5 Good Things about the Port Douglas Carnivale

Port Douglas

Apr 19

Would you like to know our dirty little secret?

As much as we (Rob and I) love living and working in Cairns the first opportunity we have for ‘couple time’ we are in the car and heading north, straight for Port Douglas. Right now there's an even bigger reason to check out ‘Port’ (as the locals call it) cause their infamous week long party is soon to hit the streets. Here’s my list of 5 good things about the Port Douglas Carnivale…

**Port Douglas Carnivale is a great excuse for a party**

1. The Weather is Good & the Living is Easy

Port Douglas Carnivale is held in May. It’s officially considered the ‘shoulder-season’ for most far northern tourism operations. The weather hasn’t quite got cold enough down south for visitors to start heading north to sunnier climes and there’s a bit more space to move around. It’s almost as if the atmosphere in town becomes even more laid-back and chilled (if that’s at all possible!!).

It can also mean that there are a few bargains around town, and you may end up saving yourself some dollars by visiting during this period.

2. The Street Parade is Awesome

For a Street Parade the Port Douglas Carnivale packs a punch. It’s a small town with some big businesses and a strong sense of community. Trust me, there’s no skimping on the floats and there’s quite a bit of heart that goes into those displays.

**Local businesses & the community get involved in all the FUN**

The parade is full of fun, colour, and star many of the locals (it’s hard not to spot someone you know, even if you are just a visitor). The good news its it’s all squeezed into the main drag - Macrossan Street – a street that is normally full of atmosphere anyway without a convoy of floats and people to add to the excitement.

**Fireworks go off at the end of the BIG street parade**

3. Fun for all Ages

Whatever your age and whatever your style of ‘FUN’ the Port Douglas Carnivale will have something for you. In the run up to the BIG Street Parade, shows pop up throughout the town, local art comes out on display and live music seems to be everywhere.

Each year they roll out the Wonderland Spiegeltent and some big names in Aussie entertainment perform in this funky circus-like tent with its cabaret-like stage. Spiegeltent is Dutch for mirror tent. Unlike your average circus tent this one is mainly wooden and flat packs into a container crate before it hits the road again. You’ll find wooden floor boards and booths, stained glass windows and mirrors and the most intimate of settings to watch performances such as comedy, acrobatics, aerial, circus, music and dance.

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**The Wonderland Spiegeltent hosts a range of shows. The Circus Wonderland is a great one for families**

There’s also the weekend of outdoor fun with the Family Beach Day Party at Four Mile Beach featuring favourites like the Kite Festival and the Sandcastle and Sand Sculpting competition. Check out the Schedule HERE for more details.

**Lots of fun for the kids during the Beach Day**

4. Food, Food, and MORE Food

If you want to hit the town during one Big Foodie Party then this is your moment. Tropically inspired dishes created from local produce is the name of the game. For us, the food in Port Douglas has always been the main driving force for us to hit the town. There’s so many good restaurants up this way that Rob and I start to salivate when we discuss where we’d like to eat in Port Douglas.

So just imagine all these foodie delights in one central tropical location. Gourmet seekers have a few options to choose from, and live music and culinary delights are a guaranteed feature! Festival highlights are the Long Lunch and the Seafood Extravaganza and of course there's the regular market day on Sunday, PLUS all the town’s restaurants are open for business as usual throughout the festivities.…..and did I mention the setting yet??

**MMMMMMM……..can’t beat prawns off a local trawler**

5. The Vibe

They call it the Ultimate Party in Paradise and they’re not far wrong. You’ll find as many locals as you will find visitors joining in on all the fun and festivities at the Port Douglas Carnivale. The people of Port are never one to miss out on a good time and if you think the vibe is good up there on a normal day/night, wait till you hit the town during Carnivale…...

DON’T MISS IT!!!!

Good Things to Know:

This is an annual event that takes place in May which features a full calendar of community, sports, food and wine, arts and music events.
For a round-up of all the events on offer Click HERE.
For the calendar and booking links to the events click HERE.

Breaking News!!
FOUR Family Passes to the Speigeltent's Circus Wonderland show is up for grabs
You can:
Check out my Facebook Competition - Click HERE! (2 x Family Passes to WIN)
OR
Check out my Instagram Competition - Click HERE! (2 x Family Passes to WIN)
OR
Simply Comment Below on what you LOVE about the Port Douglas Carnivale and you’ll be in the running to win the Prize

Please NOTE: This Competition closes Sunday 15th May at midnight, 2022.

Click HERE - For more info on the Port Douglas Carnivale.

Have you been to the Port Douglas Carnivale yet? What’s your favourite part of the festivities?

Click Here for 9 Cool things to do in Port Douglas as a Family.