Port Douglas comes alive for Carnivale

The biggest Carnivale crowd in years is expected to roll into the Far North this weekend for the town’s largest annual event. FIND OUT MORE

THE biggest Carnivale crowd in years is expected to roll into Port Douglas this weekend for the town’s largest annual event.

The three-day extravaganza kicked of on Friday with the traditional Longest Lunch at Rex Smeal Park before attention turns to the wildly popular street parade at 4pm.

Dixie Park, at the end of Macrossan Street, has been transformed into a festival hub with rides and activities for kids, with the Wonderland Spiegeltent towering in the distance along Dicksons Inlet.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the excitement in the town was palpable.

“This event is always huge for our region as locals and visitors get a chance to celebrate our unique lifestyle and stunning tropical region,” he said.

Jasmine Michetti, Ellinor Altzar and Kellie Hampton of the northern beaches relax with a cold beer in Rex Smeal Park at the Port Douglas Carnivale. Picture: Brendan Radke

The event was cancelled in 2020 and was affected by the global pandemic last year, but there are no such barriers this weekend.

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the impact of Covid had provided “incredible challenges” to the annual Port Douglas party but applauded the Douglas Shire and organisers for this year’s jam packed program.

Other key events include the Family Beach Day on Saturday and the Seafood Extravaganza at the Crystalbrook Superyact Marina on Sunday.

The family beach day returns to Four Mile Beach on Saturday as part of Carnivale. PHOTO: Supplied.

“Port Douglas Carnivale (is) a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Port Douglas’ local culture and community, and hopefully explore some of the superb tourism experiences on offer here,” Minister Hinchliffe said.

The Spiegeltent will also be hosting a burlesque show Rouge, family fare Circus Wonderland and adult entertainment Debauched, with Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows to close out its three-week season in Port Douglas.

Originally published as Port Douglas comes alive for Carnivale