For two decades, the Port Douglas Carnivale has been one of the country's most diverse entertainment and culinary events, held in the tropical Queensland destination of its namesake. If you've missed the last 20, not to worry - you can still book your Port Douglas holiday accommodation for the much-awaited 21st iteration this year.
The annual Port Douglas Carnivale is a 10-day event that celebrates Tropical North Queensland's diverse cultural, entertainment and hospitality sectors.
Once upon a time, Carnivale was a long weekend festival held at the end of May to mark the opening of the sugar cane season. However its popularity soon grew it into the 10-day show that we see today. Now it is known as the event that kicks off the beginning of the whole tourism season for both operators and visitors alike.
So where should you start at this fantastic event? Make sure you get a good night's sleep prior to each day and bring an appetite with you, because you'll want to be ready.
Here is an outline of some of the events you can witness between May 22 and 31 this year.
At 11am on the opening Friday (May 22), the Jansz Longest Lunch event kicks off the festival. The Jansz and Oyster Bar marquee will be set up at Rex Smeal Park, where guests can arrive and sit down for a shared table banquet, brought to you by Roux Blond Catering and Events.
On the same day, you should get yourself over to Marcossan Street to gaze at the Carnivale's famous opening parade. Rides and food stalls will be set up at Market Park, followed by pre-parade entertainment in the form of music, theatre and amazing light shows. This year's theme is simply 'Carnivale', and the event's website states that there will be some "extra special floats and decorations" to mark the 21st celebrations. If you want to find out what they are, you'll have to attend!
"The annual Port Douglas Carnivale is a 10-day event that celebrates Tropical North Queensland's diverse cultural, entertainment and hospitality sectors."
If you're looking for something free to watch, make sure you check out the World Racing Motorised Cooler Championships, as well as the Yabusame Horse Archery tournament.
The former, taking place at The Reef Marina on May 24, is sure to be everything it promises. Not only do you have the opportunity to watch this exciting, yet hilarious, race, but you can also jump on your own motorised cooler in the afternoon to test your mettle!
On a rather different note, Four Mile Beach's northern end becomes the showgrounds of a fantastic international mounted archery competition on May 24. Talent will be arriving from all corners of the globe, taking part in only the second ever accredited Yabusame tournament to be held outside of Japan.
Be sure to stick around after May 24 for the rest of the event, too. There will be plenty of wine, gourmet food and markets to experience, as well as numerous other music, culture and other entertainment days.
Port Douglas is a fantastic holiday town, spread along the famous Four Mile Beach, with oceans that hold untold natural treasures. For example, it is the closest mainland port to the Great Barrier Reef - a must-visit for divers the world over.
Make sure your holiday accommodation is of equal quality by choosing to stay in one of Mantra's contemporary hotels here. There are four stylish options located in the central townships - right next to Marcossan Street - with a fifth only a short distance south, almost adjacent to the beach so you feel a world away from anywhere.