Port Douglas Carnivale has ended on a high with thousands attending the Seafood Extravaganza at the Reef Marina to close out the 10-day festival yesterday, Sunday May 31. 

With a stunning fireworks display over Dickson Inlet to wrap up the festivities at the Seafood Extravaganza and a crowd of around 3000 people, Port Douglas Carnivale general manager Roy Weavers said Carnivale’s 21st birthday celebrations had gone well with record attendance at new and old events. 

“As always, it has been a fantastic 10 days kicking off with Macrossan Street Parade last Friday night along with a number of other great events taking place including the Family Beach Day and Yabusame on the Beach, the World Motorised Cooler Championships, Mickey Ink Race Week and more. 

 “The Port Village Street Art and Music Festival as well as the Avenue of Arts were also really well received. Sold out crowds to Modele 15 and 200 plus attendance at The Big Laugh comedy event capped off the week.”

Mr Weavers said food events including the Jansz Longest Lunch, Zinc Domaine Chandon Lunch and Seafood Extravaganza underlined the quality of produce available in North Queensland.

“Carnivale continues to grow and evolve and it is such a loved event by not only the Port Douglas community but for those who also travel from far and wide to be part of this annual tropical celebration.

“On behalf of the many people who have been involved in Carnivale, they have all done so well and I am very proud of the team and what we have produced.” 

Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree executive officer Tara Bennett said the stimulus of around 10,000 people over the 10 days provided a great kick start to the season. 

“The purpose of Carnivale has always been to bring people to the region in what is typically our shoulder season and act as a tool to promote the destination not only in Australia but also internationally. =

“Certainly, millions of dollars will have been injected into the local economy as a result of the event. 

“Once again we have had a strong contingent of visitation from Cairns and Townsville as well as Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. We see a lot of people return year after year for their favourite events.”