Port Douglas Carnivale

Originally held to commemorate the start of the sugar cane harvesting season, Port Douglas Carnivale is now considered the official opening of the tourism high season in Tropical North Queensland. Attracting tens of thousands of keen local, interstate and international guests to the idyllic paradise of Port Douglas, Carnivale is a must-do for anyone who loves food, fun and sun!

With the standout Savannah Sounds music festival returning in 2026 and unique Cabaret and local arts offerings as well as the traditional food and wine events, beach days and street parade, Carnivale raises the bar each year to provide something fun for everyone.

Come and stay for Carnivale and enjoy all the other amazing attractions that make Port Douglas such a popular destination with Australians and international guests alike. Tropical Far North Queensland is known as the place where the reef meets the rainforest and with a wide variety of tour options for every budget, Port Douglas is the perfect base to explore the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest.

With an abundance of accommodation choices, from five-star absolute beachfront resorts to private holiday houses for families or groups, to adults-only retreats perfect for couples, you are sure to find something to suit your stay in Port Douglas.