Music lovers have been treated to a special secret show from Powderfinger frontman Bernard Fanning as part of this year's Carnivale in Port Douglas.

Fanning rocked QT Port Douglas on Saturday night for hundreds of fans who caught wind of the gig when Fanning showed up in town and was spotted at the Longest Lunch on Friday.

The Aussie rocker was back in Cairns on Saturday, padding up for the Queensland Bulls Masters cricket side against a Far North representative squad.

After a hit and giggle legendary teammates Allan Border, Darren Lehman and Andrew Symonds joined Fanning at the gig where he tore through cover songs from Neil Young and The Rolling Stones.

Despite whispers going through the town earlier in the week, Carnivale general manager Roy Weavers said Fanning's set was a welcome surprise for many at the show.

"The whole thing was kept pretty low key," Mr Weavers said. "But it was great to have him here, especially seeing as he was able to drag a few of his mates along."