas Coral Coast Triathlon, RRR Mountain Bike Challenge and the Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge.
Throughout the Carnivale festival, the Carnivale Club at Sugar Wharf will provide a venue to chill, mingle, and be entertained. In 2011, a new Carnivale ambassador, The Face of Carnivale, will be announced at the event's program launch on 2 April 2011 together with the winning Song of Carnivale chosen to represent this year's festival.
Port Douglas Carnivale showcases the beauty of the region, using heritage-listed venues like the Sugar Wharf contrasted with the lush green waterfront parks, spectacular Four Mile Beach, and the waterfront marina. Port Douglas Carnivale attracts over 20,000 visitors, with the vibrant mix of tourists and visitors really making the region shine at its very best so if you were planning on being in Port Douglas in May for some quiet time then you may need to re-think your travel plans. Alternatively if you also don't need an excuse for a party them come on up and join in on the Port Douglas Carnivale.
Look HERE for some great holiday accommodation deals for hotels, resort and self contained apartments in Port Douglas Queensland Australia.
Port Douglas Wine and Wine Festival we locals just love it!
Snorkel Tour Port Douglas | Low Isles Snorkel Reef Trip | WD
- Departs From: Crystalbrook Marina Port Douglas
- Duration:
6.5 hours (approx.)
Cruise to a picturesque tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef on a luxury sailing vessel for a fun day of snorkelling and exploring. Low Isles is a group of two islands with a calm lagoon sheltered between the islands that is perfect for snorkelling. Learn about underwater wildlife during a reef presentation with a marine biologist, and then see the reef while staying dry on a glass-bottom boat tour. Click 'See Details' for a full run down and itinerary of this awesome reef snorkelling tour!
Port Douglas Reef Trip | Dive & Snorkel Tour | Swim With Whales | SS
- Departs From: Port Douglas Marina Mirage
- Duration:
8 hours (approx.)
Explore three different amazing outer reef sites on this full day Great Barrier Reef tour departing from Port Douglas Marina. With 5 hours of actual reef time you will have plenty of time to snorkel, scuba dive, go on a guided snorkel tour, learn about the reef on an interpretation session, eat delicious food, have a cold drink or just relax and take in the beauty of the reef. Hot and cold buffet lunch included. Click 'See Details' for more info and to book.
Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Flight | Quicksilver Pontoon | Port Douglas | NT-QS
- Departs From: Port Douglas
- Duration:
Fly/Cruise: 5.5 hours (approx.)
Cruise/Fly: 5.5 hours (approx.)
Fly/Fly: 4.5 hours (approx.)
Helicopter scenic flights to and from the Quicksilver platform depart from Port Douglas daily however you can still enjoy the Quicksilver platform helicopter scenic flights if you are staying in Cairns; it just means the first leg of your day trip will be an air-conditioned coach transfer (optional extra)along the Great Barrier Reef Drive, not a bad way to start your day with stunning views of the Coral Sea.
Port Douglas Dive & Snorkel Trips | Great Barrier Reef | Swim With Whales (seasonal)
- Departs From: Port Douglas Marina
- Duration:
8 hours (approx)
See the amazing scenery of this World Heritage Site above and below the water. You will pass the mountains of Cape Tribulation with the majestic Thornton’s Peak (4th highest mountain in Queensland). Stand on the upper deck, with the backdrop being the crystal clear turquoise waters and darker blue areas of the Great Barrier Reef. Smile and click. You won’t believe how amazing the waters look behind you. One of only 3 day boats in Port Douglas with a "Swim with Dwarf Minke Whales" tours July - August A very well-known and respected Great Barrier Reef tour operator. Professional crew, the choice of many reef moorings, visting 3 on a daily basis. A great trip for dedicated scuba divers looking for the best day tour.
Charter Yachts Port Douglas | Snorkel & Sunset Sail | Max 33 Guests | SAPM
- Departs From: Crystalbrook Marina Port Douglas
- Duration:
Departs Port Douglas 1.00pm Returns 6.30pm
Luxury private charter yacht for max 33 guests departs Port Douglas at 1.00pm in the afternoon and sails toward a tropical Island on the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling, glass bottom boat tours and an informative lighthouse and island heritage walk on the beautiful Low Isles. As the afternoon draws to a close guests re-board the private charter yacht to sit back, relax and enjoy a drink and watch as the evening sky changes into a myriad of colours as the sun sets down behind the rainforest clad mountains in the west on our sunset sailing tour. We finally arrive back to our home port at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas at around 6.30pm after an amazing afternoon on the Great Barrier Reef. Your family, friends or conference group are simply going to love this unique private charter Great Barrier Reef sail boat tour from Port Douglas.
Port Douglas Half Day Reef Tour | Morning-Afternoon Snorkel Tour | Low Isles
- Departs From: Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, 44 Wharf Street, Port Douglas
- Duration:
2.5 hours (approx) at Low Isles
After a short 30 minute ride from the Port Douglas Reef Marina to the aqua-blue waters of Low Isles, you can explore the tropical Low Island along its white-sand paths through the trees and/or jump off the boat to view the underwater world filled with colourful fish and coral gardens up close. Half Day Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour to Low Isles from Port Douglas Departing Port Douglas at 7:30am for the morning tour and 1:15pm for the afternoon Great Barrier Reef tour, this half day snorkel trip on a fast boat is the perfect way to see the reef and be back in Port Douglas in just a few hours, with a glass-bottom boat tour included. Choose from a half day morning tour or a half day afternoon tour.
Half Day Daintree River & Cassowary Falls (AM Tour) From Port Douglas | DDT
- Departs From: Port Douglas
- Duration:
5 hours (approx)
The opportunity to book a half day tour to see the mighty Daintree and Cape Tribulation Rainforests is here now with this small group Daintree Discovery Tour. The perfect half day Daintree Rainforest tour departing from Port Douglas that takes you into private properties and hidden waterfalls. Spend an hour in the morning cruising on the wild Daintree River spotting wildlife and learning about the ecology of the rainforest and then taking a relaxing swim at a private property and the Cassowary Waterfalls before heading back to your Port Douglas hotel and a nice relaxing afternoon. Take a relaxing swim at a private property and the Cassowary Waterfalls before heading back to your Port Douglas hotel and a nice relaxing afternoon. The only half-day tour from Port Douglas to visit and swim in a cascading waterfall on private property with no other visitors but yourselves and of course no crocodiles either.
Port Douglas Ultimate Helicopter Flights | 60 Minutes | Reef and Rainforest | NT
- Departs From: Port Douglas
- Duration:
60 minutes (approx)
The ultimate Port Douglas helicopter scenic flight for 60 minutes flying over the magnificent Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest. If visiting Port Douglas and Far North Queensland then join us on our most popular helicopter flying tour and see the whole region on one of our low level scenic flights. Our 60 minute scenic helicopter flights depart daily from Port Douglas and take guests on scenic flights to see the most iconic destinations on the outer Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage listed Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforests and Mossman Gorge. This helicopter flight showcases the magic of the Australia’s Great Barrier Reef as we fly along 4 Mile Beach northwards over Low Isles and onwards towards Snapper Island with Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest in the distance. We fly all around the sugar township of Mossman and head up to beautiful Mossman Gorge seeking out hidden waterfalls in the lush green rainforest mountains.
Port Douglas Accommodation - Apartments ST
1-4 Bedrooms 
1-3 Bathrooms 
Carparks 
Restaurant 
Pool 
Cable Tv/Austar 
Elevator 
Bar 
Childrens Pool 
Day Spa 
Resort Shop 
Family Friendly 
Free Car Parking 
While enjoying the amazing food, wine and entertainment on offer at Port Douglas Carnivale, complete the picture and enjoy the Tropical North Queensland lifestyle in a privately-managed holiday apartment at Sea Temple Resort. Located on the secluded beachfront of Four Mile Beach, the complex is centered around a huge swimming pool and island bar serving up delcious cocktails at great prices. The private apartments at Sea Temple have been designed with the utmost luxury and relaxation in mind - you won't be dissapointed. Book now!
Meridian Apartments Port Douglas
Wireless Internet 
Heated Pool 
Weekly Servicing 
Free WiFi 
Free Night Offer 
Perfect for couples and honeymooners, Meridian Holiday Apartments Port Douglas are a prime example of a exclusive boutique resort. Located just 200 meters from the golden sands of Four Mile Beach and only 150 meters from Macrossan Street - the heart of the Port Douglas village. The resort is also just 400 meters from the Marina where a wide range of Great Barrier Reef trips and sunset sailing cruises depart. Upgrade to a hot-tub option and enjoy a relaxing experience after the fun and excitement of Carnivale!
Silkari Lagoons Holiday Apartments Port Douglas
BBQ Facilities 
Bicycle Hire 
Book a stay at Oaks Lagoons Resort and Holiday Apartments and enjoy swimming in one of six different pools. Book a Swimout Room and enjoy pool access directly from your private balcony or swim in your own private plunge pool and spa with a Plunge Apartment. A wide range of other rooms are also available to suit all budgets. All rooms enjoy air-conditioning, king beds, broadband internet access and a balcony. Click 'See Details' for more information and to book.
Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas
Internet Access 
24hr Reception 
Room Service 
Daily Servicing 
Tennis Court 
Breakfast Offer 
Take your Carnivale experience to the next level with a stay in luxury five star accommodation in the heart of Port Douglas. You'll feel immediately immersed in the tropical atmosphere of Port Douglas when you step into the opulent reception area overlooking expansive lagoon swimming pools and lush green gardens. A range of self-contained apartments available from spa hotel rooms to 1, 2 or 3 bedroom suites that will delight even the most season traveller. Click 'See Details' for more info and to book!
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa
Fitness Centre 
Disabled Access 
Set on almost 10 acres of beautifully manicured lush tropical grounds at the Southern end of Four Mile Beach, the Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa offers some of the best value and most popular five star resort style accommodation in Tropical North Queensland. If you're seeking a luxurious holiday spa retreat then this is the accommodation for you! Choose from a range of rooms including a rooftop penthouse, private plunge pool room or swimout lagoon apartment with direct access to a 3000 square meter pool. Click 'See Details' for more info and to book!
Mantra Portsea Resort Port Douglas
Swim Up Bar 
Guest Laundry 
Free Breakfast 
Perfect for those seeking an action packed and fun-filled holiday while in town for Carnivale, the Manta Portsea Spa Resort is home to three swimming pools, a swim-up bar, waterslide and gym. Upon arrival the soothing sounds of waterfalls and tropical birds will automatically have you at ease. Ideal for families, couples and groups, the reosrt is located only 150 meters from Four Mile Beach and less than a kilometer from the heart of Port Douglas village.
Mantra Aqueous on Port
With four saltwater swimming pools and tranquil water features that fill the air with soothing sounds to regenerate the spirit, Mantra Aqueous Holiday Apartments offers a relaxing aquatic atmosphere for couples and honeymooners to relax in while in town for Carnivale. A range of different deluxe accommodation styles are available from hotel suites through to spacious fully self-contained holiday apartments. Positioned in the centre of Port Douglas guests can enjoy walking to and from the festivities of Carnivale without needing to organise transport around town.
Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort
Wedding Venue 
Beach Front 
Having recently completed a $40 million dollar refurbishment, the luxury Sheraton Mirage Resort Port Douglas offers guests a modern five-star accommodation choice located directly on the beachfront of Four Mile Beach. Enjoy 5 acres of saltwater lagoon-style swimming pools and a championship 18-hole golf course designed by world renouned course architect Peter Thomson. Every luxury service imaginable is provided for guests at Sherton Mirage. Click 'See Details' for more information and to book!
Reef Resort Port Douglas
Perfectly positioned in the heart of town on Port Douglas road, the Reef Resort Port Douglas offers family friendly resort-style acommodation with FREE daily breakfast included with all room rates. You'll need to book in advance for Carnivale as the Reef Resort is so popular! A range of room types available including 1, 2 or 3 bedroom holiday apartments. Three saltwater lagoon-style pools, lap pool, tennis courts, gym and a contemporary restaurant and bar will keep the whole family happy. Click 'See Details' for more info and to book!
Paradise Links Resort Port Douglas
Perfect for golf enthusiasts or anyone who wants to learn to play, the Paradise Links Resort Port Douglas offers a range of beautifully appointed holiday hotel rooms set along the perfectly manicured 18 hole course designed by Wolveridge, Perret and Thomson. The resort also features two lagoon-style swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball court, BBQ facilities and much more! Only 500m from Four Mile Beach. Click 'See Details' for more info and to book!
Oaks Resort Port Douglas
As you walk into this trendy 4.5 star holiday resort the first thing you will notice is the expansive lagoon-style swimming pool in the centre of the resort. You are sure to spend many hours relaxing by the pool under the shade of a palm tree swaying in the ocean breeze. A central island tember sun deck and swim-up bar provides the perfect morning refreshment or afternoon cocktail. Situated close to the beach the resort is perfect for families. Enjoy a day-spa treatment or get active in the fitness centre after a night on the town at Carnivale. Click 'See Details' for more info and to book!
On The Beach 306 Holiday Apartment
Ocean Views 
On The Beach Holiday Apartment provides the perfect tropical holiday accommodation for families, located on the ground floor with direct access to the beautiful swimming pool and spa (heated in winter), overlooking Four Mile Beach. The apartment has recently been refurbished and is just a short walk to restaurants and cafes. Located directly opposite the beach, you'll enjoy one of the best location in Port Douglas when staying at On The Beach! Click 'See Details' for more info and to book!
Peninsula Boutique Hotel Port Douglas
Free Airport Transfer 
Stay right on the beach at this peaceful Port Douglas accommodation catering to adults only. Perfect for couples and singles, Peninsula Boutique Hotel offers comfort and luxury with friendly personalised service and no traffic noise, plus free daily buffet breakfast, free WiFi and free airport arrival transfer (when you book 3+ nights). Enjoy direct beach access and soak up ocean views from the hotel's very own Hi Tide Restaurant while dining on seasonal delicacies and yummy cocktails. A range of room types are available. Click 'See Details' for more info and to book!
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Although only 15 minutes from Port Douglas, you'll feel like you're a whole world away in this picturesque nature retreat set in the rainforest. This unique eco-friendly holiday resort is situated on a private beach and is perfect for couples or honeymooners who want their own little world away from it all while holidaying in Port Douglas. Enjoy stargazing, Coconut Odyssey Tour, Guided Nature Walks, Bird Walks, 2 Stunning swimming pools with grottos and waterfalls. You can do as little or as much as you like at Thala Beach. Click 'See Details' for more info and to book!
Mantra in the Village Port Douglas
Mantra in the Village offers a stylish contemporary holiday accommodation choice in the heart of Port Douglas with a range of room types available, from hotel style rooms to 1 & 2 bedroom self-contained holiday units that are perfect for families or groups. Enjoying swimming in the Tuscan style swimming pool, soaking up some rays on the sun deck or relaxing in the spa. Just a few minutes walk from the heart of Port Douglas, Macrossan Street as well as Four Mile Beach, Mantra in the Village is a perfect choice for Carnivale. Click 'See Details' for more info and to book!
