What you need to know as Douglas prepares to party in paradise
CARNIVALE 2021
A little bit of rain won’t spoil paradise’s biggest party, as Carnivale 2021’s jam-packed weekend of events kicks off tonight with the Tropic and Exotic Macrossan Street parade.
A mini funfair with food stalls and amusement rides will operate throughout the night at the end of Macrossan Street while the free Kids Disco, starts at 5:00pm at the family-friendly parade viewing area near Rattle & Hum.
The parade will be kicking off at 6:30pm followed by a firework display at 8:00pm.
Changed traffic conditions
There will be staggered road closures from 11:00am through to 11:30pm, in the area bounded by Mowbray, Owen, Macrossan, Warner, Wharf and Grant Streets.
1:00pm – Soft closures on Macrossan Street begin with access for businesses and accommodation only. Parking on Macrossan Street will not be available.
5.30pm to 9.30pm – Hard closure on Macrossan St. No movement at all.
6:00pm to 8:00pm – Hard closures on Wharf, Grant & Owen Streets. (Duration of the parade)
Mowbray Street will be completely closed from 1:00pm to 9:00pm, with access only for floats.
The corner of Wharf St and Macrossan St will remain closed from 5.30pm to 11.30pm to allow for pedestrians.
Full traffic management and signage will be implemented by contractors. Detours will be in place to access Murphy Street via Owen Street, with 40km/hour speed restrictions.
What’s on
There is a big weekend ahead jam-packed with events, gigs and attractions.
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the mix of top-class entertainment, electric atmosphere and wonderful location makes for a brilliant celebration of life in the tropical north.
“Carnivale kicks off with The Longest Lunch on Friday which takes fine dining outside under the palms and beside the Coral Sea. In the evening the Property Shop Macrossan Street Parade winds its rowdy way through town,” he said.
Saturday sees the Family Beach Day bring fun and games to the sand while later on rock legends Spiderbait brings the best alt rock to Carnivale at the Tropic Rock Concert.
On Sunday, new event Plantation Picnic in the Park makes Rex Smeal Park the place to be with superb live music from local musicians, food, beverages and an ambience not to be missed.
Throughout Carnivale, the Wonderland Spiegeltent is hosting three spectacular shows, with one just for Children
There are both family-friendly and free events at Carnivale include the Tim Ellis Exhibition at the Sugar Wharf and the Douglas Photographic Society exhibition at the Port Douglas Community Hall. For all the details and a program go to carnviale.com.au.
Friday
- The longest lunch at Rex Smeal Park is on at 12:30pm.
- The Tropic and Exotic Street Parade, brought to Carnivale by Property Shop Port Douglas & Mossman, will feature food stalls and amusement rides. The parade starts at 6.30pm followed by a fireworks display at 8.15pm.
- Wonderland Spiegeltent’s Popcorn Underground at 8:00pm
- Wonderland Spiegeltent’s Blunderland at 10:30pm
- The Hot and Steamy Carnivale Party at the Port Douglas Surf Club starts at 8:00pm.
Saturday
- The Douglas Dash, a five km run across Four Mile Beach, and the Flagstaff Walking Trail, kicks off at 7:00am.
- Dogs’ Day Out at Jalunbu Park from 10:00am to 1:00pm will have stalls, treats and prizes for everything from cutest canine to which dog “twinsies” best with their owners in a look-alike contest. It’s a free event and all proceeds will go to Port Douglas’s proposed new Paws and Claws animal refuge.
- Family Beach Day at Four Mile Beach from 9:00am to 3.30pm. This year a squadron of massive kites will add extra excitement. With a 27m crocodile and a 55m snake included in Kites Queensland’s fly by. There will also be performances from Dream State Entertainment, a sand-sculpting contest with prizes from Quicksilver and salsa classes right on the beach from the Sabor Dance School.
- Windswell's Free Ride Sessions kick off at 7:00am running all day in conjunction with the Family Beach day.
- Wonderland Spiegeltent’s award-winning family-friendly show, the Greatest Magic Show is on at 11:00am and 2:00pm.
- Tropic Rock Concert at Rex Smeal Park featuring Spiderbait, gates open at 5:00pm.
- Wonderland Spiegeltent’s Popcorn Underground at 5:00pm and 8:00pm
- Wonderland Spiegeltent’s Blunderland at 10:30pm
Sunday
- Wonderland Spiegeltent’s award-winning family-friendly show, the Greatest Magic Show is on at 11:00am.
- Plantation Picnic in the Park kicks off at Rex Smeal Park at 2:00pm. The free event will showcase a variety of local music talent. The event is fully licenced and food vendors will be on site.
- Wonderland Spiegeltent’s Popcorn Underground at 6:00pm.
Multiply days
- Tropical Destinations Photographic Exhibition at the Port Douglas community hall runs until 24 May.
- Port Douglas Race Week Hosted by Port Douglas Yacht Club runs until 22 May.
- Tim Ellis’ Folk Stories exhibition at the Sugar Wharf runs until at until 23 May.