Port Douglas is the perfect spot for a relaxing holiday but don’t be fooled into thinking there is nothing happening. From the Carnivale to the Targa Great Barrier Reef Tour, there is always something going on for locals and visitors alike to enjoy in our region.
Check out what’s happening in 2019 and if you’re after a tour or activity, there is bound to be something to suit everyone from the foodies, to the thrill-seekers. Discover our recommended tours here, or speak to one of our friendly staff.

Come down to the Port Douglas Community Hall and enjoy a free BBQ breakfast from 7.30am and start your Australia Day with a full belly of food.
For more information: douglas.qld.gov.au

Always a showstopper, the Mossman and Port Douglas Race Day includes six races, fashions on the field, a cocktail party and the air-conditioned Winning Post Bar.
For the perfect race day outfit, you’ll find plenty of boutique clothing stores on Macrossan Street.
For more information:www.cairnsevents.com.au
International Women’s Day recognises women and their achievements regardless of nationality, ethnicity or cultural, political or economic background.
Each year, Cairns Regional Council hosts a breakfast to celebrate women who have made an outstanding contribution to our community by presenting three award categories; Woman of the Year, Young Woman of the Year and a Scholarship award. The winner’s achievements can be social, economic, cultural and/or political.
International Women’s Day has been occurring for well over a century and grows from strength to strength.
For more information: cairns.qld.gov.au

A short drive from Port Douglas, lies Kuranda, the Village in the Rainforest. With a wealth of activities, this year will once again be a hive of activity as the annual Easter Egg drop once again and will draw a large crowd. With live music, entertainment, tourist attractions and dining options, why not make a day of it?
For more information: kuranda.org/

For three days of food, entertainment and fun in the sun, the Port Douglas Carnivale is a party in paradise which gets bigger and better each year. Highlights for 2019 include:
For more information: visitportdouglasdaintree.com
We are fortunate to enjoy one of the best playgrounds for sailing that nature could provide and this year, there will be a huge array of events on the beautiful waters of the Coral Sea off Port Douglas. Held over five days, the sailing schedule includes racing around the stunning Low Isle and Snapper Islands, as well as some technical racing off the famous Four Mile Beach.
For more information: portdouglasraceweek.com.au/

Held at the Cairns Cruiseliner Terminal, the Cairns ECOfiesta celebrates the natural environment and sustainable living enjoyed in Tropical North Queensland.
Immerse yourself in a day of stellar performances, hands-on workshops and a massive expo of green-tech and sustainable living solutions. With local street eats, ecotourism prizes Cairns ECOfiesta is set to help you celebrate today and inspire tomorrow.
For more information: cairns.qld.gov.au

For a vibrant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural experience, The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair is a must. Enjoy the spectacular scenic drive to Cairns and soak up the atmosphere of what has fast become on favourite on the local calendar. With plenty to see and do and food options which will tantalise your tastebuds, CIAF has it all.
For more information: ciaf.com.au/

The iconic RRR Mountain Bike Challenge is the longest running ‘point to point’ race in Australia and has been held every year since 1991. It is a visually spectacular race, with three diverse terrains: rural, rainforest and reef, encountered and dominated, with a great downhill section.
Starting on the reef fringed Coral Sea coast it quickly heads inland across a network of trails through tablelands, hinterland, farm lands, mountain bike parks, and tropical rainforest before finishing back at the coast four days and 185 kms later.
For more information: reeftoreefmtb.com

The annual Kuranda to Port Ultra Trail Race and Relay in August is something not to miss.
Now in its 9th year, the 64-kilometre point-to-point race is incorporated in the Mowbray National Park within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and finishes on Four-Mile Beach in Port Douglas.
For more information: dynamicrunning.com.au

Following on from the success of the Targa Great Barrier Reef event of 2018, the cars are back!
The concept of the Targa is drawn directly from the best features of the Targa Florio, Mille Miglia, the Coupe des Alpes and the Tour de Corse.
Check out the stages so you can be sure to have the best vantage point as the event roars into town.
For more information: targa.com.au

Arguably the biggest event on the local racing calendar, the Cairns Amateurs is always an exciting day out which combines sport, fashion, entertainment and of course, delicious food and beverage options for guests. So, if you’re staying with us, why not check it out?
For more information: cairnsamateurs.org.au
Another big local event is Taste of Port Douglas – our annual premier food, beverage and restaurant festival and one of the culinary highlights of the region. Come along and celebrate all that makes up our region’s food, culture and lifestyle with some of the leading industry experts.

Tropical Journeys Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival takes place in October Dubbed “the world’s best adventure course” by Olympic marathon champion Steve Moneghetti, the diverse landscape of Port Douglas offers a combination of beach, road and trail running for all distances.
For every registration in the 21km, 42.2km and 74km Ultra Marathon $20 is donated to the fund. In 2018, 2,394 athletes contributed to the $100,000 raised for the Run for the Reef Foundation.
Keep your eyes peeled for more information about the 2019 marathon on their website: www.greatbarrierreefmarathon.com.au

The Port Shorts Film Festival brings the very best short films from around the globe, to Port Douglas. A celebration of film which also showcases music videos and aerial cinematography, be sure to bring a blanket and enjoy the sunset and entertainment.
For those budding film makers visiting the region, why not sign up for a masterclass and hear from film industry experts as they share their knowledge and experience.
For more information: portshorts.com

Featuring local and international designers who produce clothing using recycled and upcycled materials, this event is bound to be a feast for the eyes.
With a wide range of exhibitions across Port Douglas and Mossman during the week, you’re sure to find something that grabs your attention.
For more information: eventbrite.com.au

Port Douglas really is a special place to celebrate the close of 2019 and what better way to end the year than with fabulous fireworks! With many special dining and entertainment options, you will be spoilt for choice.


