Port Douglas opens its doors to the world

CARNIVALE 2018



THIS weekend, Port Douglas once again opens its doors to the world with the staging of the 24th Carnivale festival, an event that has proven immensely popular with both locals and visitors.

The abundance of activity – ranging from sampling fresh produce, world-class wines and food to talented performing artists and musicians – is what makes it so special.

An annual highlight is the Wonderland Spiegeltent, which has returned for its third year.
And what can you expect: An eclectic and entertaining mix of shows including the Family friendly Circus Wonderland, risqué circus cabaret Rouge, and outspoken comic Akmal Saleh.

Other highlights will be a performance from Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock front man Ross Wilson with his new band The Peaceniks and the incredible Seafood Extravaganza, which will turn a Port Douglas marina into a boardwalk buffet.

And there will again be the Longest Lunch being held in the beautiful Rex Smeal Park with a fusion of performance and food.

Carnivale 2018 will cast its spell with the theme Tropical Magic for the fan favourite – The Street Parade.
The Tropical Magic theme gives the float designers and costume makers of the Macrossan Street Parade complete license to go over the top with a colourful, pulsating and magically madcap event. 

Carnivale 2018’s Longest Lunch gets underway at Rex Smeal Park. Image: Howard Salkow, Newsport

Along with a Spiegeltent float, which will feature roving performers from stilt walkers to circus tricks, many of the businesses in town will be on show in a 35-float extravaganza.

They will include: Belly Dance with Rochelle, Sabor Dance Company, Dougies Backpacker Resort, The Bike Shop & Hire, Port Douglas Fire & Emergency Service, Cairns & District Chinese Association, Douglas United Football Club, Julatten State School, Mossman Gorge Centre, CJH Yachts, Port Douglas State School, Quiksilver connections, Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club, Hemingway’s Brewery, Coles Port Douglas, Sizzling Wheels, Floral Edge and EndFragment.

The street parade festivities begin at 5pm and the night concludes with a fireworks display at 8pm.

For those who want the best view in the house at Carnivale, dare to ride Australia’s tallest and fastest mobile amusement park attraction.

The Slingshot was the Gold Award winning ride at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show. Standing over 45m tall with a speed of up to 160kph in 1.5 seconds, passengers experience 5G as they are shot 60m into the air.

For the sports lovers, yachting’s Quicksilver Raceweek, AFL action and a bumper Family Beach Day add to the festivities.

Port Douglas Carnivale was originally held to mark the start of the sugar cane harvesting season, but is now considered the official opening of the tourism season.

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