Carnivale 2018: The full story

2018 GALLERY AND VIDEO

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Locals have a special relationship with Carnivale. Many say by returning to a three day format and increasing support from Council it looks set to continue to entertain as it has for 24 years. Image Lucas Teasdale Photography / Hemingways Brewery

From gourmet food events to the Macrossan Street Parade, Four Mile Family Beach Day and Seafood Extravaganza, thousands from across the region and beyond converged on Port Douglas for the Carnivale festivities at the weekend.

Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu said it was a sold out weekend for the ticketed events with fantastic crowds out and about enjoying the free Carnivale program from Friday through to Sunday.
 

WATCH VIDEO CARNIVALE 2018 IN VIDEO Video Production by Mario Gonzalez, IDNMIND Audio Visuals

 
She said setting the tone for the weekend was the Street Parade, which saw around 10,000 people line the street to watch the progression of over 25 floats.

Many things will resonate from 2018's three day Carnivale weekend but one thing for sure will be how much fun the kids had.

"Every parent will be grateful for the effort and time put into the key community events, said Cherie Stevens on holidays from Ballarat. "My husband and kids just love coming here every year for the street parade and beach day"

"For us it's all about our young kids and to visit a destination like Port Douglas that is so safe and so stunning with a magical annual event, is just what we need"


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Adding to the Carnivale atmosphere was Quicksilver Race Week, with around 30 sail boats racing just off Four Mile Beach throughout the weekend.

At this years Longest Lunch, 240 guests took in the breathtaking views at Rex Smeal Park while being served four courses with matching wines.

“Rex Smeal Park is such an iconic location in Port Douglas and to be able to have an exquisite lunch under the palm trees overlooking the Coral Sea is truly a unique experience,” Mayor Leu added.

On Saturday, it was down to the beach for lots of live entertainment, the annual sandcastle building competition, and new event for this year - Salsa in the Sand. The official opening of a new all access disability ramp at Four Mile Beach was also opened on the day.

It was then back to Rex Smeal Park where Ross Wilson wowed more than 1000 people for almost 90 minutes with some of his favourite songs - Eagle Rock, Cool World, Bed of Nails and more.

"Eagle Rock is 47 years old, and it is still one of the greatest Australian anthems of all time." said Mayor Leu.

The Wonderland Spiegeltent’s season of performances including Rouge, Circus Wonderland and Late Night Burlesque were all sold out.

Capping off the weekend was the Seafood Extravaganza, at Hemingways at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina.

“What a fantastic way to end the weekend with this much loved signature event of Port Douglas Carnivale,” she added.

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Love Port Douglas Carnivale?

Vote it your favourite event in the 2018 Douglas Business and Tourism Awards.


 

Beach Day, Wonderland Spiegeltent and Ross Willson Concert

Image Gallery: by Lucas Teasdale Photography


 

Seafood Extravaganza

Image Gallery: by Lucas Teasdale Photography / Hemingways Brewery


 

Street Parade

Image Gallery: by Lucas Teasdale Photography

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Carnivale 2018 is over. What did you think? Remember Council has requested constructive and honest feedback. Please comment below.

 

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