Port Douglas celebrated and commiserated Fiorente's Melbourne Cup win yesterday in style, with Macrossan Street a veritable highway of finery.

Fascinators and fashion traversed in the morning, before being seated in their off positions at various restaurants around Port. Tailored elegance was exhibited as much by the men as the women.

Restaurants went all out with decorations, including Salsa's pink theme and guests at Harrison’s greeted by two display horses at the entrance.  There were even a few newborn punters experiencing their first ever Cup action.

How fitting then, that a horse named Fiorente won - Italian for ‘flowering, palmy, blooming, flourishing, thriving, prosperous’. 

As the proceedings took place amongst a backdrop of Port Douglas’s luxuriant palms and flowers, there was a joyous air of celebration in the air, filling the corners of the bars and restaurants. It certainly seemed that Port Douglas was nearing the end of a  thriving, flourishing and prosperous year as champagne flowed and fine cuisine was sampled.

With many of the hospitality events supporting charities with its raffles and prizes, it was a chance for not only the bookies to make money, but an opportunity to raise funds for local good causes and charities, too.